Portsmouth City Police


Portsmouth City Police was the city force for Portsmouth, Hampshire from 1836 to 1967.

Antecedents

The history of crime prevention in Portsmouth dates back to the 13th Century. Parish constables are again recorded in 1435, 1531 and 1621. By the early 18th century the city had 155 public houses, a number that was to grow steadily as the Royal Navy presence in the town grew ever larger.

Formation of the discrete force

At a meeting on 25 January 1836 a committee was formed to decide on the size of the city's own police service. The first officers were sworn in on 18 March that year. The initial strength was 40 men.

Notable events

On 31 March 1967 the force ceased to exist. The final strength was 550 people.

Head of service

NameRankYears served
Captain Robert Elliott
Superintendent1839 to 1848
William LeggattSuperintendent1848 to 1859
Thomas Hayter ChaseChief Officer1859 to 1860
Richard BarberChief Officer1860 to 1875
James JervisChief Constable1875 to 1880
Alfred William CosserChief Constable1880 to 1893
John MessierChief Constable1893 to 1898
Arthur PrickettChief Constable1898 to 1907
Thomas DaviesChief Constable1907 to 1940
Arthur Charles WestChief Constable1940 to 1958
William Newick WilsonChief Constable1958 to 1964
Owen FlynnChief Constable1964 to 1967