There has been a police presence in Bourne since the mid-19th century, originally based at the police station on the corner of Burghley Street and North Street but this building was replaced by new premises in West Street in 1960 when the old one was demolished make way for a block of old people’s maisonettes. Lincolnshire Constabulary was formed in 1857, covering the three former administrative counties of Lindsey, Holland and Kesteven, with an authorised strength of 207. Lincolnshire Police, as the force is now known, has expanded considerably since then and by March 2007, it employed 1,228 regular officers, 149 Community Support Officers, a new breed of police men and women although with limited powers, 784 civilian support staff and an annual budget is £108.6 million, which accounts for 10% of the total council tax bill.
The police in past times had a reputation for regular foot patrols around Bourne but these have been largely phased out by modern policing methods while the police station was downgraded to police office status in 2000 with office hours only on five days a week (closed for lunch) and an indeterminate staffing level for duties in the town. A detailed
history of the police in Bourne together with many old photographs See also www.lincs.police.uk * I am indebted to Lincolnshire Police for permission to use a photograph of their insignia. Return to HOME PAGE MAIN INDEX |
