# Metropolitan Police
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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Police
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{{Short description|Territorial police force of Greater London}}
{{Distinguish|City of London Police}}
{{Hatnote|Shares the nickname "the Met" but not to be confused with, [Met Office](/source/Met_Office)}}
{{for|other metropolitan police departments}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
| agencyname = Metropolitan Police Service
| nativenamea =
| nativenamer =
| commonname = The Met[{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/ |title=Metropolitan Police Service – Homepage |publisher=Metropolitan Police |date=2 April 2009 |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708143925/https://www.met.police.uk/ |url-status=live }}]
| abbreviation = MPS[{{cite web |url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/contact/policecontacts/ |title=Contacts: MPS |publisher=MPA |access-date=2 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114043946/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/contact/policecontacts/ |archive-date=14 January 2012 }}]
| fictional =
| patch =
| patchcaption =
| logo = Metropolitan Police logo.svg
| logocaption = Logo
| badge = Badge of the Metropolitan Police Service (Charles III).svg
| badgecaption = Badge of the Metropolitan Police
| flag = Flag of the Metropolitan Police Service (Charles III).svg
| flagcaption = Flag of the Metropolitan Police
| motto =
| mottotranslated =
| formed = {{start date and age|1829|9|29|p=y}}[{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/history/timeline1829-1849.htm |title=Metropolitan Police Service – History of the Metropolitan Police Service |publisher=Metropolitan Police |access-date=6 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426000459/http://www.met.police.uk/history/timeline1829-1849.htm |archive-date=26 April 2009 }}]
| preceding1 = [Bow Street Runners](/source/Bow_Street_Runners)[{{cite web |url=http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/v3/about/history/vicpolice/bow.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013215527/http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/v3/about/history/vicpolice/bow.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 October 2003 |title=The Bow street runners – Victorian Policeman by Simon Dell OBE QCB – Devon & Cornwall Constabulary |publisher=Devon-cornwall.police.uk |access-date=6 May 2009 }}]
| preceding2 = [Thames River Police](/source/Thames_River_Police)[{{cite web |url=http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ConNarrative.ho125/chapterId/2588/Policing-the-Port-of-London.html |title=Policing the Port of London – Crime and punishment |publisher=Port Cities |access-date=6 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005075440/http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ConNarrative.ho125/chapterId/2588/Policing-the-Port-of-London.html |archive-date=5 October 2012 }}]
| dissolved =
| superseding =
| employees = 43,571 in total[{{cite web |url=https://www.met.police.uk/about-the-met/structure/ |title=The structure {{!}} the Met |website=www.met.police.uk |language=en-gb |access-date=23 June 2020 |archive-date=25 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625052018/https://www.met.police.uk/about-the-met/structure/ |url-status=live }}]
32,493 police officers
9,816 police staff
1,262 [PCSOs](/source/Police_Community_Support_Officer)
1,500 [police support volunteers](/source/Police_Support_Volunteer)
3,658 [volunteer police cadets](/source/Police_cadets_in_the_United_Kingdom)
| budget = £4.43 billion[{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/864491/london-police-budget-size/ |title=London Police Budget 2023 |access-date=14 September 2023 |archive-date=18 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918105906/https://www.statista.com/statistics/864491/london-police-budget-size/ |url-status=live }}]
| country =
| countryabbr =
| national =
| federal =
| international =
| subdivname = [Greater London](/source/Greater_London) (excluding the [City of London](/source/City_of_London))
| map = England Police Forces (Metropolitan).svg
| mapcaption = Map of the [Metropolitan Police District](/source/Metropolitan_Police_District)
| sizearea = {{convert|1578|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}
| sizepopulation = 8.95 million (2019/20)[{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Police Service |url=https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/police-forces/metropolitan/ |website=His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509214131/https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/police-forces/metropolitan/ |url-status=live }}]
| legaljuris = [England and Wales](/source/England_and_Wales)
(throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, including [Scotland](/source/Scotland) and [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland), under certain limited circumstances)
| governingbody = Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime
| governingbodyscnd = [Home Office](/source/Home_Office)
| constitution1 = [Metropolitan Police Act 1829](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Act_1829)
| constitution2 = [Metropolitan Police Act 1839](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Act_1839)
| constitution3 = [Police Act 1996](/source/Police_Act_1996)
| police = Yes
| local = Yes
| military =
| provost =
| gendarmerie =
| religious =
| speciality1 =
| secret =
| oversighttype =
| oversightbody = {{plainlist|
* [His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services](/source/His_Majesty's_Inspectorate_of_Constabulary_and_Fire_%26_Rescue_Services)
* [Independent Office for Police Conduct](/source/Independent_Office_for_Police_Conduct)
}}
| headquarters = [New Scotland Yard](/source/New_Scotland_Yard_(building)), [Westminster](/source/Westminster), London, England
| hqlocmap =
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| sworntype = Police officer
| sworn = 32,493 full time
1,858 special constables
| unsworntype = PCSO
| unsworn = 1,262
| multinational =
| electeetype = Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
| minister1name = [Kaya Comer-Schwartz](/source/Kaya_Comer-Schwartz)
| chief1name = [Sir Mark Rowley](/source/Mark_Rowley_(police_officer))
| chief1position = [Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis](/source/Commissioner_of_Police_of_the_Metropolis)
| chief2name = [Matt Jukes](/source/Matt_Jukes)
| chief2position = [Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis](/source/Deputy_Commissioner_of_Police_of_the_Metropolis)[{{cite web | url = https://news.met.police.uk/news/matt-jukes-takes-on-role-as-deputy-commissioner-497616 | date = 22 May 2025 | title = Matt Jukes takes on role as Deputy Commissioner | publisher = Metropolitan Police | access-date = 24 May 2025}}]
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}}
