History

Cumberland and Westmorland Constabulary has a history traced back to around 1856.
In 1947 they joined up with Kendal Borough Police.
Less than 20 years later the Constabulary joined with Carlisle City Police forming a Force, very similar to the one we know today.
It was 1967 when the name of the force became Cumbria Constabulary.
1974 saw the force boundaries expand to include other parts of a Cumbria, in particular Furness and Sedbergh Rural District.

Cumbria’s First Chief

The Very First Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary - Sir John Dunne 
Sir John Dunne was the very first Chief Constable of the Constabulary back in 1857. He served until 1902, so that’s 45 years in charge. He increased the force from 64 people to 107 in 1856, and introduced the idea of training before that officers would be sent out on their beats without instruction. He also made lots of rules, orders, and regulations, which they would frame and give to the force.

Sir John Dunne also believed that crime prevention should be the main objective of his men, rather than detection.

By 1891, under his guidance, the force had increased to 219. He received lots of recognition for his long and devoted service including a watch and chain given by the Emperor of Germany and a knighthood in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee list. He was also made Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Cumberland.

Chief Constables Through The Years
1902 to the present day