The concept of a Native Police force was first proposed by Captain Alexander Maconochie in 1837, as an alternative method to ‘protection’ and based on ideas of assimilation and compensation for land. The force was established in the Port Phillip District on three separate occasions – 1837, 1839 and 1842. The native police were initially stationed at the Police Paddock in Narre Warren, before being moved to the confluence of the Merri Creek and Yarra River in March 1842.
source: https://aboriginalhistoryofyarra.com.au/
Sketch of Aboriginal troopers, Melbourne police, with English corporal, 1850 Description: Pencil and watercolour Creator: William StruttSource: eGold.net.au [Parliamentary Library, Parliament of Victoria]
Aboriiginal troopers escorting prisoner from Ballarat to Melbourne, 1851 Description: pencil and watercolourCreator: William StruttSource: eGold.net.au [Parliamentary Library, Parliament of Victoria]