The '''Metropolitan Police Service''' ('''MPS'''), commonly known as the '''Metropolitan Police''', '''Met Police''', or the "Met", is the [territorial police force](/source/Territorial_police_force) responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention within [Greater London](/source/Greater_London). In addition, it is responsible for specialised tasks throughout the United Kingdom, such as [dealing with counter-terrorism throughout the UK](/source/Counter-terrorism_in_the_United_Kingdom), and the protection of certain individuals, including the [monarch](/source/Monarchy_of_the_United_Kingdom), [royal family](/source/British_royal_family), [governmental officials](/source/Government_of_the_United_Kingdom),[{{cite web |url=http://www.whitehallpages.net/news/archive/6064 |title=MPA – Metropolitan Police dedicated to protecting the United Kingdom from terrorism |publisher=whitehallpages.net |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724131809/http://www.whitehallpages.net/news/archive/6064 |archive-date=24 July 2011}}] and other designated figures. It is also referred to as an [eponym](/source/eponym) as "'''Scotland Yard'''" or "the Yard", after the location of its original headquarters in [Great Scotland Yard](/source/Great_Scotland_Yard), Whitehall, in the 19th century.[Douglas Browne (1956) ''The Rise of Scotland Yard: A History of the Metropolitan Police''] The Met is presently headquartered at [New Scotland Yard](/source/New_Scotland_Yard), in [a building](/source/New_Scotland_Yard_(building)) situated on the [Victoria Embankment](/source/Victoria_Embankment).[{{Cite web|title=New Met HQ officially 'Topped Out' by Commissioner and Deputy Mayor|date=December 2015|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/new-met-hq-officially-topped-out|url-status=live|access-date=17 March 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184921/https://www.london.gov.uk//press-releases/mayoral/new-met-hq-officially-topped-out}}]
The main geographical area covered by the Met, the [Metropolitan Police District](/source/Metropolitan_Police_District), consists of the 32 [London boroughs](/source/London_boroughs),[{{Cite web |title=The Met's area of jurisdiction {{!}} The Met |url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/jurisdiction/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023151348/https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/jurisdiction/ |archive-date=23 October 2020 |access-date=6 March 2019 |website=www.met.police.uk}}] and excludes the square mile of the [City of London](/source/City_of_London) – a largely non-residential and financial district, overseen by the [City of London Police](/source/City_of_London_Police). As the force responsible for the majority of the UK's capital, the Met has significant responsibilities and unique challenges, such as protecting 164 foreign embassies and [High Commissions](/source/High_commissioner_(Commonwealth)),[{{cite web |title=MPS Business Plan 2017–18 |url=https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/priorities_and_how_we_are_doing/corporate/mps_business_plan_2017_2018.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323124611/https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/priorities_and_how_we_are_doing/corporate/mps_business_plan_2017_2018.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2019 |access-date=6 October 2018}}] policing [London City](/source/London_City_Airport) and [Heathrow](/source/Heathrow_Airport) airports, protecting the [Palace of Westminster](/source/Palace_of_Westminster), and managing a higher volume of protests and events than any other [British police force](/source/British_Police_Forces), with 3,500 such events in 2016.[{{cite web |url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/default.htm |title=Metropolitan Police Authority |access-date=20 July 2006 |work=MPA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719203122/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/default.htm |archive-date=19 July 2006 }}] Excluding its national roles, the Met oversees the eighth-smallest primary geographic area ([police area](/source/police_area)) compared to other territorial police forces in the UK.
The force operates under the leadership of the [Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis](/source/Commissioner_of_Police_of_the_Metropolis), directly accountable to the [mayor of London](/source/mayor_of_London), through the [Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime](/source/Mayor's_Office_for_Policing_and_Crime) and the [Home Office](/source/Home_Office). The post of commissioner was first held jointly by [Sir Charles Rowan](/source/Sir_Charles_Rowan) and [Sir Richard Mayne](/source/Sir_Richard_Mayne), with [Sir Mark Rowley](/source/Sir_Mark_Rowley) currently holding the position since July 2022.[{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/08/mark-rowley-appointed-new-commissioner-of-the-metropolitan-police | title=Mark Rowley appointed new commissioner of Met police | website=[TheGuardian.com](/source/TheGuardian.com) | date=8 July 2022 | access-date=20 December 2023 | archive-date=25 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325085941/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/08/mark-rowley-appointed-new-commissioner-of-the-metropolitan-police | url-status=live }}]
==History==
{{Main|History of the Metropolitan Police}}
The Metropolitan Police Service was founded in 1829 by Home Secretary Sir [Robert Peel](/source/Robert_Peel) under the [Metropolitan Police Act 1829](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Act_1829) and on 29 September of that year, the first constables of the service appeared on the streets of London.[{{cite news |url=http://www.onthisday.com/day/september/29 |title=September 29: On This Day in History |work=OnThisDay.com |access-date=28 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928150704/http://www.onthisday.com/day/september/29 |url-status=live }}] Ten years later, [Metropolitan Police Act 1839](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Act_1839) consolidated policing within London by expanding the Metropolitan Police District and either abolishing or amalgamating the various other law enforcement entities within London into the Metropolitan Police such as the [Thames River Police](/source/Thames_River_Police) and the [Bow Street Runners](/source/Bow_Street_Runners).[{{Cite book|last=Britain|first=Great|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VKRFAAAAcAAJ&q=police&pg=PA270|title=The Statutes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|date=1841|publisher=Eyre and Strahan|language=en|access-date=4 May 2021|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815151907/https://books.google.com/books?id=VKRFAAAAcAAJ&q=police&pg=PA270|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk/h_police_3.html|title=Thames Police – History Page|website=www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005164252/http://www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk/h_police_3.html|url-status=live}}]
==Governance==
Since January 2012, the [Mayor of London](/source/Mayor_of_London) is responsible for the governance of the Metropolitan Police through the [Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime](/source/Mayor's_Office_for_Policing_and_Crime) (MOPAC).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk//what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/about-mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/mayor-mopac|title=The Mayor at MOPAC|date=15 April 2015|website=London City Hall|language=en|access-date=7 April 2019|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407031026/https://www.london.gov.uk//what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/about-mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/mayor-mopac|url-status=live}}] The mayor is able to appoint someone to act on his behalf. {{As of|2024|11}}, the office-holder is the deputy mayor for policing and crime, [Kaya Comer-Schwartz](/source/Kaya_Comer-Schwartz).[{{Cite web |title=Kaya Comer-Schwartz {{!}} London City Hall |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-mayor-does/mayor-and-his-team/kaya-comer-schwartz |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=www.london.gov.uk |language=en-gb}}] The work of MOPAC is scrutinised by the Police and Crime Committee (also known as a [police and crime panel](/source/police_and_crime_panel)) of the [London Assembly](/source/London_Assembly). These structures were created by the [Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011](/source/Police_Reform_and_Social_Responsibility_Act_2011) and replaced the [Metropolitan Police Authority](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Authority)-appointed board created in 2000 by [Greater London Authority Act 1999](/source/Greater_London_Authority_Act_1999).
