The Metropolitan Police Force

In 1829, the British parliament formed the third non-military police force in the world - the Metropolitan Police Force. Although it was the third, this police force was the first professional, centrally organised force - read on to find out all about it.

London Metropolitan Police History

Industrialisation, increasing crime, and its portrayal by the media at the beginning of the 19th century led upper and middle-class communities to become increasingly concerned. It became clear that the existing system of policing, organised by groups such as the Bow Street Runners, was insufficient and outdated.

Many members of the public, particularly those in poor areas where crime thrived, were suspicious of the new police force. They often saw the police as persecuting the public rather than protecting them. Founder Robert Peel made particular efforts to build public trust in the police - read on to find out how.

London "Peeler"(Policeman) in the 1850s with Top Hat

The Metropolitan Police Force 1829: Robert Peel

We've mentioned that Robert Peel was the founder of the Metropolitan Police, but who was he?

• Peel served as Home Secretary from 1828 to 1830.
• He not only established the Metropolitan Police but had long advocated for reform of law enforcement.
• He is known as the Father of Modern British Policing, and officers of the police force were nicknamed "Peelers" after him.
• Peel went on to serve as Prime Minister twice, from 1834 to 1835 and from 1841 to 1846.

Robert Peel (1788-1850), The Father of Modern British Policing

“Peelers” first began to patrol the streets of London on 29 September 1829. They would become the model for police forces across the country, with forces initially expanded to the London boroughs and eventually counties and towns through the 1839 County Police Act.

Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 Principles

Peel communicated several key principles for the new police force. Significantly, the police's effectiveness was to be measured on crime rates as opposed to the number of people arrested. The officers were also expected to be accountable and to gain public trust.

Other principles that officers were expected to adhere to include:

• Preventing crime rather than focusing on punishing criminals;
• Recognising the police rely on public support to fulfil their duties;
• Demonstrating impartiality and fairness by ignoring one's wealth or social standing;
• Only using physical force as a last resort when de-escalation has failed.

Although not directly outlined in the Act, these principles were communicated through the training material. These principles aimed to legitimise the police and build trust with the public.

Facts about the First Metropolitan Police Force

The first Metropolitan Police Force aimed to avoid military association - how did they do that?

Joining the Metropolitan Police

Even though the new force was one of the first “modern” police forces, constables were required to adhere to several unique rules and requirements. Requirements for joining the police force included:

• Age between 20 and 27
• At least 5 foot 7 in height
• Physically fit
• Literate
• No history of troublemaking

As well as a blue tail coat and top hat, each constable was issued with a wooden truncheon, handcuffs and a hand rattle to raise alarm.

Constables worked long 12-hour shifts six or even seven days a week, receiving the equivalent of about £1 a week. Their lives were strictly controlled, with officers required to wear their uniforms even when not on duty. This was done so the public could be aware of who was a police officer and to prevent suspicion that they were being spied on by the police.

American Police Rattle similar to those originally used by the Metropolitan Police

Public Perception

Despite the various efforts to build public trust in the police force, the new force was initially met with a high degree of suspicion and distrust. A professional police force on this scale was a completely new concept, and rather than making the public feel safe, regular police patrols came across as rather intimidating.

This wasn’t helped by the lack of discipline amongst the constables. In the early days of the Metropolitan Police, 80% of dismissals were due to drunkenness.

As a civilian force answerable to the government and general public, this ill-discipline was problematic, undermining the new police force.

Violent clashes between protestors and the Metropolitan Police, Bloody Sunday 1887

Despite this initial hostility, public opinion towards the police gradually changed - why?

• The police were trained on how to deal with the public, always remaining calm even when subjected to abuse. This made the constables more approachable and trustworthy.
• Drunken behaviour decreased over time as offenders were fired or reprimanded.
• Crime rates began to fall, and the police came to be seen as serving their purpose.
• The police force did not inform on the public or infringe on civil liberties.

As the police force expanded, the behaviour of the majority of constables thus eventually inspired trust amongst ordinary citizens.

Metropolitan Police Reform

In the years following the formation of the Metropolitan Police, several acts were passed to reform the new police and combat the lack of discipline.

These reforms included:

Undercover members of the Special Branch in 1905

Although these reforms helped to improve the force, there were still several issues. 1872 saw a police strike, for example, while in 1877, three high-ranking detectives were tried for corruption (this inspired the formation of CID).

Regardless, the Metropolitan Police achieved its goal of reducing and preventing crime in London, gaining public trust and support over time. As a result, the Metropolitan Police became the basis for every other police force in the country and set a precedent for modern policing across the world.