One autumn day in 2007, two police officers were engaged in hot pursuit of a pair of known drug dealers speeding away in their vehicle. Within minutes of the encounter, Police Constables Iestyn Lewis-Jones and Roger Smith found themselves in a very precarious situation. After risking both life and limb (literally) and suffering injuries, PCs Lewis-Jones and Smith were able to apprehend the two drug dealers. For their work in capturing the offenders, both officers were honoured in a national bravery award ceremony in 2010. Officers Lewis-Jones and Smith are both members of Cheshire Constabulary, a dedicated police force in North West England.
The Cheshire police force, officially known as Cheshire Constabulary, is responsible for maintaining law and order in a vastly diverse area of about .946 square miles with a resident population of nearly a million individuals. The Cheshire police force covers locations in rural, industrial, and urbanized settings including 200 miles of motorway which is one of the longest in the United Kingdom. Other key locations lying within its scope are the international airports in Manchester and Liverpool.
Cheshire Constabulary relies on approximately 2,200 police constables supported by around 1,500 staff members, about 250 PCSOs, and 250 special constables. In addition, the Cheshire police force also has an air operations unit under its command.
Cheshire Constabulary operates through a well-defined force structure. Prior to 2004, the force was organised into six divisions, each corresponding to a particular unitary authority area. However, in 2004, the existing Cheshire police force structure was replaced with three Basic Command Units each with its own Chief Superintended as head. These three Basic Command Units include Northern Area which serves Warrington and Halton districts, Eastern Area which covers Cheshire East, and Western Area which polices Cheshire West and Chester. Each of these three BCUs is composed of specialised teams which are responsible for specific policing functions.
Cheshire Constabulary has come a long way from its formation in 1857. Nonetheless, the men and women of the Cheshire police force, officers like PCs Lewis-Jones and Smith, still maintain dedication to their duty, a dedication which has lasted for more than a century.
