Hammersmith and Fulham Parks Constabulary

The Hammersmith and Fulham Parks Constabulary is a small constabulary responsible for policing the parks and open spaces of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. In 2013, it merged with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Parks Police to form the Parks Police Service. In July 2019 the former Parks Police Service (formed in 2013 by the merger of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Parks Police and Hammersmith and Fulham Parks Constabulary) was dissolved when once again Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham each took responsibility for their own police service.

Hammersmith and Fulham Parks Constabulary
Agency overview
Formed2019 (re-formed)
Preceding agency
  • Parks Police Service (2013-2019)
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionEngland, UK
Legal jurisdictionparks within Hammersmith and Fulham
Governing bodyLondon Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Constituting instrument
  • Section 18, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation (Greater London Parks and Open Spaces) Act 1967
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersParks Police Service, The Stable Yard, Holland Park (shared)
Constables14[1]
Facilities
Stations1
Website
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police

Powers

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]

Organisation and duties

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]

Uniform and equipment

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]

See also

References
  1. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  2. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  3. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  4. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  5. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  6. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  7. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2018/09/parks-police-take-reins-help-give-hope-abandoned-horse
  8. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2018/09/parks-police-take-reins-help-give-hope-abandoned-horse
  9. https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime/parks-police
  10. http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/this-vauxhall-is-run-by-hammersmith-and-fulham/
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