Before 2000, the Metropolitan Police was under the authority of the [Home Secretary](/source/Home_Secretary), the only [British territorial police force](/source/territorial_police_force) to be administered by [central government](/source/Government_of_the_United_Kingdom). The Metropolitan Police Office (MPO), although based at Scotland Yard, was a department of the [Home Office](/source/Home_Office) created in 1829 and was responsible for the force's day-to-day administration. Under the authority of the [receiver](/source/Receiver_of_the_Metropolitan_Police), a civilian official who was equivalent in rank to the deputy commissioner and served as the force's chief financial officer, it was headed by a civilian secretary, who was equivalent in rank to the assistant commissioners.[Obituary of [Sir Richard Jackson](/source/Joe_Jackson_(police_officer)), ''The Times'', 18 February 1975]
==Police area and other forces==
The [area policed](/source/police_area) by the Metropolitan Police Service is known as the [Metropolitan Police District](/source/Metropolitan_Police_District) (MPD). The Met was divided into 32 Borough Operational Command Units that directly aligned with the 32 [London borough](/source/London_borough)s covered. This situation has changed since 2017, as the Met has attempted to save money owing to cuts in funding. The MPD is now divided into 12 Basic Command Units (BCUs) made up of two, three or four boroughs. There is criticism of these changes.[{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-43033510 |title=Met to merge all policing boroughs |date=12 February 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=6 October 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006194634/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-43033510 |url-status=live }}] The [City of London](/source/City_of_London) (which is not a London borough) is a separate police area and is the responsibility of the separate [City of London Police](/source/City_of_London_Police).
[[File:New Scotland Yard sign.jpg|thumb|[New Scotland Yard](/source/Scotland_Yard) is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police.]]
The [Ministry of Defence Police](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_Police) is responsible for policing of [Ministry of Defence](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_(United_Kingdom)) property throughout the United Kingdom, including [its headquarters](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_(United_Kingdom)) in Whitehall and other MoD establishments across the MPD.[{{cite web |url=http://www.modpoliceofficers.co.uk |title=Ministry of Defence Police |access-date=28 December 2008 |publisher=MOD |archive-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105103647/http://modpoliceofficers.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}]
The [British Transport Police](/source/British_Transport_Police) (BTP) is responsible for policing of the [rail network in Great Britain](/source/Rail_transport_in_Great_Britain), including London. Within London, it is also responsible for the policing of the [London Underground](/source/London_Underground), [London Trams](/source/Tramlink), the [London Cable Car](/source/London_Cable_Car) and the [Docklands Light Railway](/source/Docklands_Light_Railway).[[http://www.btp.police.uk/about_us.aspx About us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127170141/http://www.btp.police.uk/about_us.aspx |date=27 January 2016 }}. Btp.police.uk. Retrieved on 6 December 2013.]
The English part of the [Royal Parks Constabulary](/source/Royal_Parks_Constabulary), which patrolled a number of Greater London's major parks, was merged with the Metropolitan Police in 2004, and those parks are now policed by the [Royal Parks Operational Command Unit](/source/Royal_Parks_Operational_Command_Unit).[{{cite web |url=http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about/police.cfm |title=Policing the Royal Parks – keeping you safe in the Royal Parks |publisher=Royalparks.org.uk |date=1 April 2004 |access-date=6 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219220809/http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about/police.cfm |archive-date=19 February 2009 }}] There is also a small park police force, the [Kew Constabulary](/source/Kew_Constabulary), responsible for the [Royal Botanic Gardens](/source/Royal_Botanic_Gardens%2C_Kew), whose officers have full police powers within the park. A few local authorities maintain their own borough park constabularies, including [Wandsworth Parks and Events Police](/source/Wandsworth_Parks_and_Events_Police), [Kensington and Chelsea Parks Police](/source/Royal_Borough_of_Kensington_and_Chelsea_Parks_Police), [Havering Parks Constabulary](/source/Havering_Parks_Constabulary) and the [Hampstead Heath Constabulary](/source/Hampstead_Heath_Constabulary). All of these enjoy powers of arrest without warrant as constables;[{{Cite web|url = https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/668480/response/1584347/attach/4/P%20EP%20Enforcement%20Policy.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1|title = Parks Police Services – Powers, Statutory Purpose and Use of Stop & Search – a Freedom of Information request to Wandsworth Borough Council|date = 3 June 2020|access-date = 3 December 2020|archive-date = 15 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815072924/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/668480/response/1584347/attach/4/P%20EP%20Enforcement%20Policy.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1|url-status = live}}] however, the officers of the last mentioned have full police powers, much like officers of the Metropolitan Police, on the heath, whereas the other parks' police primarily focus on [by-law](/source/by-law) enforcement.
