Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables

Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables are employed by Canterbury Cathedral in a security role in maintaining order and security in and around the cathedral. They have the same police powers such as the power of arrest like regular police in the United Kingdom within the cathedral and its precincts.[1]

Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables

History

For many years Canterbury Cathedral employed gatekeepers at the north and south side of the cathedral gates. They were paid small amounts for their services but given free ale as an alternate form of payment for their duties.

To professionalise the security the dean and chapter of Canterbury, through the provision of a cathedral statute, formed its own constabulary. [2]

In 2016, officers of the cathedral were permitted to carry personal protection equipment such as tactical baton, rigid handcuffs and stab vest, further solidifying the small constabulary force.[3]

Present day

The cathedral currently employs a team of 26 officers to protect it. It works closely with Kent Police, which is the county force for the area and responsible for dealing with the most serious incidents. The cathedral's constables carry the same personal protection equipment (PPE) and dress similarly to regular police officers. [4] The constabulary is led by a chief inspector who is supported by an operational inspector and four sergeants, each of whom leads a shift.

Ranks
Canterbury Cathedral police ranks[5]
RankConstable
Close Constable		Deputy Head Constable
Deputy Head Close Constable		Head Constable
Head Close Constable		SergeantInspector
Insignia

See also

References
  1. "British Police History". british-police-history.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  2. [It was the then security officer (an ex-police officer), who proposed to the dean and chapter of Canterbury, the formation of its own security team. This was accepted and collectively they are now known as close constables. However, the individual's title or rank is that of warden, a title used for many years at the cathedral. "Canterbury Cathedral Wardens"] Check |url= value (help). British Police History. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  3. Hobson, Br. Joseph Hobson Obl. CR, Joseph Hobson, Cathedral Beat, Cathedral Bobbies, Brother Joseph. "cathedralconstables.co.uk - Today's Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables". www.cathedralconstables.co.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  4. Hobson, Br. Joseph Hobson Obl. CR, Joseph Hobson, Cathedral Beat, Cathedral Bobbies, Brother Joseph. "cathedralconstables.co.uk - Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables' History". www.cathedralconstables.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  5. "Constable Awards". Cathedral Constables. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

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