50th anniversary celebrations
"As the first female Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the remarkable journey of our fantastic force over the past 50 years. This anniversary is not just a commemoration of time passed; it is a celebration of the tireless dedication, courage, and resilience demonstrated by the staff, officers and volunteers who have shaped the legacy of Merseyside Police.
"As I look back on the milestones and achievements of the past five decades, I am struck by the profound impact Merseyside Police has had on the lives of countless individuals, from preventing crime and apprehending offenders, to supporting victims and fostering community relationships. I also reflect on the challenges Merseyside Police has faced throughout the past 50 years within the ever-increasing demand and complexity of crime, but also the major and significant incidents that are part of the history and heritage of Merseyside.
"These are not always times we would want to celebrate, but those events have shaped our learning as we work to protect our communities. As we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Policing is an ever-evolving profession, shaped by societal changes, technological advancements, and new forms of crime. Yet I am confident that with the dedication, innovation, and collective spirit of our officers, staff, and volunteers, working together with our communities and our partners, Merseyside Police will continue to adapt and maintain our first-class reputation.
"Congratulations to Merseyside Police on this momentous occasion, and here’s to the next 50 years of excellence and service."
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM
50th anniversary open day celebrations
Merseyside Police celebrated five decades of service to Merseyside, and hosted an open day alongside the Doyle Phillips Foundation on May 12th to commemorate this milestone.
The open day was open to community partners, retired and current officers, staff and their families and friends in partnership with The Doyle Philips Foundation. A variety of activities, including exploring vintage police vehicles, meeting our dedicated officers, staff, volunteers, dogs and horses, exciting demonstrations, the museum, game stalls, the tombola and so much more.
It was an fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, interact with officers, explore police facilities, and learn about the important work we do. All monies raised on the open day will go to the Doyle Phillips Foundation.
Merseyside Police may well be 50 years old in 2024, but the history of policing in the city and region goes back much further to 1836. The catalyst for the formation of a police force was the Port of Liverpool's vast expansion. Eight new docks were built between 1815 and 1835. The huge docks and location of the port offered maritime opportunities for trade and passenger travel.
With this came an influx of people which led to the expansion of the city's increasing population, and the docks gave a huge boost to employment in the area. Sadly, the area also saw rising poverty and an increase in crime. Gangs of thieves, brothels, ale houses were abundant, and acts of violence increased hugely around the docklands and city centre.
It became clear that crime was growing and becoming a worrying factor. To combat this increase in crime, the Liverpool Watch Committee disbanded the three independent Constabulary Forces - the Corporation Constabulary, the Town Watch, and the Dock Watch - as they were incapable of managing the explosion of crime in the city, particularly around the dockland area.
As a result, on 29 February 1836 the Watch Committee formed the Liverpool Constabulary and Michael James Whitty was appointed as the first Head Constable.
Since the formation of the first Liverpool police force, it has been renamed four times. In 1836 it was known as Liverpool Constabulary, then in 1880 when Liverpool was designated as a city it was renamed Liverpool City Police. In 1967 Liverpool City Police merged with Bootle Borough Police to become Liverpool and Bootle Constabulary.
In 1974, following the formation of the Merseyside County Council, Liverpool and Bootle Constabulary merged with other Borough forces in Birkenhead, Wallasey, Southport, and St Helens to become the metropolitan policing force that we know today as Merseyside Police.
To read more on the history of Merseyside Police, please click here.
On the 1 April 1974, Merseyside County Council replaced several smaller councils from Southport across to Wirral, Bootle and St Helens and Merseyside was created. To fall in line with the changes and the creation of the new county it was decided to create the metropolitan force of Merseyside Police.
Prior to 1974 there had been another change to the police force when Liverpool City Police amalgamated with Bootle Constabulary to become Liverpool and Bootle Constabulary. James Haughton was the Chief Constable at the time and in 1974 he oversaw the further amalgamation of forces, and he became the first Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.
Haughton is unique amongst his fellow Chief Constables, as during his time as a Chief Constable, he continuously served as the Chief Officer of three forces and oversaw two amalgamations. He retired in 1975 and was replaced by Kenneth Oxford.
The Doyle Phillips Foundation was set up as a lasting legacy to remember both PC Neil Doyle and PC Dave Phillips of Merseyside Police who lost their lives whilst on duty.
The foundation was established in 2021 and raises money for a number of police related charities and supports families of officers and staff who have died through natural causes, or tragic circumestances, whilst working for Merseyside Police.