A free exhibition was launched on 6th August by Belfast Harbour and Lagan Legacy to help tell the hidden history of Ireland’s oldest police force, Belfast Harbour Police, which appointed its first officer in 1824.
In keeping with the nautical nature of the constabulary, which is still serving the needs of the 21st Century Harbour community, the exhibition is being hosted by the ‘Belfast Barge’ berthed at Lanyon Quay near the Waterfront Hall. www.belfastbarge.com
Launching the event to coincide with the World Police & Fire Games, Belfast Harbour’s Chief Officer, Stephen Reid, said:
“Belfast Harbour Police is one of the oldest services in the British Isles, but its history is not widely appreciated.”
“For almost 200 years the Harbour Police have been meeting the particular needs of the Harbour Estate, providing a mix of services ranging from the interception of smuggled goods through to enforcing speed limits and helping police major outdoor concerts.”
“Belfast’s growth has always been tied up in its Harbour and new developments such as Titanic Belfast and Titanic Quarter suggest that the city’s future lies there too. As Belfast Harbour continues to evolve, be that through increasing cruise calls or the growing number of residents living in the area, the Harbour Police will continue to adapt to meet those new challenges.”
The exhibition will run throughout August on the ‘Belfast Barge’ and is open to the public between 10am and 4pm.
