Joseph Luker | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1765 |
| Died | 26 August 1803 (aged 37–38) Sydney, Colony of New South Wales |
| Cause of death | Bludgeoned to death |
| Occupation | Police constable |
| Years active | 1796–1803 |
| Spouse |
Ann Chapman (m. 1797–1803) |
Joseph Luker (c. 1765 – 26 August 1803) (also spelt Lucar and Looker) was a British convict transported to the Colony of New South Wales on the 12-gun sailing ship Atlantic as part of the Third Fleet. After the completion of his sentence he joined the fledgling police force of the colony. On the evening of 25/26 August 1803, while investigating a robbery he was beaten to death, becoming the first police officer killed in the line of duty in Australia. Even though some of his colleagues were implicated in his death no one has ever been convicted of his murder.