Dover Police Department

Port of Dover Police

The Port of Dover Police is a small non-Home Office police service which provides police services to the Port of Dover, Kent, England.

Staffing

As of 2004, the Port of Dover Police had an establishment of one Superintendent (Chief Officer), three Inspectors, six Sergeants and thirty-eight Constables. The force investigate all offences committed in the port area but receive specialist support and assistance from Kent Police when required. Although not in place in 2004, it is usual for an officer of Chief Inspector's rank to function as the Deputy Chief Officer.

Although most staff are uniformed for patrol duties, the force includes a small Criminal Investigation Department staffed by three detective constables and a detective sergeant. One sergeant is employed solely for training duties (initial and in-service training) and the force provides all initial training not only for itself, but also for the Port of Bristol Police. Training for senior officers is provided at the Police Staff College, Bramshill.

Civilian staff are employed alongside police officers, particularly in the manning of the control centre in the Headquarters building just inside the main gates of the Eastern Docks.

Ranks

The rank structure of the Port of Dover Police is as shown below.

Rank Structure: Port of Dover Police
Rank	Police Constable	Sergeant	Inspector	Chief Inspector	Chief Officer (Superintendent)
Insignia

Status

Officers of this force are sworn in as constables under section 79 of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847. As a result, officers have the full powers of a constable on any land owned by the Dover Harbour Board and at any place within one mile of any owned land. Due to the large amount of property owned by the Harbour Board, this means that officers have jurisdiction throughout not only the Port, but also the entire town of Dover, and a large part of its hinterland.

Officers in this force wear similar uniforms to their colleagues in other forces throughout the country, including the familiar helmet of British police constables.