Law & Order in Rivers - From Town Constable to a Modern Police Service In the early days Law and Order was a local matter. Towns established Police Departments, generally consisting of a single constable. Crime wasn’t an everyday occurrence and that took care of things. As we “progressed” into the modern age many towns turned their law enforcement over to the RCMP. Rivers is a bit unique in that it has been maintained its municipal police since before the town's incorporation in 1913. Over a century! Rivers wasn’t like most prairie towns.  Because of its quick growth, the ready employment attracted an influx of workers from all over. It was a bit more urban in that way and crime was, at the very least, perceived as an issue. The need for police was at the forefront in a 1908 meeting. As early as 1909 Constable Howard was requesting Village Council to provide a "regular lock-up”. Records show robberies, thefts, and assaults during a time in which a “Frontier Mentality" prevailed. By 1911, the council was making local statutes to control such things as order, morality, and animal control. By 1917, the town had recorded its first automobile theft. On the other hand, Council began to strongly question paying the fee of $1000.00 per year for police protection when only $31.50 in fines was collected. In the early days, a citizen in need would call the Constable’s house and his wife would signal with a a "window blind down or up" method to let him know he had a call waiting. Things were quieter during the early 1930's, and between 1931 and 1938 Rivers couldn’t afford a regular Constable, and turned to the Provincial Police, and later from the RCMP, to address problems such as rowdiness on Halloween and minors driving in town. In 1938 Council passed a resolution to look for a retired RCMP officer to police the town and also approached the Province about an RCMP Detachment. In the 1940’s the British Commonwealth Air Training plan brought 2,200 officers and men to the region. The Base was staffed with its own compliment of Air Force Police and Provost Corps, but Rivers was their playground. The need for policing continued. In 1979, the town hired a second Constable and a 3rd part-time constable was added in 1994. Until 1979 Rivers Police members were expected to provide their own cars for patrol use. In 1979, a market Ford Granada was purchased by the town for Police use. Constables have been assisted by trained volunteer Auxiliary Constables since 1991.These dedicated volunteers receive training and experience in exchange for their time. Many Rivers PD members have gone on to other police careers with other police agencies.   The first Rivers Police Car. Today, Rivers Police Department is a modem fully equipped operation serving a town of 1200 people, which is considered the "hub" of the surrounding area. Sources:  Walter Chernos and Michael Turnbull  (Published in the Manitoba Yearbook, 1998)