TUNBRIDGE, JOHN BENNETT (1850-1928) was born in England. He served for 26 years in the London metropolitan police, filling all ranks in foot and mounted divisions from that of constable to chief inspector. As an inspector of the criminal investigation department from 1881, he went on duty to many parts of the world, including South Africa and Australia. He arrested the prisoner Neil Cream, and was detailed to bring Jabez Balfour from South America, but was recalled owing to malaria. He retired in 1895 and two years later was appointed commissioner of police in New Zealand. This position he filled for six years, during which time he introduced the pension system. Before the police commission of 1898 he gave valuable evidence. In 1903 Tunbridge retired and returned to England. He was for 25 years a member of the town council of Hythe, and some time an alderman. He died on 10 Oct 1928.

App. H.R., 1898 H 2; Police department records.

Reference: Volume 2, page 204

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