York Minster - which is one of only seven cathedrals in the world to maintain its own constabulary - has eight specially trained constables.
Seven Cathedrals with private police forces
York Minster, UK
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, UK
Canterbury Cathedral, UK
Hereford Cathedral, UK
Chester Cathedral, UK
St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Washington National Cathedral, USA
They will be permitted to carry truncheons and arrest and detain criminal suspects within the grounds of the cathedral.
Mark Sutcliffe, Head of Security, said: "We have worked closely alongside North Yorkshire Police for many years to keep the Minster and the people who visit it from around the world safe.
"The memorandum of understanding acts as a formal agreement between the cathedral and North Yorkshire Police around operational policing responsibilities within the Minster and its precinct and the new training and attestation ensures our Cathedral Constables have the professional skills and powers necessary to execute their duties."
The police force, formed in the 13th century, was created to protect the grounds of the cathedral.
York Minster cathedral force 1900
The constables lost their power of arrest in the 1930s when they stopped being sworn in the same way as regular police officers.
Officers from Canterbury, Liverpool and Chester Cathedral already have the power to arrest.