For many years, this gentleman has been dynamically cooperating with various associations that naturally cultivate the memory of pre-war Polish officers. Mr. Łuk-Murawski has repeatedly organized exhibitions, lectures, and shows, thereby gracing a number of patriotic and anniversary celebrations in our country. For propagating the history of Poland, patriotism, and knowledge about the history of the Polish Police, Paweł Łuk-Murawski has been awarded the Pro Bono Poloniae medal and other significant community distinctions.
Polish Police
The Polish Police were established by virtue of a special act of July 24, 1919. This was done as a result of the so-called “unification” of other police formations already functioning previously, for example, the People’s Militia and the Communal Police. The provisions of this act initially applied to the area of the former Kingdom of Poland. In the lands of the other partitions, only smaller police formations were created. For example, in the former Prussian partition, the People’s Guard was created, followed by the National Gendarmerie. Initially, these organizations modeled themselves on the experiences of the former partitioning powers.
Polish Traffic Police
The Traffic Police, as an important functional body, was also part of the State Police. This police force began its all-important service on Polish roads on April 1, 1937. At that time, it numbered one hundred motorized police officers. This traffic police unit was equipped with motorcycles, of course exclusively of Polish production. These were “Sokół” brand motorcycles. Since 1936, the State Police had been equipped with a significant number of modern, but this time American Chevrolet passenger cars, model “Master”.
Traffic Police in France
Before World War II, road traffic in France, especially in its capital, was supervised by special officers of the Prefecture of Police (Préfecture de Police). Municipal police were also used, the so-called mounted police and the first manual intersection-regulation posts.
Structure and Traffic Organization
The authorities in Paris established so-called vehicle flow and pedestrian traffic units, which happened due to the growing congestion on roadways in the interwar period of the 20th century. In 1923, mounted patrols were introduced in Paris to more effectively manage the chaotic, mixed traffic, in which bicycles, pedestrians, and horse-drawn carriages participated alongside cars. Officers directed traffic at major roundabouts and intersections using hand gestures before traffic lights were implemented on a wider scale, of course.
Equipment and Uniforms of Traffic Officers in France
As we know, this was a characteristic dark blue outfit, of course with a cape or jacket, and a kepi-type cap with a white cover or a white helmet making it easier to spot the police officer directing street traffic. The police officer’s equipment also included a white signaling baton and white gloves. In France, apart from pedestrian and mounted traffic, patrol cars and motorcycles were successively introduced.
The editorial staff of “Dziennik Polonijny” cordially thanks Mr. Paweł Łuk-Murawski, as well as the entire Historical Reenactment Group of the 3rd District of the State Police – Radom Precinct, for valuable information on the history of the Police in Poland and France. We also thank them for the opportunity to take photographs.
