This constabulary was established in 1824 as a one man force. The first constable was John Bowstead, replaced a year later by Charles Gourley. The constables immediate supervisor was the Harbour Master.
By 1840 there were 6 constables and one Chief Constable - Samuel Dunlop. In 1847 the force was incorporated under the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act of 1847.
By 1861 there were 32 officers, and a helmet with 'white ornaments' was being worn. Andrew Morrow took over as Chief Constable in 1871.
At the time of the Edward VII's Visit to Ireland in 1903 the force numbered 65 men. The King approved the award of the 1903 Visit to Ireland medal to the BHP.
Helmets were discontinued in 1907 and replaced by peaked caps, bearing an uncrowned 8 pointed star.
During the 1939-45 war the force was temporarily merged with the RUC. Although it retained its uniform, the badge was changed to include the Kings Crown. The badge is still in use today.
Source: PICA 189/22
