Policing Preston: A History of Preston Borough Police 1815 - 1969 (Paperback)

Preston formed its own police force in 1815. It was the first organised and financed force in Lancashire and predates both the Metropolitan Police (formed in 1829) and the Lancashire Constabulary. The force served the town of Preston and its inhabitants for 154 years before being compulsorily amalgamated into Lancashire Constabulary in 1969. By 1969 the force had grown to have an establishment of 283 officers, 34 civilian members of staff and 29 vehicles. It operated from its headquarters at Earl Street and a number of operational bases throughout the town. It had its own Traffic patrols, Dog handlers and CID departments, underwater search unit and stolen vehicle squad.

During the 154 years, the town, and its police saw many changes. This book details a number of the major crimes in Preston, the history of the force and its men and women and the challenges faced over the years.