Showcase Record - September 2013

Bound Circulated Photographs & Criminal Offences of Convicted Persons - VPRS 7856

This is a fascinating series comprising of 67 of 68 bound volumes transferred into the custody of Public Record Office of Victoria by the Public Record Office of South Australia.  The series includes original photographs of convicted persons, listed offences and prior convictions, place and date of birth, details of arrival in Australia (if applicable), education details, distinguishing physical features, “VR” number reference and docket reference.

The series spans 1924-1954.  Currently volumes 1-36 (covering 1925-1927) are on Open Access and available to order for viewing in our Reading Room.

Units 37 – 68 are closed Under Section 9, Sub-Section (2) of the Public Records Act  - Containing personal information on the data subject and will not be released during the prospective lifetime of the data subject. This is 75 years after creation of the records regarding adults and 99 years after the creation of the record relating to children.

Further volumes are opened as the 75 year closure period elapses.

The series provides and interesting glimpse into the changing punishments in the criminal justice system. One example is the case of a prisoner who committed Manslaughter in 1925. He was sentenced to15 years hard labour and to be “thrice whipped with the cat-o-nine-tails, each whipping to consist of 15 lashes”.  Application of leave of appeal was granted four days later, the Governor General decreed the whippings were omitted, but otherwise the sentence was to stand.  In 2013, this punishment is shocking for us to contemplate.

Creating Agency:

1924-1954 - South Australian Police Department        VA 2967

Agency currently responsible:

1989-continued – Public Record Office Victoria           VA 683