The constables themselves were not always peaceable men. In 1842 in Somersham, Thomas Charity, as parish constable, was accused by James Donnelly, assistant constable, of having insulted him and his brother in law, Amon Holding, chief police officer by calling them "Bloody Jew looking humbugs."
Donnellys attempt to arrest Charity led to a disturbance which ended only when "several gentlemen of the town came out.