After much discussion and argument, it was agreed that Rhayader should have a Police Sergeant.
Sergeant John Constance was appointed, and he took up his duties at the Rhayader lock-up. A year later it was decided that one man could not cover such a huge area, so a Police Constable was appointed to help Sergeant Constance.

These two policemen had to look after law and order on their own in a huge area. The county police headquarters were at Penybont, and the nearest other police station was at Newbridge-on-Wye.
If the Rhayader police got into difficulties they would have to deal with it themselves, because in Victorian times you couldn't radio for assistance !
Police Constables were expected to be able to read and write, but some were better at this than others. They got no holidays, worked seven days a week, were expected to be of the best behaviour, and even had to get permission from the Chief Constable before they were allowed to marry !
When they were off duty they had to go home and stay there until it was time for their next spell of duty. Life was hard for the Victorian policeman !

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