Metropolitan Police

Metropolitan Police
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Name	Metropolitan Police
Motto	Working together for a safer London
Formed	29 September 1829
Jurisdiction	Greater London (excluding City of London)
Headquarters	New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment
Chief officer	Commissioner
Commissioner	Sir Mark Rowley
Officers	Approx. 34,000
Civilian	Approx. 9,000
Website	https://www.met.police.uk/

Metropolitan Police. Founded by Home Secretary Robert Peel under the Metropolitan Police Act 1829, it is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement across the majority of the Greater London region, excluding the separate jurisdiction of the City of London Police. As the United Kingdom's largest police force, it plays a central role in national counter-terrorism policing through its Counter Terrorism Command and provides protective security for the British Royal Family and senior government figures. Its headquarters, known globally as New Scotland Yard, has been located at the Victoria Embankment since 2016.

History

The establishment of the force was a landmark reform, driven by the perceived inadequacy of the existing parish constable system and the Bow Street Runners in the rapidly expanding industrial metropolis. The first commissioners were Charles Rowan and Richard Mayne, who set up the original headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place, with a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard giving the force its enduring nickname. The early "Peelers" or "Bobbies" faced significant public suspicion but gradually gained acceptance, with their role expanding during events like the Chartist protests. The 20th century saw the force confront challenges from the Suffragette movement, the General Strike of 1926, and the policing of The Blitz during the Second World War. Major reorganizations followed the Police Act 1964 and the Macpherson Report in 1999, which investigated its handling of the Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Organization and structure

The force is led by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who reports directly to the Mayor of London's Office for Policing and Crime and the Home Office. Its geographical area is divided into twelve Basic Command Units, each aligned with a London borough or group of boroughs, such as the Westminster and the Camden command. Specialist operational commands include the Specialist Crime & Operations directorate, the Frontline Policing directorate, and the aforementioned Counter Terrorism Command, known as SO15. The force also houses national units like the National Domestic Extremism and Disorder Intelligence Unit and provides the Diplomatic Protection Group.

Powers and duties

Officers derive their powers primarily from the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and common law, performing duties ranging from routine patrol and crime prevention to complex criminal investigations. The force has specific responsibilities for protecting designated sites including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and 10 Downing Street, as well as providing security for visiting dignitaries and events of national significance like the State Opening of Parliament. It works in close partnership with other agencies including the British Transport Police, the National Crime Agency, and the Crown Prosecution Service. Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, it has a major role in emergency planning and response across the capital.

Notable operations and controversies

The force has managed numerous high-profile operations, including the security for the 2012 Summer Olympics and the investigation into the 7 July 2005 London bombings. Its counter-terrorism efforts were tested during incidents like the Salisbury poisonings and the 2017 Westminster attack. Controversial episodes have significantly impacted public trust, notably the flawed initial investigation into the Murder of Stephen Lawrence, the Death of Jean Charles de Menezes in 2005, and the tactics used during the Miners' Strike (1984–85). More recent scrutiny has focused on issues of institutional corruption, racism, and misogyny, highlighted by the Murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer and the findings of the Baroness Casey Review.

Ranks and insignia

The rank structure follows the standard British model for police forces, with insignia worn on epaulettes. Senior ranks include the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner, followed by Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Commander. The middle ranks comprise Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, and Chief Inspector. Junior ranks are Inspector, Sergeant, and Constable, with the latter forming the bulk of the workforce. Special constables hold the rank of Special Constable and have the same powers as regular officers. Distinctive historical ranks such as Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District have been abolished.

Equipment and vehicles

Officers are typically equipped with expandable batons, PAVA spray, and rigid handcuffs, while firearms are carried by specially trained officers from the Firearms Command, SO19. The vehicle fleet includes marked and unmarked cars, vans, and motorcycles, with brands such as BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen being common. Specialist units utilize a range of vehicles, from armed response cars to the Marine Policing Unit's boats on the River Thames and the Mounted Branch's horses. Air support is provided by the National Police Air Service operating from North Weald Airfield.

Category:Law enforcement in the United Kingdom Category:Organisations based in London Category:1829 establishments in the United Kingdom