User:Melbournite/Alfred Sainsbury

Alfred George Sainsbury (11 February 1856 – 27 February 1920) was an Australian police officer who served as Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police from 1913 to 1919.

Early life
Sainsbury was born on 11 February 1856 in Heidelberg in Victoria, Australia to John Sainsbury and Lucy Hood. His brother Henry Sainsbury was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Creswick In 1877 he married Margaret Cruthers the daughter of William and Theresa Cruthers.

Police career
Sainsbury joined Victoria Police on 17 May 1878 and was appointed to Colac as a mounted constable.

Sainsbury was appointed Chief Commissioner on 1 April 1913 after the retirement of Thomas O'Callaghan.

Appointed to office during the inter-war years Sainsbury

During his tenure as chief commissioner the Police Association of Victoria was formed in 1917. Sainsbury had initially blocked attempts to form the Association believing it to be against the principles of the semi-military nature of the police force.

Death
Sainsbury died on 27 February 1920 at his home in Vine Street, Moonee Ponds, his wife, Margaret lived for a further 15 years before dying on 21 December 1935.