Wandsworth Parks Police Service

• Background
• Establishment
• Purpose
• Operations
• Training
• Dog Control Unit
• General
• Useful contact numbers

Effective from 1 July 2006 - Multiple dog walking bye-law

Background
The Wandsworth Parks Police Service was established in 1981 to ensure the safety and security of Wandsworth residents and visitors using the many parks and open spaces in the borough.

The Parks Police Officers have the status of Police Constables and with a few exceptions enjoy the powers and privileges of the office of a Constable.

Parks Police Officers are also council officers and have the authority to act in issues affecting the council and its buildings throughout the borough.

Establishment
When established in 1981, the Parks Police was made up of eight Constables, which has grown to 32 full time officers today.

The Parks Police are supported by a contingent of Reserve Parks Police Officers and events stewards who assist in patrolling the parks and open spaces and provide an outstanding service in the support of the control of major events that take place there.

Recently to help release the Police Officers from non-police duties, the Parks Police employed five Parks Police Support Officers to cover the 24 hour operations and control room and to carry out a number of other ancillary duties in support of operational officers.

In addition to the constabulary, the Parks Police are also responsible for the Wandsworth Dog Control Unit 

Purpose
The Parks Police provides a professional, caring and courteous service to all users of the areas and facilities under its protection as well as providing reassurance, protection and advice to the public whilst upholding the law and maintaining the peace in a firm yet respectful manner.

Operations
From their headquarters in Battersea Park, the Parks Police provide a comprehensive service to the public on a daily basis by patrolling all parks, gardens, open spaces, recreation grounds, cemeteries, play areas, nature reserves and commons throughout the borough.

The Parks Police operates on a 24/7 basis and patrol in all weather on foot, by motor cycle or car and van. They also respond to calls for assistance from the public and assist the Metropolitan Police in pre-planned operations.

Many of the patrol areas are under the watchful eye of the Parks Police Closed Circuit Television System which has provided invaluable assistance in monitoring anti social behaviour and criminal activity in these public areas.

The Parks Police Dog (K9) Service
Six of the Parks Police Officers are trained dog handlers using German Shepherd and other breeds to achieve their purpose. Find out more about the Parks Police Canine Section.

The Parks Police also control traffic and vehicular movement in the parks and other areas under their jurisdiction, attending to untaxed vehicles and measuring the speed of vehicles by means of specialised radar speed equipment.

Training
All Parks Police members are trained to a very high standard and apart from an initial five week basic training course before being sworn in as constables they receive annual refresher training in changing legislation, policies and procedures.

Parks Police instructors hold Home Office training certificates in Officer Safety Techniques. This allows them to train other officers in the correct procedures for dealing with violent and abusive persons and if necessary the use of restraint devices and the "ASP" telescopic baton.

The Parks Police training section is available and has been called upon to present certificated training courses on various subjects to other departments in the council as well as outside organisations.

The Dog Control Unit
In addition to the Parks Constabulary, the Parks Police are also responsible for the Wandsworth Dog Control unit (not to be mistaken for the Police Dog (K9 Section). The team is managed by Senior Dog Control Officer Mark Callis who, with his team of officers, patrol the borough attending to all aspects of dog ownership and control procedures together with dog identity marking by the insertion of an electronic readable chip.

The unit engages in regular community programmes such as the Walk to School week, the Discover Dogs annual show and Crufts.

General
The Wandsworth Parks Police service has a wealth of experience and expertise in many aspects of policing parks and open spaces and the effective management and control of major events.

With this experience the Parks Police is pleased to offer other agencies comprehensive training programmes which are tailored to the specific requirements of the authority requesting our services.

Useful contact numbers
The Wandsworth Parks Police is a 24/7 service and can be contacted on:

Telephone: 020 8871 7532
Fax: 020 7223 2750

Email: parkspolice@wandsworth.gov.uk 

Or write to:

The Chief Officer
Parks Police
Battersea Park
London SW11 4NJ