In 1871 the Chief Constable of Essex instituted the Merit Badge (or Star), which was to be awarded for ‘highly distinguished and discreet conduct in the discharge of their duty, particularly when accompanied with risk of life, personal courage and coolness aided by marked intelligence.’
The Badge, originally worn on the collar but eventually worn on the sleeve could only be issued to not more than 10 Sergeants with an additional pay of 2 shillings per week and 20 Constables with an additional pay of 1 shilling per week. The badge was subject to forfeiture for misconduct.
One such recipient of the Merit Badge was Pc 47 Noah Gibbons, who was the village constable at Stanford Rivers.
He was promoted to Merit Class on the 1st May 1880 for courage and tact in apprehending a man who had been poaching. P.C. Gibbons at 4.30am on the 24th April was on duty at Stanford Rivers when he stopped a man, who attempted to throw the constable and grabbed his hair. A severe struggle ensued, with Gibbons getting the best of him. A search revealed 2 dead pheasants, and also a loaded double-barrelled shotgun. P.C. Gibbons took the man to the police station and charged him with having unlawful possession of game on the highway.
When he appeared before the Ongar Magistrates, the Chairman of the Bench also directed that a charge of assault be entered and offender was sentenced to 14 days hard labour. Pc. Gibbons was called by Captain Budworth, Chairman of the Bench who addressed him, giving great credit for his pluck and tact in bringing the man to justice. A letter from Capt. Budworth to Superintendent Simpson stated “it will give me great satisfaction to see P.C. Gibbons promoted.”
The man was fined £5 with 7/6d costs and 2 months hard labour in default.
Gibbons reached the rank of Superintendent and retired on the 30th September 1909.