'˜We have much to be proud of' says police chief as Northamptonshire marks 50th anniversary

Northamptonshire Police force is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a single police force today...just days after announcing it could have a 'full alliance' with neighbouring forces by 2020.
Police Headquarters, Wootton Hall. Police HQ ENGNNL00120110703161827Police Headquarters, Wootton Hall. Police HQ ENGNNL00120110703161827
Police Headquarters, Wootton Hall. Police HQ ENGNNL00120110703161827

Earlier this week, the force revealed it had been in talks with Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire about forming an official alliance and they have requested more detailed plans about how it could operate.

Today, April 1, is the the 50th birthday of Northamptonshire Police as a single police force for the county.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “On this date in 1966, Northamptonshire County Constabulary merged with Northampton Borough Police to become one Force and was originally known as the ‘Northampton and County Constabulary’. At this time the Force had an estimated 442 officers.

“In 1966, the first Chief Constable of the newly amalgamated Force was John Gott. He held this post until his death in 1972.

“In his youth, he was a keen rally driver and his interest in cars remained throughout his life. Gott sat on many Home Office Committees concerned with traffic laws and was known for his outspoken views on the wearing of seatbelts and speed limits. Gott was racing his car at a racing circuit when tragically he had a heart attack at the wheel and was killed instantly,” he said.

Gott was succeeded by Frederick Cutting. Cutting substantially increased spending on the Force, with new equipment and police cars, the spokesman said. He replaced the plain black Wolsey 16/90 with a new modern patrol car (BLMC 2200). In contrast to the plain black Wolsey the new cars were painted white with ‘go faster’ stripes along the sides. Cutting also oversaw our name change to Northamptonshire Police in 1974.

Chief Constable Simon Edens said: “A huge amount has happened in policing over the last 50 years. I want to take the opportunity during our Golden Anniversary year to look back and share some of our history and celebrate our success.

“A number of anniversary celebrations and events will be taking place throughout the year as we acknowledge the changes and advances we’ve seen over the past five decades, all of which has helped us develop into the modern policing service we are today.

“Please keep a look out for the stories, photos and artefacts we’ll be sharing over the next 12 months. This is a great opportunity for us to take some time to look back, while continuing to move forward.

“We have a rich history and a huge amount to be proud of, and I very much look forward to celebrating with officers, staff and the public as we mark our 50th year as a single Force.

“Happy 50th Birthday Northamptonshire Police,” he added.