Metropolitan Police officers have legal jurisdiction throughout all of [England and Wales](/source/England_and_Wales), including areas that have their own special police forces, such as the Ministry of Defence, as do all police officers of [territorial police force](/source/territorial_police_force)s.[{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/16/section/30 |title=Police Act 1996 |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113752/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/16/section/30 |url-status=live }}] Officers also have limited powers in Scotland and Northern Ireland.[{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/33/section/137 |title=Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312173140/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/33/section/137 |url-status=live }}] Within the MPD, the Met will take over the investigation of any serious crime from the [Ministry of Defence Police](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_Police) and to a lesser degree BTP, if it is deemed appropriate. Terrorist incidents and complex murder enquiries will almost always be investigated by the Met,[{{cite web |url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/corporate-publications-strategy/home-office-circulars/circulars-2008/028-2008/ |title=A protocol between police forces and the Ministry of Defence police – Home Office |website=webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130125102358/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/corporate-publications-strategy/home-office-circulars/circulars-2008/028-2008/ |archive-date=25 January 2013}}][{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/policies/railways_impact.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=10 March 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312051348/http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/policies/railways_impact.pdf |archive-date=12 March 2017}}] with the assistance of any relevant specialist force, even if they are committed on Ministry of Defence or railway property. A minor incursion into the normal jurisdiction of territorial police officers in England and Wales is that Met officers involved in the protection duties of the Royal Family and other VIPs have full police powers in Scotland and Northern Ireland in connection with those duties.[{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/16/section/99 |title=Police Act 1996 |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312173134/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/16/section/99 |url-status=live }}]
==Organisation and structure==
{{Main|Organisation and structure of the Metropolitan Police Service}}
The Metropolitan Police Service is organised into the following directorates:[{{cite web|url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/senior-management-team/|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=30 September 2018|archive-date=30 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231646/https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/senior-management-team/|url-status=dead}}]
* [Frontline Policing](/source/Frontline_Policing)
* [Met Operations](/source/Met_Operations)
* [Specialist Operations](/source/Specialist_Operations)
* Professionalism
* Shared Support Services (part of Met headquarters)
Each is overseen by an assistant commissioner or, in the case of administrative departments, a director of police staff, which is the equivalent civilian staff grade. The management board is made up of the commissioner, deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and directors.
==Ranks==
{{See also|Police ranks of the United Kingdom}}
[[File:Very friendly MPS officers in London.jpg|thumb|upright|Met Police officers on the streets of [Soho](/source/Soho). Since 1863, the [custodian helmet](/source/custodian_helmet) (middle) has been worn by male police [constables](/source/Constable) and [sergeants](/source/Sergeant) while on foot patrol.]]
The Metropolitan Police Service uses the standard British police ranks, indicated by epaulettes, up to [chief superintendent](/source/chief_superintendent), but uniquely has five ranks above that level instead of the standard three: commander, deputy assistant commissioner, assistant commissioner, deputy commissioner and commissioner.[{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/about/ranks.htm |title=Badges of Rank |access-date=19 July 2006 |publisher=Metropolitan Police Service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718172407/http://www.met.police.uk/about/ranks.htm |archive-date=18 July 2006}}] All senior officers of the rank of Commander and above are [chief police officer](/source/chief_police_officer)s of [NPCC](/source/National_Police_Chiefs'_Council) (previously [ACPO](/source/Association_of_Chief_Police_Officers)) rank.
The Met approved the use of name badges in October 2003, with new recruits wearing the Velcro badges from September 2004. The badge consists of the wearer's rank, followed by their surname.[{{cite web |author=Clerk and Treasurer |url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/x-cop/2003/031020/04/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220061603/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/x-cop/2003/031020/04/ |archive-date=20 February 2012 |title=Report 4 of the 20 Oct 03 meeting of the Co-ordination and Policing Committee: Introduction of name badges |date=20 October 2003 |publisher=[Metropolitan Police Authority](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Authority) |access-date=3 June 2014}}] All officers are assigned a unique identification number, which includes a two-letter BCU (Basic Command Unit) code.
Following controversy over assaults by uniformed officers with concealed shoulder identification numbers during the [G20 summit](/source/2009_G-20_London_summit_protests),[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7999277.stm |title=Met suspends G20 footage officer |work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News) |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908194636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7999277.stm |url-status=live }}] Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said, "the public has a right to be able to identify any uniformed officer whilst performing their duty" by their shoulder identification numbers.[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8000246.stm |title=Police begin G20 tactics review |work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News) |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802065639/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/8000246.stm |url-status=live }}]
===Insignia===
The Met uniformed officer rank structure, with [epaulette design](/source/Epaulette), is as follows (from highest to lowest):
{{Met Pol rank insignia}}
The Met also has several active [Volunteer Police Cadet](/source/Police_cadets_in_the_United_Kingdom) units, which maintain their own internal rank structure.[{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/cadets/ |title=Volunteer Police Cadets |access-date=19 July 2006 |publisher=Metropolitan Police Service |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323124621/https://www.met.police.uk/cadets/ |url-status=dead }}] The [Metropolitan Special Constabulary](/source/Metropolitan_Special_Constabulary) is a contingent of part-time volunteer police officers and is attached to most Borough Operational Command Units. The [Metropolitan Special Constabulary](/source/Metropolitan_Special_Constabulary) Ranks are as follows (from lowest to highest):
{{MET Special Rank Insignia}}
The prefix "woman" in front of female officers' ranks has been obsolete since 1999. Members of the [Criminal Investigation Department](/source/Criminal_Investigation_Department) (CID) up to and including the rank of chief superintendent prefix their ranks with "detective". Detective ranks are equivalent in rank to their uniform counterparts. Other departments, such as [Special Branch](/source/SO12) and Child Protection, award non-detectives "branch detective" status, allowing them to use the "Detective" prefix. None of these detective ranks confer on the holder any extra pay or supervisory authority compared to their uniformed colleagues.
===Workforce===
The following is the current released workforce data for the ranks. The chief officers rank covers all senior ranks as well as special constables covering all special constable ranks.
{{British Police Rank Numbers|Title=Metropolitan Police Service workforce
|FPS=5285|FPSV=468|FDO=340|FPCSO=478|FSC=530|FC=7465|FS=956|FI=270|FCI=68|FSup=44|FCSup=12|FCO=8
|MPS=3626|MPSV=257|MDO=390|MPCSO=829|MSC=1330|MC=17329|MS=3526|MI=935|MCI=232|MSup=147|MCSup=45|MCO=26
|Year=2019}}
==Arms==
{{Infobox COA wide
|image = centre|200px
|escutcheon = Azure, a portcullis chained within a double tressure flory counterflory Argent.
|crest = On a wreath Argent and Azure, three arrows, one in pale and two in saltire, barbs downward, Proper, banded Azure and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper.
|supporters = On either side a lion rampant guardant Argent, gorged with a collar Azure charged alternately with bezants and bees volant, grasping in the interior paw a column Or.
