Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables

Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables
Agency overview
Formed	12th century, reformed in 2016[1]
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction	England, UK
General nature	Local civilian police
Operational structure
Headquarters	Constables' Lodge and Christ Church Gate, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent
Agency executive	Chief Inspector Fred McCormack, Head Constable
Facilities
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.[2]

The current head constable is Chief Inspector Fred McCormack.[3]

History

To professionalise security the Dean and Chapter, the body that administers Canterbury Cathedral, formed (resurrected) its own constabulary in 2016.[4][1]

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.[1]

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.[1]

Since 2016 the close constables have been permitted to use personal protection equipment, including a protective vest, handcuffs and a PR-24 tactical baton.[2]

Rank Structure

The close constables are led by a Superintendent/Head Constable,[5] who is supported by an operational Inspector and four Sergeants, each of whom leads a shift supported by four Corporals.

Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables[6]

Rank	Chief inspector Formerly Head Constable	Inspector Formerly Deputy Head Constable	Sergeant Formerly Senior Constable	Corporal	Close Constable	Warden
Insignia

See also

• York Minster Police
• Liverpool Cathedral Constables
• Chester Cathedral Constables
• Cathedral constable
• Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
• List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom

References

1. "Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables". www.cathedralconstables.co.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
2. "Canterbury Cathedral Wardens". british-police-history.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
3. "Cathedral 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. "Cathedral Constables".
6. "Constable Awards". Cathedral Constables. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

External links

• Official website