One of our country’s oldest police forces is celebrating a big anniversary.

It was 175 years ago when the Saint John Police Force was established.

While the force became a fully fledged police department in 1849, it was actually founded 40 years earlier.

Thomas L. Perley was appointed as the first Chief Constable in 1809.

At the time, the force was made up of only four men and had limited powers.

Today, the police force is comprised of nearly 200 officers and civilian staff.