City of London Police

City of London Police
Name	City of London Police
Motto	Domine Dirige Nos
Formed	1839
Preceding1	City of London night watch system
Jurisdiction	City of London
Headquarters	Guildhall
Sworn	1,300+ (including specials)
Chief1 position	Commissioner
Agency type	Territorial police force

City of London Police. It is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement within the historic City of London, England's financial heart. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1839, it operates independently from the Metropolitan Police Service which covers the rest of Greater London. The force is renowned for its expertise in investigating fraud and is headquartered at the Guildhall.

History

The force was formally created in 1839, replacing the older City of London night watch system. Its establishment followed the precedent set by the Metropolitan Police Service founded a decade earlier under Home Secretary Robert Peel. Throughout the Victorian era, it policed a densely populated area, dealing with events like the Chartist protests. The force's headquarters moved to the Old Bailey in 1842, a site later occupied by the Central Criminal Court. It faced significant challenges during the Blitz in World War II, with its stations suffering damage from Luftwaffe bombing raids. The post-war period saw a shift in focus towards financial crime as the Square Mile evolved into a global banking centre.

Jurisdiction and responsibilities

The force's primary jurisdiction is the Square Mile, the historic and financial core governed by the City of London Corporation. This area includes iconic landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the London Stock Exchange. While geographically small, its responsibility encompasses protecting a massive concentration of financial institutions, including many investment banks and insurance markets like Lloyd's of London. It holds national lead force responsibilities for fraud in England and Wales, operating the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The force also provides policing for major events within its bounds, such as the Lord Mayor's Show.

Organisation and structure

Commanded by a Commissioner appointed by the City of London Corporation, the force is overseen by a Police Authority committee. Its operational structure includes several policing commands, with the Economic Crime Directorate being its most prominent department. Support functions include Counter Terrorism coordination and a dedicated Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit for the area's embassies. The force works closely with adjacent commands of the Metropolitan Police Service, such as the Central South Command Unit, and national agencies like the National Crime Agency on complex investigations.

Specialist units and functions

A key specialist unit is the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, which tackles copyright infringement and counterfeit goods. The Financial Conduct Authority often collaborates with the force's fraud squads. Other specialist teams include the Art and Antiques Unit, a Dog Section for explosives and currency detection, and a Marine Policing Unit patrolling the River Thames. The force also maintains a Ceremonial and Security branch responsible for events involving the Lord Mayor of London and the ancient Livery Companies.

Uniforms and equipment

Officers wear a distinctive uniform, notably featuring custodian helmets for foot patrols, a tradition shared with the Metropolitan Police Service. Their headgear bears a unique coat of arms of the City of London Corporation, incorporating the cross of Saint George and the dragon symbol. The force's vehicles and equipment are marked with its red and white chequered Sillitoe tartan pattern and the force crest. Officers are equipped with standard issue Taser devices and work alongside Police Community Support Officers who wear similar uniforms.

Notable incidents and operations

The force investigated the 1993 Bishopsgate bombing carried out by the Provisional Irish Republican Army. It led the complex inquiry into the Libor scandal, resulting in convictions for rate-rigging. A major operation was the policing of the Occupy London protest camp outside St Paul's Cathedral in 2011. The force also played a critical role in the response to the 2017 London Bridge attack, supporting the Metropolitan Police Service. Its Economic Crime Directorate frequently handles high-profile cases involving insider trading and large-scale boiler room frauds.

Category:Law enforcement agencies in London Category:City of London Category:Police forces of England