}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
| style=width:15.7em | center|175x175px
|'''Badge'''A roundel azure, thereon the Royal Cypher of His Majesty King Charles the Third argent within a circlet azure fimbriated and inscribed with words 'Metropolitan Police' in letters argent, the whole upon a star of eight major and fifty-six lesser points argent, ensigned by the Royal Crown proper.
|}
==Police officers==
thumb|Metropolitan Police officers, 1979
[[File:Many streets were cut off.jpg|thumb|Met officers, alongside [British Transport Police](/source/British_Transport_Police) on "mutual aid", at a G20 protest in 2009]]
[[File:Armed police officers (London, 2014).jpg|thumb|Armed DPG police officers. [Downing Street](/source/Downing_Street) gates, 2014]]
thumb|A Metropolitan Police officer standing near a police car, 2025
The Metropolitan Police Service includes full-time, paid officers known as 'regulars', and part-time, voluntary officers from the [Metropolitan Special Constabulary](/source/Metropolitan_Special_Constabulary). Both regulars and specials enjoy full police powers, wear the same uniform, and carry the same kit. As elsewhere in the UK, "regulars" are not employees, but rather [Crown servant](/source/Crown_servant)s, and holders of the office of constable.
===Historical numbers===
* 1852: 5,625[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w6RbAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA279|title=Accounts and Papers of the House of Commons|last=Commons|first=Great Britain Parliament House of|date=1852|publisher=Ordered to be printed|language=en|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814120116/https://books.google.com/books?id=w6RbAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA279|url-status=live}}]
* 1866: 6,839[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EVBJAAAAYAAJ&q=Judicial+Statistics%2C+England+and+Wales|title=Judicial Statistics, England and Wales|date=1867|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|language=en|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145040/https://books.google.com/books?id=EVBJAAAAYAAJ&q=Judicial+Statistics%2C+England+and+Wales|url-status=live}}]
* 1877: 10,336^[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CfD47IlWXH4C&q=Judicial+Statistics%2C+England+and+Wales&pg=PR35|title=Judicial Statistics, England and Wales: 1877,1 (1878)|last=Commons|first=Great Britain Parliament House of|date=1878|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|language=en|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816094122/https://books.google.com/books?id=CfD47IlWXH4C&q=Judicial+Statistics%2C+England+and+Wales&pg=PR35|url-status=live}}]
* 1887: 14,191[{{Cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1888/mar/02/metropolitan-police-numbers|title=METROPOLITAN POLICE (NUMBERS). (Hansard, 2 March 1888)|website=api.parliament.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=30 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530034934/https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1888/mar/02/metropolitan-police-numbers|url-status=live}}]
* 1912: 20,529[Raymond B. Fosdick, ''European Police Systems'', 1915. Figures at 31 December 1912, including 33 superintendents, 607 chief inspectors and inspectors, 2,747 sergeants and 17,142 constables.]
* 1929: 19,290[{{Cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1929-02-25/debates/e9071546-ce7b-4fee-9e9c-5551abe5798f/MetropolitanPolice?highlight=metropolitan%20police%20strength#contribution-84ac8ccc-a606-4074-bf2c-e50b086737f4|title=Metropolitan Police – Hansard|website=hansard.parliament.uk|access-date=13 April 2019|archive-date=7 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207001836/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1929-02-25/debates/e9071546-ce7b-4fee-9e9c-5551abe5798f/MetropolitanPolice?highlight=metropolitan%20police%20strength#contribution-84ac8ccc-a606-4074-bf2c-e50b086737f4|url-status=live}}]
* 1938: 18,511
* 1944: 17,976*[{{Cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1945-06-05/debates/bd001248-9262-43d6-94da-60fb6bf569b3/MetropolitanPoliceForce?highlight=metropolitan%20police%20strength#contribution-8f9d3fcf-e01c-40d8-8ec4-0af48444af42|title=Metropolitan Police Force – Hansard|website=hansard.parliament.uk|access-date=13 April 2019|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231180602/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1945-06-05/debates/bd001248-9262-43d6-94da-60fb6bf569b3/MetropolitanPoliceForce?highlight=metropolitan%20police%20strength#contribution-8f9d3fcf-e01c-40d8-8ec4-0af48444af42|url-status=live}}]
* 1952: 16,400[Report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis for the Year 1952. Included 35 chief superintendents (including one woman), 12 detective chief superintendents, 62 superintendents (including one woman), 16 detective superintendents, 128 chief inspectors (including five women), 64 detective chief inspectors (including one woman), 20 station inspectors, 465 inspectors (including four women), 140 detective inspectors (including one woman), 441 station sergeants, 202 1st class detective sergeants, 1,834 sergeants (including 32 women), 414 2nd class detective sergeants (including six women), 11,951 constables (including 310 women), and 615 detective constables (including 27 women). The official establishment was 20,045.]
* 1965: 18,016[''The Thin Blue Line'', Police Council for Great Britain Staff Side Claim for Undermanning Supplements, 1965]
* 1984: 27,000 (approximate)[[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo960226/text/60226w27.htm Hansard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922180640/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo960226/text/60226w27.htm |date=22 September 2017 }}, 26 February 1996]
* 2001: 25,000 (approximate)[[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200001/cmhansrd/vo010423/text/10423w32.htm Hansard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922190647/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200001/cmhansrd/vo010423/text/10423w32.htm |date=22 September 2017 }}, 23 April 2001. London population at the time was 7,172,000.]
