Brief description of the St Helena Police detachment on Ascension Island:

Ascension Island is one of the friendliest police beats in the world. The island's police force comprises only six officers; four constables, a Sergeant, and an Inspector. Together they police the population of just over a thousand men, women and children.

Ascension Island Police Station, Georgetown, Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean ASCN 1ZZ	Tel:	(+247) 6412
	Fax:	(+247) 6342
	E-mail:

The police officers are seconded from the Island of St Helena, some 700 miles south of Ascension. They are initially trained on St Helena, although more specialized training is carried out in the United Kingdom. The officers are seconded for a two year tour of duty, and are accompanied by their families. The posting is considered by most to be a benefit, as Ascension salaries are more attractive than St Helena, but low in comparison to the UK.

Ascension Island Police patrol vehicle

The St Helena Police undertake various tasks not normally associated with police work. Under the detachment's umbrella comes duties such as immigration, vehicle registration and issuing licenses for vehicles, driving, firearms. Other unusual duties include the manning of Her Majesty's Prison as Prison Warders.

The highest possible emphasis is placed on maintaining good public and police relations, and this has done much to maintain the crime free environment. There is no indigenous population, no unemployment and no real poverty. The community takes a dim view of any offence and these results in a very law abiding population with a high regard of the local constabulary and the joy of living in a near crime free environment. Many people returning to the outside world find it difficult to remember to lock their houses and remove the keys from their cars. The island's children enjoy a freedom seldom found in "civilization". Parents may let their children roam at will, day or night, confident that no harm will come to them. Many youngsters make it a common practice to visit the police station where they are always welcome to stop and chat. The police are also active in their support for the Island's youth groups such as the Scouts and Cub Scouts.

Ascension Island Police Station, Georgetown

In 2004 the police detachment moved into their new building which was the former Administrators Office. This was funded by Foreign and Commonwealth Office from Good Governance Funds to bring the Police Station, Courtroom and the Prison up to the current standards of similar facilities in the U.K.
The Police Station now provides separate offices for the Inspector, Sergeant and Constables, Criminal Investigation room, Immigration Clerks Office, Armoury and Storage rooms. A ramp access was also made to take account of disabled people. Following the completion of the new Police Station, their existing accommodation in the Courtroom was vacated which enabled the size of the Courtroom to be extended and a public area provided. In addition there are now dedicated rooms for both the Prosecution and Defence Advocates, a room for the Magistrates and male and female toilet facilities.
The Prison which is situated adjacent to the Police Station was the last phase of the scheme. The design of it and the specialist security doors and equipment installed, was specified following consultation with the Prison Advisor from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Prison consist of two cells with en-suite toilets, a separate bathroom area, a day room with access to an exercise yard, and an office for the receipt of prisoners, where an emergency system is situated to summon assistance in the event of an emergency. After completion the facilities were inspected by Chief Justice Geoffrey Martin, who was transiting through Ascension on his return from St Helena. The Chief Justice was very complementary about the standard of the new facilities, which he commented were now equal or better than many in use in the U.K.

Police Staff Picture.

The day to day running of the detachment is undertaken by the Sergeant. The Inspector, in overall command, reports to the Chief of Police on St Helena, who in turn reports directly to the Governor and Commander in Chief of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha. A large emphasis is placed on community liaison using foot patrols and visits to the various establishments, also school liaison.

The law on the island is a mixture of Ascension Ordinances, St Helena Ordinances, and English Law. All however are based on English law, adapted to suit the local circumstances. The majorities of offences reported are traffic offences, drinking and driving, or driving without due care and attention. There are occasions whereby crime is reported such as thefts and violent crime. The Inspector takes on the role of Public Prosecutor, and the defendant is frequently represented by a lay representative; a member of the public with an interest in the law. The case is heard by three Justices of the Peace one of which is the Chief Magistrate. If there are any appeals, or there is a more serious case, this is heard by the Circuit Judge on his way to St. Helena, who visits every six months. Needless to say there are many occasions when he passes though without a case to hear.

The policing of Ascension can be likened to the role of the old time "Village Bobby". A member of the community, but someone to call on in time of need. There is one difference however; the beat is in the tropical sun on a peaceful island - a friendly beat indeed!