Vagrancy Act 1824

XI Penalty on Officers neglecting their Duties, &c.

And be it further enacted, That in case any Constable or other Peace Officer shall neglect his Duty in anything required of him by this Act, or in case any Person shall disturb or hinder any Constable or other Peace Officer in the Execution of this Act, or shall be aiding, abetting, or assisting therein, and shall be thereof convicted upon the Oath of One or more credible Witness or Witnesses before One or more Justice or Justices of the Peace where such Offence shall be committed, every such Offender shall for every such Offence forfeit any Sum not exceeding Five Pounds; and in case such Offender shall not forthwith pay such Sum so forfeited, the same shall be levied by Distress and Sale of the Offender's Goods, by Warrant from such Justice or Justices; and if sufficient Distress cannot be found, it shall be lawful to and for One or more such Justice or Justices to commit the Person so offending to the House of Correction, there to be kept for any Time not exceeding Three Calendar Months, or until such Fine be paid; and the said Justice or Justices shall cause the said Fine, when paid, to be forthwith delivered to the Treasurer of the County, Riding, Division, or Place where such Offence shall have been committed, to be by him added to and used as Part of the Stock of the said County, Riding, Division, or Place.