The Policeman

Clarence W. Hillegass’ print is a ‘tongue in cheek’ interpretation of a lady automobilist who has been detained by an policeman. With pocket watch in hand, he is obviously reprimanding the lady in question for speeding. However, the young attractive lady does not wish to receive a fine as she is tickling the policeman’s beard in an attempt to circumvent the inevitable. The policeman does not seem to mind as he is smiling. The question remains, will she or will she not be fined? The custodian helmet the policeman is wearing is usually associated with Bobbys, male police officers in England. It was first used by the Metropolitan Police in London in 1863. However, some early unforms in the United States police forces had variants of a helmet. For example the New York Police Department used a helmet from 1880 to 1912. The helmet also features in the Keystone Cops silent, slapstick comedy films between 1912 and 1917. Another piece of policeman attire is clearly visible, namely the truncheon (England) or Billy club (America). A short, thick club originally made of wood used for defensive purposes.