Metropolitan Police Service

Metropolitan Police Service
Name	Metropolitan Police Service
Motto	Working together for a safer London
Formed	29 September 1829
Employees	Approx. 43,000 officers and staff
Headquarters	New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London
Country	England
Jurisdiction	Greater London (excluding City of London)
Minister1 name	Home Secretary
Chief1 name	Commissioner
Chief1 position	Sir Mark Rowley
Website	www.met.police.uk

Metropolitan Police Service. Commonly known as the Met, it is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in Greater London, excluding the square mile of the City of London, which is policed by the separate City of London Police. Established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel under the Metropolitan Police Act 1829, it is one of the oldest and largest police forces in the world, with a complex mandate covering everything from local neighbourhood policing to national counter-terrorism and royal protection duties. Its headquarters, since 2016, is located at New Scotland Yard in the Victoria area of Westminster.

History

The force was founded by the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, based on the principles of policing by consent, which became known as the Peelian Principles. Its first commissioners were Sir Charles Rowan and Sir Richard Mayne, who established its initial structure and ethos. The early force, nicknamed "Peelers" or "Bobbies" after its founder, patrolled the streets of a rapidly expanding London grappling with high crime rates and social unrest. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it was involved in policing major events such as the Chartist demonstrations, the Suffragette movement, and the Blitz during the Second World War. Key historical developments include the formation of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1878 and the establishment of the Special Branch in 1883 to combat Irish republican terrorism. The Jack the Ripper murders in 1888 presented one of its first major unsolved serial killer investigations.

Organisation and structure

The service is led by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, currently Sir Mark Rowley, who reports to the Mayor of London's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and, ultimately, the Home Secretary. Its operational structure is divided into several frontline commands, including Central Specialist Crime, which handles major investigations like homicide and organised crime; Specialist Operations, responsible for Royalty and Specialist Protection, Counter Terrorism Command, and parliamentary policing; and the Basic Command Units (BCUs), which provide local policing across London's 32 boroughs. Key support departments include the Directorate of Professional Standards and the Forensic Science Service. The force works closely with other agencies such as the British Transport Police, the National Crime Agency, and the City of London Police.

Operations and responsibilities

Its primary role is to prevent and detect crime within the Greater London area, a jurisdiction covering over 8 million people. Core responsibilities include emergency response, neighbourhood policing, criminal investigation, and public order management for major events like Notting Hill Carnival and state occasions. It also holds significant national responsibilities, with its Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) acting as the national lead for counter-terrorism investigations within the UK, and its Protection Command (SO1 and SO14) providing security for the British Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. Other specialist units include the Marine Policing Unit, the Mounted Branch, and the Dog Support Unit.

Ranks and insignia

The service uses the standard British police ranks, which are, in descending order: Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Commander, Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant, and Police Constable. The rank insignia are worn on the epaulettes and follow a system of crowns, stars, and bars. The most senior ranks, from Commander upwards, are classified as ACPO ranks and hold strategic command roles. The rank of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) is a uniformed, non-warranted role that supports frontline policing.

Equipment and vehicles

Uniformed officers are typically equipped with a baton, handcuffs, and a PAVA incapacitant spray, with most officers not routinely carrying firearms. Specialist firearms officers, from units like the Specialist Firearms Command (MO19), are armed with weapons such as the Glock 17 pistol and Heckler & Koch carbines. The fleet includes a wide range of vehicles from standard BMW and Volkswagen patrol cars to armoured Jankel vehicles used by the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection command. Other operational assets include helicopters from the National Police Air Service, boats from the Marine Policing Unit, and horses from the Mounted Branch.

Controversies and criticism

The force has faced significant scrutiny and controversy throughout its history. Major inquiries include the Macpherson Report of 1999, which found the force to be institutionally racist following the failed investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. More recent crises include the handling of the Murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, which sparked a national debate on violence against women and police vetting, leading to the Angiolini Inquiry. It has also been criticised for its use of stop and search powers, its policing of public protests such as the Death of Ian Tomlinson during the 2009 G-20 London summit protests, and its management of high-profile investigations like Operation Midland. These events have led to repeated calls for major cultural and institutional reform from bodies like His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

Category:Metropolitan Police Service Category:Law enforcement agencies established in 1829 Category:1829 establishments in the United Kingdom