Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables

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Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Agency overview
Formed12th Century (re-formed 2016)[1]
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionEngland, UK
Legal jurisdictionCathedral and Precincts
General nature
  • Local civilian police
Operational structure
HeadquartersConstables' Lodge and Christ Church Gate, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent
Agency executive
  • James Morley, MSyl MInstLM, Superintendent and Head Constable
Facilities
Stations1
Website
Official Website

Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables are employed by Canterbury Cathedral to maintain order and security in and around the cathedral. They have the same police powers as regular police in the United Kingdom, including the power of arrest, within the cathedral and its precincts.[2]

History[]

For many years Canterbury Cathedral employed gatekeepers at the north and south sides of the cathedral gates. They were paid small amounts for their services, but were also given free ale.

To professionalise security the Dean and Chapter, the body that administers Canterbury Cathedral, formed (resurrected) its own constabulary in 2016.[3][4]

Present day[]

The Cathedral Constables website states that:

The [Canterbury Cathedral] Constables have since their role was created been charged to maintain “Good Order” within the Cathedral and its Precincts and are sworn in by a magistrate as a Warranted Constable to do so. Today the Constables are familiar figures both to congregation members and regular visitors to the Cathedral.

The Cathedral currently employs 19 constables. They work closely with Kent Police.

The close constables use the same personal protection equipment as, and dress similarly to, Kent police officers.[5]

Uniform and Equipment[]

Everyday uniform for the Constables wear black cargo trousers, a black duty shirt/white shirt and tie displaying their Constabulary number and peaked cap with a blue and white Sillitoe tartan band.[6]

Since 2016 the close constables have been permitted to use personal protection equipment, including a protective vest, handcuffs and a PR-24 tactical baton.[7]

For ceremonial duties, a formal dark tunic, dark trousers and white shirt and tie are worn, along with the peaked cap. State medals (if issued) are worn on the left breast and Cathedral Constable Association (CCA) medals are worn on the right.[8][9]

Rank Structure[]

The close constables are led by a Superintendent/Head Constable,[10] who is supported by an operational Inspector and four Sergeants, each of whom leads a shift supported by four Corporals.

Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables[11]
Rank Chief inspector
Formerly Head Constable 		Inspector
Formerly Deputy Head Constable 		Sergeant
Formerly Senior Constable 		Corporal Close Constable Warden
Insignia CInsp.svg Insp.svg PS Epaulette.svg Blank.svg UK police constable epaulette, 2016.svg Blank.svg

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Canterbury Cathedral Constables". Canterbury Close Constables. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  2. ^ "British Police History". british-police-history.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Cathedralconstables.co.uk - Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables".
  4. ^ "Canterbury Cathedral Wardens". British Police History. Retrieved 10 May 2021. 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, their individual title or rank is that of warden, a title used for many years at the Cathedral.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ "Cathedralconstables.co.uk - Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables".
  7. ^ "British Police History".
  8. ^ "Cathedralconstables.co.uk - Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables".
  9. ^ "Cathedral Constables".
  10. ^ "Cathedral Constables".
  11. ^ "Constable Awards". Cathedral Constables. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

External links[]

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