Greenwich Parks Police
1994 - 2001Twenty-four uniformed officers took centre stage in the lush grounds of Charlton House on 11 April 1994 when the celebrated Parks Police Force was launched by Labour's deputy leader Margaret Beckett.
The two dozen men and women strode out into the April sunshine in an impressive line-up which drew some applause from the assembled gathering. Miss Beckett led a group of officers from the Metropolitan Police, dignitaries and council officers to welcome the new Constabulary.
From May, the squad made up of 21 Constables, three Sergeants and headed by retired police Inspector Pat Curtis, patrolled the borough's 1,300 acres of parks, woodland, cemeteries and open spaces. It's role was largely deterrent though the officers, who included four women, had powers of arrest.
The council said the Constabulary was set up "to make parks safe places for young people to play in" rather than as a response to any specific nuisance in the Borough's open spaces.
Inspector Curtis, who had an impressive track record of police work behind him, said: "I am very pleased with the service." And he pledged: "We will be totally accountable to the people of Greenwich. We can speak to them and ask what are the things they want us to do. I will do the best I can." The squad was handpicked by a panel of four which included Inspector Curtis.
Between them the officers spoke up to ten different languages and included former Metropolitan Police officers. And four of the five-places allocated for women were taken up. Superintendent Mike Partington from Plumstead Police said he welcomed the initiative: "We see this very much as a partnership. We're looking forward to working closely with the Greenwich Parks Constabulary and to supporting each other in the fight against crime."
Greenwich Parks Police, May 30 1994
Greenwich Parks Police, May 30 1994
Greenwich Parks Police, May 30 1994
Sources
- Carol Staples, 1994
- Aberdeen Press and Journal, 11 April 1994 *
- * The British Newspaper Archive
An Unusual Helmet Plate
This helmet plate was a temporary measure while waiting for the correct badge to be sent from the manufacturer. The helmets were obtained second hand from West Yorkshire Police. The silver band and the chrome fitting were painted black. The badge was taken off, turned upside down and the crown sawn off.
This was then covered with green felt and the Devon and Cornwall collar badge stuck on. Later a proper helmet plate was obtained. It was gold and was unusual in that it didn't have a crown or the name of the force on it.