* 2003: 28,000 (approximate)[
* 2004: 31,000 (approximate)][[http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=1657 GLA press release] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905020644/http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=1657 |date=5 September 2006 }}, 11 March 2003]
* 2009: 32,543 (excluding 2,622 special constables)[{{cite web|url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |title=MPS Police officer, staff and PCSO numbers: 31/03/09 |access-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814141530/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |archive-date=14 August 2011 }}]
* 2010: 33,260 (excluding 3,125 special constables)[{{cite web|url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |title=MPS Police officer, staff and PCSO numbers: 31/03/10 |access-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814141530/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |archive-date=14 August 2011 }}]
* 2011: 32,380 (excluding 4,459 special constables)[{{cite web|url=http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |title=MPS Police officer, staff and PCSO numbers: 31/03/11 |access-date=7 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127200533/http://www.mpa.gov.uk/statistics/annual-police-numbers/ |archive-date=27 January 2012 }}]
* 2013: 30,398 (excluding 5,303 special constables)[{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223493/police-workforce-tabs-mar13.ods|title=Police Workforce Data, 2013: 13/03/13|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523230648/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223493/police-workforce-tabs-mar13.ods|url-status=live}}]
* 2014: 30,932 (excluding 4,587 special constables)[{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/337328/police-workforce-tabs-mar14.ods|title=Police Workforce Data, 2014: 14/03/14|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112123838/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/337328/police-workforce-tabs-mar14.ods|url-status=live}}]
* 2015: 31,877[{{cite web|url=http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN00634%2FSN00634.pdf|title=Police Service Strength, House of Commons Library Briefing Paper 00634 23 March 2018: 23/03/18|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911042357/http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN00634/SN00634.pdf|url-status=live}}]
* 2017: 30,817[{{Cite web|url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/structure/|title=The structure of the Met and its personnel|website=www.met.police.uk}}]
* Specially Trained Officers (STO): 7,615[{{Cite web |title=Taser Usage in the MPS |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/991823/response/2347415/attach/3/attachment.docx?cookie_passthrough=1 |access-date=16 August 2023 |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816185710/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/991823/response/2347415/attach/3/attachment.docx?cookie_passthrough=1 |url-status=live }}]
*Police officers (special – of all ranks): 1,127[{{Cite web |title=The Structure of the Met |url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/structure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811224245/https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/structure/ |archive-date=11 August 2020 |access-date=2 January 2020}}]
==Staff and PCSOs==
The Met's police staff are non-warranted civilians. When the Met was formed in 1829, there were only six of them (the [Receiver](/source/Receiver_of_the_Metropolitan_Police), his two clerks and the three Commissioners' clerks, although the Commissioners were also non-warranted right up until 2011),[Norman Fairfax, ''From Quills to Computers – The History of the Metropolitan Police Civil Staff 1829–1979'', page 7] but they now include [police community support officer](/source/police_community_support_officer)s (PCSOs{{efn|The Met was the first constabulary to introduce PCSOs in September 2002.[{{Cite web |last=Matheou |first=Demetrios |date=2022-05-20 |title=Pioneers of community policing |url=https://magazine.unison.org.uk/2022/05/20/pioneers-of-community-policing/ |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Unison Magazine |language=en-US}}]}}), designated detention officers (DDOs), and many other non-officer roles.[{{cite web|url=http://www.met.police.uk/careers/pcso/ |title=Metropolitan Police PCSO |publisher=Metropolitan Police |access-date=2 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408130445/http://www.met.police.uk/careers/pcso/ |archive-date=8 April 2010 }}] Their numbers are currently:
*Police staff (designated detention officers): 614[{{Cite news|title=Police workforce, England and Wales: 30 September 2017|language=en|work=GOV.UK|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-workforce-england-and-wales-30-september-2017|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=13 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113232510/https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-workforce-england-and-wales-30-september-2017|url-status=live}}]
*Police staff (other): 9,814[{{cite web |title=The Structure of the Met |url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/structure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811224245/https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/structure/ |archive-date=11 August 2020 |access-date=15 February 2020}}]
==Resources==
===Fleet===
thumb|Various Metropolitan Police vehicles attending a protest in 2021
[[File:Corolla MPS LM73 JWF (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [Toyota Corolla](/source/Toyota_Corolla_(E210)) used by the Metropolitan Police]]
{{As of|2025}}, the Met operates and maintains a fleet of around 5,200 vehicles.[{{cite web|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/fleet_mileage_and_accident_stati|title=Freedom of Information Request – Fleet Mileage & Accident Statistics|date=25 February 2019|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328124633/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/fleet_mileage_and_accident_stati|url-status=live}}] The fleet comprises numerous vehicles, including:[{{cite web|url=http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/disclosure_2011/february/2011010002376.pdf |title=Freedom of Information request – list of vehicles currently owned/operated by the Metropolitan Police Service|date=February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117022326/http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/disclosure_2011/february/2011010002376.pdf |archive-date=17 January 2012 }}]
* Incident response vehicles (IRV): attached to the various Basic Command Units (BCU) of the Metropolitan Police area, used for frontline policing duties such as patrol and emergency response.
* Q-cars: covert unmarked vehicles, belonging to a variety of departments.
* Armed response vehicle (ARV): Transports [authorised firearms officer](/source/authorised_firearms_officer)s trained to use firearms to deal with incidents involving deadly weapons.
* Traffic units: respond to traffic accidents on major roads, enforce traffic laws and encourage road safety.
*Motorcycles: utilised by the [Roads and Transport Policing Command](/source/Roads_and_Transport_Policing_Command) and [Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection](/source/Parliamentary_and_Diplomatic_Protection) for more agile patrol and response.
*Scrambler bikes: used by Operation Venice officers to combat moped gangs.[{{Cite web|last=Davenport|first=Justin|date=31 October 2017|title=Met chiefs reveal harsh new tactics in battle against moped gangs|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/scotland-yard-unveil-new-tactics-in-crackdown-on-moped-gangs-including-new-scrambler-bikes-to-chase-down-suspects-and-stinger-spikes-a3672366.html|access-date=27 April 2021|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427123554/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/scotland-yard-unveil-new-tactics-in-crackdown-on-moped-gangs-including-new-scrambler-bikes-to-chase-down-suspects-and-stinger-spikes-a3672366.html|url-status=live}}]
* Collision investigation units (CIU): respond to and appropriately investigate all major road traffic collisions.
* Protected carriers: used for public order duties.
*Personnel carriers: used to transport numerous officers on patrol and to incidents, as well as non-violent public order situations.
* Station vans: used to transport both officers and suspects in a cage in the rear of the van.
* Commercial vehicle units: used to respond to incidents involving commercial vehicles.
* CBRN units: used to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. These are identified by a large number of equipment lockers on newer vans and a large array of detecting equipment on the top of older vans.
* Control units: used for incident command and control purposes.
* Armoured multi-role vehicles: used for public order duties, airport and counter-terrorism duties, or as required.
* General purpose vehicles: used for general support and transportation duties of officers or equipment.
* Training vehicles: used to train police drivers.
* Miscellaneous vehicles: such as horseboxes and trailers.
