Oxford University Police

Two "Proctors Officers" outside the Examination Schools in 2009

The Oxford University Police, or Oxford University Constables (popularly known as Bulldogs or Bullers), was the private police force of the University of Oxford between 1829 and 2003. They carried warrant cards and were empowered to act as police officers within the university precincts and within areas of Oxford within four miles of any university building.[1][2] As of 2001, the force existed as a private constabulary (a non-Home Office police force) with 40 sworn constables.[3] They were widely recognised for the bowler hats which formed part of their uniform,[1] and formerly had the duty of patrolling outside the Examination Schools alongside the university proctors, the officials responsible for discipline in the university.[4] They were abolished by the University Council in 2003.[5][6]

  1. ^ a b p194-5, Bruce, Alastair and Calder, Julian, Keepers of the Kingdom (Cassell, 2002), ISBN 0-304-36201-8
  2. ^ University police branded 'too powerful' Archived 2014-08-09 at the Wayback Machine, Oxford Times, 22 May 2002
  3. ^ Police Numbers Task Force Report and Recommendations Archived 2007-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, Home Office, 18 December 2001
  4. ^ Oration by the Senior Proctor Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, Oxford University Gazette, 23 March 2000
  5. ^ Straw rejoices as Oxford's Bulldogs are put down, The Daily Telegraph, 15 October 2002
  6. ^ Oration by the Senior Proctor Archived 5 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Oxford University Gazette, 27 March 2003