Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables

Badge of the Canterbury Close Cathedral 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]

History

For many years Canterbury Cathedral employed a Gate Keeper at the North and South side of the Cathedral Gates. They were paid small amounts for their services but given free Ale as another form of payment for their duties.

As Time moved on it started to become a requirement to employ full-time professional security guards to keep the facilities and people within the area safe. Originally, this was done by Private Security firms but it was found that they often provided inadequate and poor quality services. It was the then security guard, who had previously been a Police Officer. 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.[2]

In 2016, officers of the Cathedral were permitted to carry person protection equipment such as Retractable Batons and also Stab Vests, further solidifying the small police force.[3]

Present Day

Officers of the Constabulary outside Canterbury Cathedral

The Cathedral currently employs a 12 man team for protecting the Cathedral. It works closely with Kent Police and more serious incidence around the Cathedral are passed onto that police force. The Cathedral's police force carry the same equipment and dress as regular police officers. [4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "British Police History". british-police-history.uk. Retrieved 2017-06-04.
  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, their individual 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. Retrieved 2017-06-04.

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