VPRS 4969 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 30 Document :By Captain Standish re: Discharge of Alexander Fitzpatrick due to bad and discreditable behavior

10/05/1879

Overview

This letter from Captain Standish is regarding the discharge of Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick. Residents from the town of Lancefield had submitted a petition to have him removed from the Lancefield police station. Standish reported his behaviour as being “generally bad and discreditable to the force”. Although Fitzpatrick’s behaviour was well known amongst the constabulary, it was never mentioned in any of the trials or depositions relating to the shooting at the Kelly homestead, in early April of 1878.

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	POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE Melbourne, 10th May 1880Gentlemen, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3rd instant regarding the discharge from the Police Force of the Ex Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick late of Lancefield. In reply I beg to state that the Ex Constable’s conduct during the time he was a member of the Force, was generally bad and discreditable to the Force. I cannot hold out any hope of his ever being reinstated to the position of Constable in the Victoria Police. I have the honor to be Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant (Sgd) F. C Standish Chief Commissioner of PoliceF. Meagher Esq. J.P and the other Gentlemen signing the letter Lancefield [End of page 1]		VPRS 4969 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 30 Document :By Captain Standish re: Discharge of Alexander Fitzpatrick due to bad and discreditable behavior