Unveiling the secrets of DMP Superintendents Division E. Its story is woven into the very fabric of Dublin’s history. Right here before us stands a silent witness to centuries of policing in this bustling city. The Dublin Metropolitan Police DMP Superintendents Division E was not just a geographical area. It was a crucial part of a larger organization. Think of it as a cog in a vast machine. A machine that kept order in Dublin during a tumultuous period of Irish history.
The DMP formed in 1836. It was modeled after London’s Metropolitan Police. It was an unarmed force. This differed greatly from the Royal Irish Constabulary RIC. The RIC was a force often associated with conflict and oppression. The DMP uniforms were dark blue a stark contrast to the green of the RIC. The DMP’s structure mirrored that of its London counterpart. Instead of a Chief Constable it had a Commissioner a magistrate rather than a police officer.
The DMP Superintendents Division E patrolled a specific section of Dublin. This division played a critical role in maintaining order during the Land War of the 1880s. The Land War was a period of intense social and political unrest. Policemen faced injury and threats during this time. Division E was also present during the Dublin Lock-out of 1913-14. This five-month labor dispute saw clashes between workers and police. Several hundred people including many policemen were injured.
The DMP Superintendents Division E’s role during the Irish War of Independence is noteworthy. While the DMP was unarmed and didn’t see the same level of active combat as the RIC its members still faced danger. The G Division a plainclothes detective branch of the DMP played a more active intelligence role against the IRA. Several DMP officers including Edward Broy famously aided the IRA. Broy’s actions show that the lines between loyalty and conflict were blurred.
Division E’s legacy extends beyond its direct involvement in these major events. It is a reminder of the complexities of Dublin’s past. Its story is one of order and disorder cooperation and conflict. It is a story etched in the very stones of Dublin. The DMP Superintendents Division E stands as a silent testament to a pivotal era in Dublin’s history. It is a history that we continue to explore and interpret today. As we walk away let us reflect on the multifaceted nature of its legacy.