‘The demeanour of the Constable must always be respectful to his Officers and superiors.’ ‘Card playing and every other species of Gambling is punishable with dismissal.’

These handwritten ‘rules to be observed’ of the Armed Police Force indicate a well-disciplined force. Among the tasks of the Armed Police Force was dealing with insurgent Māori. By 1853, when these rules were issued, firearms were less frequently used, following the defeat of ‘rebel’ forces six years before.