NEWS
POLICING BRITAIN DURING THE WAR
During Remembrance Sunday, countries across the Commonwealth commemorate the men and women of the armed forces who have fallen in the line of duty
Staff Training - gas protection equipment A parade in Filton in 1944
The outbreak of war had a significant impact on British policing, especially during World War Two:
• Loss of Personnel: Many constables and sergeants were also reservists and
• Special Constables: To compensate for the loss of regular officers, the number
were called up for military service, which resulted in a significant reduction in police personnel. The police force was not considered a reserved occupation during the war, so they had to contend with a loss of experienced officers.
• Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps: Women were encouraged to join the
of special constables was greatly increased.
• Police Orders: Police Orders were issued daily by the Commissioner of
police force and were mainly engaged in administrative roles and dealing with women and children. They received payment for their services.
• Police Numbers: The police force sought to maintain its numbers through
Police to provide essential information and instructions to officers during wartime. These orders covered a wide range of topics, including new regulations.
various means, including re-engaging
• Age Profile: As young men joined the armed forces, the police
police pensioners, calling up members of the police reserve for temporary war service, and recruiting women and special constables. Police auxiliary messengers, young boys aged 14- 18, were also recruited to assist with communications.
• Increased Duties: The police force had to take on additional responsibilities
force saw its age profile shift toward older officers who either stayed past their retirement age or enlisted as reserve constables or special constables.
• Sickness Rate: The increased workload and stresses of wartime duty
contributed to a growing sickness rate among police forces.
Despite these challenges, the police played a crucial role in maintaining law and
during the war, including enforcing blackout regulations, assisting in rescue operations during and after air raids, monitoring enemy aliens, and pursuing army deserters. These new tasks added to their workload.
order on the home front during a tumultuous time in British history. PFEW will pause to remember the
service and sacrifice of the armed forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth on Sunday 11 November, with a two-minute silence at 11am.
07 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2023
World War II training Parkway 1943. All photos : Gloucestershire Police Archives
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