Today, we take for granted the equipment and paraphernalia that we see carried by the modern day police officer right across Wales.

However, go back to the beginnings of policing in Wales, back into the early and mid 19th century, and things were far different. This photograph shows what he would have carried.

No radios in those days. Out on his own for many hours at a time with nothing more than these items, his astuteness and own personal ability! The iconic policeman's whistle replaced the rattle c.1880.

The Ross Mather Police Memorabilia of Wales Collection.