Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables Explained

Agencyname:Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Logocaption:Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Formedyear:12th century, reformed in 2016
Country:United Kingdom
Countryabbr:UK
Divtype:country
Divname:England
Police:Yes
Local:Yes
Headquarters:Constables' Lodge and Christ Church Gate, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent
Sworntype:Constable
Chief1name:Chief Inspector Fred McCormack
Chief1position:Head Constable
Uniformedas:Constables
Stations:1

The Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables are a cathedral constabulary 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.[1]

The current head constable is Chief Inspector Fred McCormack

.[2]

History

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

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.

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.

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

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Canterbury Cathedral Wardens . 2022-03-05 . british-police-history.uk.
  2. Web site: Cathedral Constables .
  3. Web site: Canterbury Cathedral Wardens . British Police History . 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. . 10 May 2021.
  4. Web site: Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables . 2022-03-05 . www.cathedralconstables.co.uk.