Police force name changed

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has announced that her request to legally change the name of Hampshire Constabulary to include the Isle of Wight has been successful.

Hampshire Constabulary will now be called Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The official name change was marked on Wednesday 16th November at an unveiling event at Newport Police Station, where the new logo, including the new King’s cypher, was revealed.

Donna Jones said: “I’m absolutely delighted Isle of Wight residents have their county included in the name of the police force which serves them. I pledged to get this done after listening to the wishes of local residents.

“I want to reassure people that costs are being kept to a minimum. The branding of police uniforms, cars and buildings will be phased in over time as equipment is changed and updated.”

In 1943, the island force merged with the Hampshire and Winchester forces as part of the war effort, later becoming Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In 1967, this merged with Portsmouth and Southampton forces, to become Hampshire Constabulary.