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Derbyshire's police force has a history going back 150 years. The Derbyshire Constabulary was formed in March 1857 with 156 men at its disposal to enforce law and order. There were eight divisions covering Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Chesterfield, Derby, Glossop, Melbourne and Matlock and pay was graded in four classes. Policemen who misbehaved would be pubished with a drop in pay.

Chesterfield Police Station

The force headquarters was originally at Belper police station but this proved unsuitable as it was also the divisional HQ and so the constabulary moved its base to Derby two years later - first to temporary accommodation in St. James’ Terrace and then relocating to St. Mary’s Gate in 1861.

All ranks were expected to carry out their beat duties on foot, except for superintendents who were afforded the luxury of a pony and trap to get around. Officers and constables would communicate by telegram or letter in those early days. By 1889 the constabulary had a manforce of 282 men. New police stations were opened at Clay Cross and Renishaw.

Telephones were installed at divisional headquarters during the 1890s which was revolutionary at the time.

The force also led the way in the 1920s and 1930s by using fingerprints and forensic evidence to solve crimes and by setting up a criminal record office. And 1931 saw the introduction of cycles and side cars for the first motor patrols. Later police travelled around in Austin and MG sports cars. The Second World War brought a halt to the use of these cars, except for two which were used by the first policewomen drivers for patrols.

When the police headquarters in Derby became too small in 1958 the force moved to Matlock, followed by another move to Ripley in 1970. Today there are four divisions within the Derbyshire Constabulary: Alfreton, Buxton, Chesterfield and Derby.

There were also separate borough forces, including ones for Derby, Chesterfield and Glossop. The latter two merged with Derbyshire Constabulary in 1947. Derby had its own police force until 1967 when it too amalgamated with the county constabulary.

Source: Derbyshire County Council.

External Links

• 1960s: No mission was impossible for the Rev John Tudor

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County:  Derbyshire