Hammersmith and Fulham Parks Constabulary

Members of the constabulary are sworn as constables under section 18, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Provision Order Confirmation (Greater London Parks and Open Spaces) Act 1967. As such, they are warranted constables and have powers of arrest, detention and search, as well as the authority to carry weapons (such as batons), as well as the power to enforce the parks byelaws and regulations.[2]

The constabulary consists of 2 sergeants and 12 constables.[3] They patrol the borough's 54 parks, open spaces and cemeteries, 365 days a year, with operating hours from 10am to 9pm (October to March) and from midday to 10pm (April to September).[4]

The duties include:

• high visibility uniform patrolling on foot, bicycle and vehicle
• enforcing bye-laws and public space protection orders (PSPOs)
• the prevention and detection of crime
• dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB)
• working with residents and stakeholders to problem-solve local issues quickly and effectively
• security at events such as the Boat Race, council firework displays and Remembrance Day ceremonies
• lost property in parks
• locking major parks in the evening.[5]

The constabulary also have a key role in supporting the response to any major incidents in the borough. The constabulary are able to monitor CCTV systems covering a number of parks. The constabulary provide a service 365 days a year during daylight hours, and until 11pm during the summer. Some later patrols are also organised to tackle specific problems and respond to residents' concerns.[6]

The Constables wear a typical British police uniform, which includes:[7]

• white shirt
• black tie (male) or black and white crevat (female)
• dark blue or black trousers
• black peaked cap with black and white chequered capband with Parks Police capbadge (male)
• black bowler cap with black and white chequered capband with RBKC Parks Police capbadge (female)
• black or dark blue trousers
• black stab vest with
• high-visibility jackets

Park Police constables are warranted constables and therefore carry batons, as well as handcuffs, radios and other police equipment.[8] They also wear body cameras and have a GPS tracked digital radio system which allows controllers to track the location of constables in real time.[9]

Parks Police use vehicles to patrol, as well as carrying out usual foot patrols.[10]

• Policing in the United Kingdom
• List of police forces in the United Kingdom
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Parks Police
• Parks Police Service (defunct)
• List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, Crown dependencies and British Overseas Territories

• London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham: Parks Constabulary