Underworld
![DES17_FP07_0026_004detail.jpg](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2022/12/cdad812fcb264f66a02ef2666dfca1c1.jpg)
Underworld
Behind the scenes: How to read a ‘special’
Around the world, police forces followed established conventions when taking mugshots. But Sydney police in the 1920s did things differently
![Gold painted plaster bust of William John Mackay, Commissioner of Police](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/07/df4c38d79be147d7a29fe645d44d57b1.jpg)
Underworld
Big Bill MacKay
William John MacKay (1885–1948), known as Bill, was a Scottish-born police officer who played a major role in policing Sydney’s underworld during the 1920s
![Black and white image from the 1920s of a man who looks to be in his 50s.](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2022/12/db958c9f9c1d42d4930ad876815747c8.jpg)
Underworld
Bosses
Sydney’s underworld bosses were tough, resolute and violent – mess with one and you would know you had been in a fight
![William John Mackay, NSW Police Commissioner](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/07/5a4fe4b115524793b7c7ef807e8d062c.jpg)
Underworld
Central Police Station – a policeman’s critique
Most of the Special photographs were taken in the yards at Sydney’s Central Police Station, located in the central business district next to the Central court complex
![Stanley James Hay, Special Photograph number 167, c 1920, Central Police Station, Sydney](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2022/12/69f11e3b02ff4314871ebea112404b30.jpg)
Underworld
Fallen soldiers
After the universal upheaval of World War I, many soldiers found it difficult to take up their former occupations and adjust to civilian life
![Black and white image of a woman looking pensive to the side of the viewer. The words](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2022/12/e40048d8cccb4e27866151a79fbb6a72.jpg)
Underworld
Flappers
The flapper was an alluring vision of sophistication and freedom for young women globally
![Black and white image of a man in a suit. The words](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/01/264b7faa4da94455a0d9a11d68af72f5.jpg)
Underworld
Gangs
The lure of easy money from the illicit alcohol, drug and gambling trades encouraged the formation of new crime gangs
![Black and white image of man. The words](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2022/12/e1e16c6d062d46bd802ff09d434c0f28.jpg)
Underworld
NSW Police ‘Specials’
People in the Specials photographs were yet to have their day in court. The lack of signs that the person was in custody, such as handcuffs, meant the images could be shown to a witness during a criminal investigation without prejudicing the person against the suspect