The Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables are a
cathedral constabulary employed by
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. It forms part of a World Heritage Site. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, currently Justin Welby, leader of the ...
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.
The current head constable is Superintendent James Morley.
History
To professionalise security the Dean and Chapter, the body that administers Canterbury Cathedral, formed (resurrected) its own constabulary in 2016.
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
Sillitoe tartan is the nickname given to the distinctive black and white chequered pattern, correctly known as ''dicing'', which was originally associated with the police in Scotland. It later gained widespread use in the rest of the United Ki ...
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
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York Minster Police
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Liverpool Cathedral Constables
Liverpool Cathedral Constables are a cathedral constabulary responsible for providing security for Liverpool Cathedral.
History
Its officers follow a long-held tradition of cathedral constables dating back to the thirteenth century. At one time ...
*
Chester Cathedral Constables
Chester Cathedral Constables are a small team of constables who maintain order and security in and around Chester Cathedral.
History
In December 2011, Chester Cathedral appointed a head constable to lead a new team of volunteer constables to m ...
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Cathedral constable
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Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
Law enforcement in the United Kingdom is organised separately in each of the legal systems of the United Kingdom: England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Most law enforcement is carried out by police officers serving in regional po ...
*
List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom
There are a number of agencies that participate in law enforcement in the United Kingdom which can be grouped into three general types:
* Territorial police forces, who carry out the majority of policing. These are police forces that cover a ...
References
External links
Official website
{{UK private and military police forces
Police forces of England
Church law enforcement agencies