Manchester Ship Canal Police

Summary

Manchester Ship Canal Police (also known as Manchester Dock Police and the Port of Manchester Police) was a police force in the United Kingdom that was responsible for policing the Manchester Ship Canal. It was maintained by the Manchester Ship Canal Company between 26 December 1893, when the canal opened, and 31 January 1993.[1]

The Badge of Manchester Ship Canal Police

On formation in 1893 the force consisted of one superintendent and 15 other ranks.[1] In 1977, it consisted of 103 constables.[2] Members of the force were appointed as constables under two acts of Parliament: the Canals Offences Act 1840 and the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 (which was incorporated by and with the Manchester Ship Canal Act 1885 (48 & 49 Vict. c. clxxxviii)).[3][4] Their jurisdiction extended from Manchester to Eastham, Merseyside where the Manchester Ship Canal started at the River Mersey, along the length of the canal and within one mile of same and to its subsidiary waterways, canals and adjoining works.[1]

The canal is now patrolled by the Port of Liverpool Police.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Manchester Ship Canal Police". Magazine of the Police Memorabilia Collectors Club (149). 13 August 2010.
  2. ^ "Accountability and Standards of the Port Police Forces". Department for Transport. Archived from the original on 13 May 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  3. ^ section 5, Manchester Ship Canal Act 1885
  4. ^ Thomas, D.A. (November 1964). "Modern Law Review". 27 (6). London School of Economics: 689–693. JSTOR 1093339. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

External links edit

  • Photographs of a Ship Canal Police helmet, uniform and button
  • Photograph of a former office of the Ship Canal Police