Remembering Constable Albert Price More Than Century On

National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD), held annually at the end of September, is an important time to pause, reflect and honour the officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

This year, we remember Constable Albert George Price who, at just 29 years of age, was tragically murdered by an offender whom he was attempting to arrest in 1905.

Though more than a century has passed since his tragic and untimely death, Constable Price's story is one which continues to resonate with all policing and wider community members as, on that fateful night, it was a routine patrol which ended in tragedy.

Constable Price's policing journey began on 6 April 1897, when he officially joined Queensland Police Service (QPS), then named Queensland Police Force.

His career saw him stationed in Brisbane, Hughenden, Ayr and finally Mackay with his wife, Mary Price, and their four children.

Constable Albert Price on his horse

Having settled into the Mackay community, and preparing for the arrival of his fifth child, Constable Price was on patrol on 23 December - just days before Christmas – when he witnessed a fight break out between two intoxicated individuals.

After successfully arresting those involved, he later returned to the scene to ensure order was maintained and to make enquiries.

During this follow-up, he encountered an individual he suspected of being connected to the sly-grog trade.

As Constable Price attempted to arrest the man, the man attacked, inflicting multiple stab wounds that tragically claimed Constable Price's life.

His attacker was later arrested and charged with murder.

Following Constable Price's tragic death, his surviving family was left destitute and, with no means of support, were forced to bury their beloved husband and father in an unmarked grave in Mackay the very next day.

The heartbreak continued when Constable Price's widow Mary, having lost her baby and having no source of income, was left with no choice but to place her children in an orphanage.

A devoted mother, she remained in close contact with each of them, offering guidance, helping them find work, and providing what little financial support she could.

It was not until 1910 that the Price family received formal assistance, when an annual payment of £26 was granted to each child through their Orphanage Inspector until they reached the age of 15.

Constable Price's story is a poignant and powerful reminder of the sacrifice and bravery embodied by each of our officers every day, and of the lasting impact their service has on those they leave behind.

It is stories such as this that lie at the heart of NPRD, and which continue to inspire the work of Police Legacy, a vital not-for-profit supporting the families of police officers who have passed.

Today and every day, we remember Constable Albert Price.

With Honour He Served

NPRD memorial banner with police hat and candle
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