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 Parks Police Service was dissolved when once again Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham each took responsibility for their own police service.

Powers

Members of the constabulary are sworn as constables under section 18, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Provision Order Confirmation Act 1967. They are not police officers, but are constables and as such do have the powers of arrest, power to seize illicit drugs, carry weapons etc.

Organisation and Duties

The constabulary consists of one inspector, three sergeants and twenty-five constables. They patrol the borough's 54 parks, open spaces and cemeteries, 365 days a year from 8am, finishing at 12.30am during the summer and 11pm during winter. The constabulary also have a key role in supporting the response to any major incidents in the boroughs. 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.

Uniform and Equipment

The Constables wear a typical British police uniform, which includes:
Park Police constables are warranted constables and therefore carry batons, as well as handcuffs, radios and other police equipment. 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.
Parks Police use vehicles to patrol, as well as carrying out usual foot patrols.