Introduction

To read this information online, please use the menu to the right and click the title of the area that you are interested in.

Alternatively you can download a PDF version of this publication using the link below.

Warwickshire Police 1857 - 2007: 150th Anniversary Booklet (3.6Mb pdf)

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Warwickshire Police has a proud tradition of protecting communities and, as we celebrate the force’s 150th anniversary, I am confident that we will continue to provide efficient and effective services for many years to come.

As you will discover from the personal recollections of a number of serving and retired officers contained in this publication, the force has consistently changed its style of policing to meet the challenges presented by society; to prevent and detect crime, to reduce harm and to ensure that it continues to police with the support of the public. We begin our anniversary year in another period of significant change and with a vision to work with our communities and partners to provide the very best levels of protection possible. I am confident that the new service will continue to have the trust and support of our communities and that officers and staff will continue to be appreciated by members of the public for the difference they make every day. I thank all current members of the force and their predecessors for making Warwickshire Police what it is today. We will build a new force that our successors will be equally proud of in years to come.

Keith Bristow - Chief Constable
February 5 2007

WARWICKSHIRE POLICE 1857 - 2007

As we celebrate this landmark in the history of policing in Warwickshire, it is worth taking the opportunity to reflect on how the values and traditions that have driven the development of our modern police service are still relevant in this rapidly-changing world, where pressures on the police have never been greater. From 1857 to the present day the principles of policing have remained constant and are underpinned by the view that police seek to work with the community and as part of it.

I believe that the introduction of neighbourhood policing, for example, is a natural step in Warwickshire where I have always found that there is enormous trust and confidence in our police within the community and that the force itself has always worked hard to retain a strong local identity. It is clear from specific consultations and from our many contacts with community leaders that a powerful bond exists between the police and our local communities in Warwickshire.

This is a reflection of the years of dedicated service by you and those who have gone before.

Every day you put yourselves into dangerous situations on behalf of the people of Warwickshire. Such is your skill and efficiency that, for the most part, the public are not aware of the danger you face, but do not imagine your courage is taken for granted. The public expect much of you, but that is because they know what you are capable of.

As we look to the future we must learn from the past – and we can build upon a police service in Warwickshire with an exemplary and proud record; looking forward with confidence to the challenges ahead.

I hope that as many of you as possible will be able to take part in the events to mark the 150th anniversary. On behalf of the members and officers of the Police Authority, I thank you for your dedication and professionalism and wish you well during this special year.

Philip Blundell - Chair, Warwickshire Police Authority
February 2007