DescriptionThis interview consists of one audio recording and transcript. William (Bill) Espie was interviewed on 05 September 2005 by Shirley Kingsford McLeod. Interview SummaryBill was born in Alice Springs in 1935. He attended Alice Springs Primary School followed by high school in Adelaide. Upon finishing school he worked as a fitter for the Department of Roads in Adelaide for four years before joining the Army. After six years in the army he decided to join the Police Force.
Upon completing his training Bill’s first posting as a probationary constable was at Darlinghurst Police Station in 1961. He then transferred to Fairfield Police Station for a short time before moving to Cabramatta Police Station. Bill remained there until he retired (except for a brief stint in the city).
Cabramatta Police Station had four officers in the 1960s. Most cases involved fights or street incidents. There were also more significant crimes including murders and suicides. Bill recalls that Cabramatta had a high suicide rate. There were very few cases of child molestation.
Bill is grateful for the introduction of female police officers. They are particularly helpful in domestic cases.
Bill worked with notable policemen of the Cabramatta/Fairfield area, including Tom Rangot, Dougie Maynard, Max Anderson and Paul Mckinnen.
Bill retired in 1991 because he felt that the police were becoming involved in politics. He now plays golf and paints. He is separated from his wife but remains in contact with her.
Bill carried the Olympic Torch during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Smithfield gained its first mounted constable in 1874. They patrolled Smithfield and Fairfield.
After WWII the Smithfield station closed and Fairfield station covered the area and was assigned it's first officer in 1903. the station was moved from Ware Street to Hamilton Street in 1919. in 1948 it was again moved to Smart Street and officially opened in 1953.
William (Bill) Espie Oral History. Fairfield City Heritage Collection, accessed 15/04/2026, https://heritagecollection.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/2612
