Police History

Police in one form or other have been established on the Isle of Man since the formation of four regional High Bailiffs’ Police Forces in 1777.

Thanks to the book Isle of Man Constabulary by George Turnbull, we are able to provide a wealth of information about the constabulary's development, from law enforcement in the 18th century to present day policing, touching on the first appointed WPC and the formation of the Special Constabulary.

The sections follow times of significant change or each new Chief (formerly Head) Constable’s term of office. We hope you enjoy looking through the various eras which led to the development of the Isle of Man’s modern police force. Please send us your comments and feedback by email to GeneralEnquiries.dha@gov.im.

Information up to the 1980s reproduced from the book Isle of Man Constabulary by George Turnbull, by kind permission of the publishers, Mansk-Svenska Publishing Company Limited, of Peel, Isle of Man. The Department of Home Affairs also gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Manx National Heritage. Old photos reproduced by kind permission of Manx National Heritage unless otherwise credited. Head Constable and Chief Constable photos provided by Isle of Man Constabulary.