The officers took several golliwogs from the White Hart Inn in Grays, Essex, on April 4, as part of an investigation into an allegation of hate crime reported on February 24.
A source close to the Home Secretary said her unhappiness at the incident had been passed on to the force, as first reported by the Mail Online.
Officers attended a location off Argent Street, Grays, and seized several items in connection with that investigation
The outlet quoted a Home Office source as saying police forces “should not be getting involved in this kind of nonsense” and instead focus on “catching criminals”.
However, Essex Police have had no contact from Ms Braverman over the investigation, it is understood.
A team of four officers and one tutee attended the pub last week after a report of someone being racially harassed, alarmed or distressed by the presence of the rag dolls, which are based on 18th century minstrels and now regarded as racist caricatures.
The force said it is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service on the matter.
Owner Benice Ryley said she has displayed the collection of around 30 dolls, donated by her late aunt and customers, in the pub for nearly 10 years.
She told the PA news agency: “They’re my childhood history, it’s a part of our inheritance. I can’t see any harm.
If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come through the door
“I really am angry because what they’ve taken away is valuable.”
Mrs Ryley hit back at allegations of racism, saying the pub frequently hosts Indian weddings, and said she does not understand how people could be offended by the dolls.
“No, I don’t know how they can find it offensive,” she said.
“If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come through the door.”
No arrests have been made, with Mrs Ryley’s husband Chris set to be questioned when he returns from abroad in May.
Ms Braverman’s reported intervention comes after she last week drew criticism for singling out British Pakistani men over grooming gang concerns, despite government research finding no clear link between gang members and ethnicity.
The force is proud of the work we do prevent crime, tackle offenders and build trust and confidence in all communities
The Home Secretary, who once railed against the “tofu-eating wokerati”, is regarded as a divisive figure for her remarks on migration and “culture war” issues.
Essex Police said: “We are investigating an allegation of hate crime reported to us on February 24.
“Essex Police have discussed the progression of this case with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“On Tuesday April 4, officers attended a location off Argent Street, Grays, and seized several items in connection with that investigation.
“The force is proud of the work we do prevent crime, tackle offenders and build trust and confidence in all communities.”
