Dublin Police Act, 1836

A police force for the whole district to be appointed, &c.

4. A sufficient number of fit and able men shall from time to time, by the directions of the chief secretary or in his absence of the under secretary for the time being, be appointed as a police force for the whole of such district, who shall be sworn in by one of the said justices to act as constables for preserving the peace, and preventing robberies and other felonies, and apprehending offenders against the peace; and the men so sworn shall, not only within the said district, but also within the counties of Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, and Meath, and within all liberties therein, have all such powers, authorities, privileges, and advantages, and be liable to all such duties and responsibilities, as any constable duly appointed now has or hereafter may have within his constablewick by virtue of the common law of this realm, or of any statutes made or to be made, and shall obey all such lawful commands as they may from time to time receive from any of the said justices for conducting themselves in the execution of their office.