Police management team

Denis Murphy was appointed Chief Police Officer of the Teesport Harbour Police in December 1999, following a long and successful career in the Royal Military Police. Since his appointment, the Harbour Police have been reorganised and a more robust training regime has been introduced. Denis holds a Master of Science Degree in Security and Risk Management from the University of Leicester and is a member of the Ports Police Chief Officers’ Association.

Mark Hardy – known as Olly - has been a member of the Harbour Police for 10 years. He previously served with the Royal Military Police in a variety of roles. In his current role, he regularly has as to deal with the security issues faced by ships’ crew when visiting the Ports of Tees and Hartlepool.

Olly is the Training and Development Officer for the force, and, working with Teesside University (School of Social Sciences and Law) he was instrumental in gaining accreditation for the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) course which we deliver to delegates from around the world.

Completion of the course will lead to the award of a University Certificate in Professional Development (UCPD) and 30 credit points for Higher Education. The course is designed to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the role of the PFSO.

He also designed and developed a training course for Probationer Harbour Police Constables which has also been accredited by Teesside University.

Duties include the day to day running of the police department and administration including maintaining staffing levels. Liaises with partner agencies, arranges and co-ordinates joint operations and also carries out criminal and internal investigations. Also keeps contact with Training and Development Sergeant with regard to additional training requirements. Carries out case file checks prior to submission to the Criminal Justice Unit.