The Tees and Hartlepool Ports have for the past hundred years been served by a professional Harbour Police service.
It was not until 1902 that the idea of forming a dedicated Police Department arose. The reason for this was that ship owners and merchants brought to the attention of the Commissioners the marked increase in theft of ropes, coals etc. The first four officers were sworn in (an Inspector and three Constables) on 18th January 1904 to prevent and detect crime within their jurisdiction.It was to become a familiar sight to see the River Police boat rowed on the river by the Constables with the Inspector at the Tiller.
As the size of the Port grew, so did the River Tees Police. In 1920 Superintendent John Stores joined the force from it is believed Middlesbrough Police. In a short time he gained a reputation of being "a hard but fair copper".
The work of the modern day Harbour Police Constable is varied not only in all aspects of general police duties. Also many other harbour related tasks including the berthing of vessels and the checking of various safety and regulations that are required for the operation of the port. The Harbour Police are expected to visit every ship that arrives at the port to issue General Directions and Byelaws, also to check any dangerous cargo in relation to The Merchant Shipping Act, The Harbours Docks and Piers Clauses Act, The Immigration Act. They will also have an important and busy role when the requirments of the International Ships and Ports Security Code (ISPS) are implemented.
| Bill Dixon on the left of picture and colleagues (1997) |
|
| Ford Transit (2002) (Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Focus (2000)(Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Transit (2000)(Obsolete) |
|
| Fiesta Van (1997)(Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Transit (1995)(Obsolete) |
|
| Vauxhall Astra Van(1995)(Obsolete) |
|
| Thanks to Andy Grainge for the above Harbour Police pics and history. Andy served six years with the Tees&Hartlepool Harbour Police before transferring to the MOD Police. |
|
| Peugeot 406 Hdi (2003)(Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Transit (2005) (Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Mondeo(2005) (Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Transit and Ford Ranger(2007)(Obsolete) |
|
| Ford Ranger (2005) |
|
| Skoda Octavia's, estate and saloon(2008) |
|
Vauxhall Vivaro(2008)  |
|
| Fancy owning a Tees & Hartlepool Harbour Police van? I now produce these exclusive vehicles. If you are interested, then please email me daviesfrank@hotmail.com |
Unoffical Cleveland Police UK LINKS
