Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables

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.[1]

Crest of the Canterbury Cathedral Constables

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 its own constabulary.[2]

Since 2016 the close constables have been permitted to use personal protection equipment such as tactical baton, rigid handcuffs and stab vest.[3]

Present day

The Cathedral currently employs 17 constables. They work closely with Kent Police. The close constables use the same personal protection equipment as, and dress similarly to, regular police officers.[4] The close constables are 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 N/AN/AN/AN/A

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 in 2016. Collectively the officers are now known as close constables, referring to the Cathedral Close, the area around the building. However, the individual's title or rank is that of warden, a title that has been used at the Cathedral for many years. "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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