* The [Metropolitan Police Historic Vehicle Collection](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Historic_Vehicle_Collection)
The majority of vehicles have a service life of three to five years; the Met replaces or upgrades between 800 and 1,000 vehicles each year. Vehicles were initially maintained and repaired on contract by [Babcock International](/source/Babcock_International); from November 2023, the contract for 3,700 of the Met's 5,200 vehicles was undertaken by Rivus Fleet Solutions for a ten-year period.[{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=Gareth |url=https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet-industry-news/2023/03/02/rivus-strikes-maintenance-and-repair-fleet-deal-with-met-police |title=Rivus strikes maintenance and repair fleet deal with Met Police |work=FleetNews |date=2 March 2023 |access-date=8 July 2023 |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708194242/https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet-industry-news/2023/03/02/rivus-strikes-maintenance-and-repair-fleet-deal-with-met-police |url-status=live }}] Rivus fell into [administration](/source/Administration_(law)) on 21 June 2024, with a deal being agreed by the Metropolitan Police to buy back its maintenance operations, saving 165 jobs.[{{cite news |last1=Middleton |first1=Natalie |title=Met Police buys Rivus business and assets following collapse |url=https://fleetworld.co.uk/met-police-buys-rivus-business-and-assets-following-collapse/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=fleetworld |date=25 June 2024 |location=St Albans}}][[File:MPHVC vehicles at LTM Depot (24063551797).jpg|thumb|A restored [Rover SD1](/source/Rover_SD1) traffic car in the Metropolitan Police's '[jam sandwich](/source/Jam_sandwich_(police_car))' livery first introduced in 1978]]By 2012, the Met was marking all new marked vehicles with [Battenburg markings](/source/Battenburg_markings), a highly reflective material on the side of the vehicles, chequered blue and yellow green for the police, and in other colours for other services.[{{cite news |author= |date=19 November 2012 |title=Met Police cars to have Battenburg livery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20393064 |work=BBC News |access-date=9 July 2023 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709070639/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20393064 |url-status=live }}] The old livery was an orange stripe through the vehicle, with the force's logo, known colloquially as the "[jam sandwich](/source/Jam_sandwich_(police_car))", which was first introduced in 1978 with the delivery of high-performance [Rover SD1](/source/Rover_SD1) traffic cars.[{{cite news |title=New look for police cars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/westminster-and-pimlico-news-new-look-fo/133726425/ |newspaper=Westminster and Pimlico News |date=14 July 1978 |page=41 |via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com) |access-date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=14 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114205504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/westminster-and-pimlico-news-new-look-fo/133726425/ |url-status=live }}] Originally, marked vehicles were finished in base white paint; this was changed to silver from 2002 to help improve a vehicle's resale value when it was retired from police use.[{{cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Nick |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-standard-silver-lining-for-the-m/135385999/ |title=Silver lining for the Met |date=14 June 2002 |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London |page=99 |via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com) |access-date=18 November 2023 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118150317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-standard-silver-lining-for-the-m/135385999/ |url-status=live }}]
The [National Police Air Service](/source/National_Police_Air_Service) provides helicopter support to the Met.
A [marine policing unit](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Marine_Policing_Unit) operates 22 vessels from its base in [Wapping](/source/Wapping).
===Budget===
Funding for the Metropolitan Police has been cut owing to [austerity](/source/United_Kingdom_government_austerity_programme). Changes in the way the government pays for police pensions will lead to further cuts.[[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/london-met-police-pensions-money-extra-cost-a8588926.html London's cash-strapped police must find £130m per year to pay extra pensions costs despite 'end of austerity'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018022534/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/london-met-police-pensions-money-extra-cost-a8588926.html |date=18 October 2018 }} ''[The Independent](/source/The_Independent)''] Its expenditure for single years, not adjusted for inflation, has been:[{{cite book |title=Official Encyclopedia of Scotland Yard |last=Fido |first=Martin |author2=Keith Skinner |year=2000 |publisher=Virgin |isbn= 978-1-85227-712-3|page=56 }}]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Amount
!Notes
|-
|1829/30
|£194,126
|
|-
|1848
|£437,441
|
|-
|1873
|£1.1{{nbsp}}million
|
|-
|1898
|£1.8{{nbsp}}million
|
|-
|1923
|£7.8{{nbsp}}million
|
|-
|1948
|£12.6{{nbsp}}million
|
|-
|1973
|£95{{nbsp}}million
|
|-
|1998/9
|£2.03{{nbsp}}billion
|
|-
|2011/12
|£3.69{{nbsp}}billion
|£2.754{{nbsp}}billion was spent on staff wages[Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime and Group. [https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_migrate_files_destination/AUDITED%202014-15%20MOPAC%20ACCOUNTS%20Final%2024%20July%202015_0.pdf Statement of Accounts 2014/15] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103751/https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_migrate_files_destination/AUDITED%202014-15%20MOPAC%20ACCOUNTS%20Final%2024%20July%202015_0.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}. See the outturn column in the table on page vi.][Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime. [http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/MOPAC%20Accounts%202011-12%20final%20for%20PDF%2026%20Sept%20AA%20final%20_exl%20AC%20signature_.pdf Statement of Accounts 2011/12] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116094344/http://london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/MOPAC%20Accounts%202011-12%20final%20for%20PDF%2026%20Sept%20AA%20final%20_exl%20AC%20signature_.pdf |date=16 November 2012 }}.]
|-
|2017/18
|£3.26{{nbsp}}billion[{{Cite web| url=https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/london-assembly/london-assembly-publications/police-funding-whos-paying-bill| title=Police funding – who's paying the Bill?| date=6 October 2017| access-date=24 September 2018| archive-date=24 September 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924145142/https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/london-assembly/london-assembly-publications/police-funding-whos-paying-bill| url-status=live}}]
|
|}
Due to large [pro-Palestinian demonstrations](/source/Gaza_war_protests_in_the_United_Kingdom) in London in the aftermath of the [October 7 Hamas attack on Israel](/source/October_7_attacks), the Metropolitan Police reported significant policing costs and operational demands.[{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Jennifer |title=Pro-Palestinian and Israeli protests cost Metropolitan Police £26.5m |url=https://news.sky.com/story/pro-palestinian-and-israeli-protests-cost-metropolitan-police-26-5m-13055407 |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=Sky News |date=24 January 2024 |language=en}}] By June 2024, the cost of policing Palestine-related protests had risen to nearly £43 million and required almost 52,000 Met officers’ shifts.[{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Holly |title=Met Police ‘didn’t get everything right’ as report shows impact of protests |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/met-police-protests-palestine-gaza-b2609190.html |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=The Independent |date=8 September 2024 |language=en}}] A senior Met officer stated that policing the protests reduced capacity for other policing work, such as counter-terrorism and neighbourhood policing.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/protectioncommand|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=18 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218105644/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/protectioncommand|url-status=live}}] The [Special Escort Group](/source/Special_Escort_Group_(Metropolitan_Police)) (SEG) is responsible for escorting the Royal Family, Prime Minister and other ministers, ambassadors and visiting heads of state, and occasionally prisoner transport.
