
Portsmouth City Police

Portsmouth City Police was the city force for Portsmouth, Hampshire from 1836 to 1967.
Antecedents.
The history of crime prevention in Portsmouth dates back to the 13th Century. Parish constables are again recorded in 1435, 1531 and 1621. By the early 18th century the city had 155 public houses, a number that was to grow steadily as the Royal Navy presence in the town grew ever larger.
Formation of the discrete force.
At a meeting on 25 January 1836 a committee was formed to decide on the size of the city's own police service. The first officers were sworn in on 18 March that year. The initial strength was 40 men.
Becomes part of the new Hampshire constabulary.
On 31 March 1967 the force ceased to exist. The final strength was 550 people.