Norfolk Constabulary


Norfolk Constabulary is the territorial police force responsible for the county of Norfolk in England. In March 2016, the force had a strength of 1,515 constables, 915 police staff, 251 special constables and 171 PCSOs
In October 2017, Norfolk Constabulary announced plans to save money and became the first police force in England & Wales to remove the role of Police Community Support Officer. As of March 2018, there are no PCSOs in the force.

History

Norfolk Constabulary was founded in 1839 under the County Police Act 1839, and was one of the first county forces to be formed.
In 1965, it had an establishment of 636 officers and an actual strength of 529. In 1968 it amalgamated with Norwich City Police and Great Yarmouth Borough Police to form the Norfolk Joint Constabulary. In 1974 it returned to the name Norfolk Constabulary.

21st century

Proposals made by the Home Secretary on 20 March 2006 would see the force merge with neighbouring forces Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Suffolk Constabulary to form a strategic police force for East Anglia. The Norfolk Police Authority was enthusiastic for the merger, but the neighbouring forces were not. With the announcement in July 2006 by the Home Office that the principle of merger was under review, the Norfolk Constabulary announced their intention to recruit a permanent Chief Constable, a process that they had delayed while merger was likely.
On 2 January 2007, Ian McPherson became the new Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary. Originally from Lancashire, his previous position was Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police.
In 2008 the force changed uniforms to black combat style trousers with a polo shirt but reverted to the more traditional white shirt and tie on a trial basis in November 2012. It has since reverted to the polo shirt.
In 2018 Norfolk abolished its use of PCSOs and made all of its remaining PCSOs redundant.

Chief Constables

The following officers of Norfolk Constabulary are just two of those from the force that have been killed in the line of duty: