Newham Community Constabulary

Encyclopedia : N : NE : NEW : Newham Community Constabulary

Newham Community Constabulary, formerly called Newham Parks Constabulary, is a very small non-Home Office constabulary responsible for patrolling the 52 parks and open spaces covering 1.63 square kilometres in the London Borough of Newham.

Newham Parks Constabulary was established in 1998, with thirteen constables headed by a Senior Parks Constable. In 2001, following the departure of the Senior Constable, the new rank of Sergeant was created and three constables promoted to it. In 2004 the service was reformed by the Newham Council, headed by Sir Robin Wales in the newly created office of directly elected mayor. The service was renamed the Newham Community Constabulary and an Inspector was appointed to head the service.

The constabulary currently has 25 constables. 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. This gives the constables the powers and privileges of a constable to enforce by-laws in relation to parks and open spaces under their control. They have no constabulary powers to enforce criminal law and should not be mistaken for being police officers.

Any serious incidents and crimes in the parks are dealt with by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Following a number of allegations into corruption, racism and abuse of non-existent police powers the constabulary was subject to an investigation.

External links

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