William Higgins was the first high constable of the Toronto Police Department, appointed as High Bailiff after Toronto's incorporation in 1834. Higgins was appointed High Constable of the Home District in 1826, a position that included being inspector of police for York, Upper Canada at a salary of £40 a year. When the city of Toronto was incorporated in 1834, the new city council unanimously appointed Higgins as High Bailiff, including the responsibility of being city inspector, with a salary of £125 a year while remaining High Constable (as well as the only constable) for the region.