1910

Radio Telegraphy used for the first time, resulting in the capture of Doctor Crippen. Recent speculation that he was innocent has been given in the Times. American scientists who compared mitochondrial DNA from the corpse that was claimed to be Mrs Crippen with that of her living relatives said that the dismembered body was not her.

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1853

It was in 1850 that the use of fingerprints as a reliable means of individual identification really started. Sir William Herschel, an administrator in the province of Bengal, India, appreciated the unique nature of fingerprints and established the principle of their persistence. It is 1853 before the Police force are able to use them.

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1893

PC George Cooke, a serving officer, is convicted for murder and hanged. First recorded conviction for murder of a serving police officer.

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1889

The last of the so called "Whitechapel" murders is discovered with the death in Castle Alley on 17 July of Alice McKenzie.

The first in August 1888 was of Mary Ann Nichols

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1881

Possibly London's most famous police station, Bow Street, was rebuilt in this year.

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1872

Police strike for the first time. Various men are disciplined or dismissed, although these latter are later allowed back in to serve in the Force

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1858

First acquisition of Police van for conveying prisoners. These were horse drawn, and known as 'Black Marias'.

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