;
Feedback
What do you think about us?
Your name
Your email
Message
The Metropolitan Police Service, established in 1829, marked the beginning of professional policing. Sir Robert Peel's contributions were pivotal, leading to the creation of a force that emphasized crime prevention, public cooperation, and civil liberties. The Met's early officers were distinct from the military, and over time, reforms and expansions like the CID and Special Branch have shaped modern law enforcement.
Show More
The Metropolitan Police Service was established in 1829 as a response to the inadequacies of the existing law enforcement mechanisms in dealing with rising crime rates and societal complexities
Commitment to Reforming Law Enforcement
Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary, played a crucial role in the creation of the Metropolitan Police Service through his commitment to reforming law enforcement
Influence on Policing in London and Ireland
Peel's influence on policing extended beyond London, as he had previously established the Royal Irish Constabulary while serving as Chief Secretary for Ireland
The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 established fundamental principles such as prioritizing crime prevention, public cooperation, impartiality, and restrained use of force, which shaped the ethos of the force
The Metropolitan Police officers were carefully selected and underwent strict recruitment standards, including age, height, fitness, literacy, and character, and were trained to distinguish them from military personnel
The first Metropolitan Police officers wore blue uniforms and civilian-style top hats, carried wooden truncheons, handcuffs, and hand rattles, and were later equipped with whistles for signaling
The Metropolitan Police faced initial skepticism and hostility from the public due to their novel concept and omnipresence on the streets, but gradually won over the public through improved conduct and crime reduction
The Metropolitan Police underwent numerous reforms to enhance discipline and address corruption, including the organization into territorial divisions, enlistment of citizens as Special Constables, and establishment of the detective branch and Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
The Metropolitan Police expanded its jurisdiction and created the Special Branch to address terrorism, further solidifying its role in crime reduction and setting a standard for modern policing worldwide
00
The establishment of the Met was in reaction to the failure of previous law enforcement, like the ______, to manage increasing crime during the ______.
Bow Street Runners
Industrial Revolution
01
Date Metropolitan Police commenced patrols
September 29, 1829
02
Original nickname for Metropolitan Police officers
Peelers
