O.P.P.: THE HISTORY OF THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE FORCE. by Higley, Dahn D - 1984

Toronto: Queen's Printer, 1984. 668 pp, 9 1/4" H. B&w photographs. "The OPP came into existence (in 1909) with a total strength of fifty-one men, of whom forty-four were constables deployed across the vast province. By the end of World War I in 1918, only twenty-six constables were still serving with the force, but returning veterans were sought for enlistment with the provincials and the force grew, assuming every-increasing responsibilities for policing the province. Liquor law enforcement during the rumrunning days of the 1920s, and the creation of a highway patrol in 1930 played major parts in the evolution of the provincial police. The story of the OPP includes tales of murder, sabotage, corruption, and political influences. There were relief expeditions to the north in the wake of devastating forest fires, and confrontations with hoboes, harvesters, and loafers. Violent crimes, jail-breaks, war services, and industrial disputes all had to be contended with, and not a few members of the provincial police were killed in the performance of their duties over the years. 'Hepburn's Private Army' and 'Drew's Gestapo' gave rise to much criticism of the provincials, and embarrassing Royal Commissions did little to enhance the image or the morale of Ontario's finest. Despite the challenges to its continued existence, the OPP has emerged today as one of the finest, best equipped, and most brilliantly led police forces in the world." Dust jacket has light edge wear/wrinkling - mainly at top edge... First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.