* [Aviation Policing Command](/source/Aviation_Security_Operational_Command_Unit) – Responsible for providing policing (with the majority being armed officers) at [Heathrow Airport](/source/Heathrow_Airport) and [London City Airport](/source/London_City_Airport).[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/securitycommand|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=18 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218110032/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/securitycommand|url-status=live}}]
* [Flying Squad](/source/Flying_Squad) – A unit that investigates and intercepts armed robberies. The name comes from the fact its members travelled across divisional and borough boundaries.
* [Trident Gang Crime Command](/source/Operation_Trident_(Metropolitan_Police)) – Investigates and works to prevent [gang crime](/source/gang_crime).
* [Roads and Transport Policing Command](/source/Roads_and_Transport_Policing_Command) – Provides policing for the transport network in London, comprising numerous divisions: the Traffic Division, patrols the road, pursuing fleeing suspects and enforcing speed, safety, and drink driving;[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/roadsandtransport|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208180710/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/roadsandtransport|url-status=live}}] the Road Crime Team focuses on dangerous drivers, priority roads, uninsured vehicles and 'fatal four' offences;[{{Cite web|title=New team driving down road crime in the capital {{!}} Road Safety Support|url=https://www.roadsafetysupport.co.uk/news/new-team-driving-down-road-crime-capital|access-date=27 April 2021|website=www.roadsafetysupport.co.uk|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427123604/https://www.roadsafetysupport.co.uk/news/new-team-driving-down-road-crime-capital|url-status=live}}] the Safer Transport Team (STT) provide a policing presence on [Transport for London](/source/Transport_for_London)'s buses and investigates most crimes committed on them.
* [Specialist Firearms Command](/source/Specialist_Firearms_Command) – (MO19) Responsible for providing armed response and support across the whole of London with Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO) travelling in ARVs (Armed Response Vehicles) responding to calls involving firearms and weapons. MO19 employs a number of CTSFOs (Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers), who have additional training, specifically at lengths in order to combat terrorism.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/sco19|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=4 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504191911/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/sco19/|url-status=live}}]
* [Dog Support Unit](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Dog_Support_Unit) – (DSU) Provides highly trained dogs and police handlers, under MO7 Taskforce. They are trained to detect drugs and firearms, respond to searches, missing people, and fleeing suspects. Bomb-detection dogs are also used for specific duties.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/dogsupportunit|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126201251/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/dogsupportunit|url-status=live}}] As of 2015 the unit had around 250 [police dog](/source/police_dog)s.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Article/History/1400009457612/dogsupportunit|title=Dog Support Unit – History|publisher=Metropolitan Police|access-date=4 June 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233403/http://content.met.police.uk/Article/History/1400009457612/dogsupportunit|url-status=live}}]
* [Marine Policing Unit](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Marine_Policing_Unit) – (MPU) Provides policing on the waterways of London, responding to situations in the [River Thames](/source/River_Thames) and tracking and stopping illegal vessels entering and exiting London.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/marinepolicingunit|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=4 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704073123/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/marinepolicingunit|url-status=live}}]
* [Mounted Branch](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Mounted_Branch) – Provides policing on horseback in London, under MO7 Taskforce. One of its duties is escorting the [Royal Guard](/source/Royal_Guard) down [The Mall](/source/The_Mall%2C_London), into and out of [Buckingham Palace](/source/Buckingham_Palace) every morning from April to July, then occasionally through the remainder of the year. It also provides public order support and is commonly called to police football matches in the event of any unrest. All officers are trained in public order tactics on horseback.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/mountedbranch|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=15 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815013120/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/mountedbranch|url-status=live}}] As of 2010, the Branch had 120 [police horses](/source/Mounted_police).[{{cite web|url=http://www.met.police.uk/mountedbranch/index.htm|title=Mounted Branch – Introduction|publisher=Metropolitan Police|access-date=13 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20060711093022/http://www.met.police.uk/mountedbranch/index.htm|archive-date=11 July 2006}}]
* [Police Support Unit](/source/Police_support_unit_(United_Kingdom)) (PSU) – Trained to deal with a variety of public order situations outside the remit or capability of regular divisional officers.[{{Cite web|title=Disturbances in Tottenham, Tottenham Hale and Wood Green Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th August 2011|url=https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/17650/Supplementary_Material_Triangulated_Account.pdf?sequence=1|url-status=live|access-date=14 October 2021|website=University of St. Andrews|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225131942/https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/17650/Supplementary_Material_Triangulated_Account.pdf?sequence=1}}] These are often regular Emergency Response and Patrol Team Carriers, as such of both Borough Support Units (BSU) and Public Order Borough Support Units (POBSU), the latter of which carrying officers often trained in Public Order Level 2 (POL2)
*[Territorial Support Group](/source/Territorial_Support_Group) (TSG) – Highly trained officers, specialised in public order and large-scale riots responding around London in marked Public Order Carriers (POC) with 6 constables and a sergeant in each POC. TSG officers are specifically trained in Public Order Level 1 (POL1), handling the most violent of riots or protests. They also hold Method of Entry (MOE) qualifications as an aid to local response officers. They aim to secure the capital against terrorism, respond to any disorder in London, and reduce priority crime through borough support. They respond in highly protective uniform during riots or large disorder, protecting themselves from any thrown objects or hazards.[{{cite web|url=http://content.met.police.uk/Site/tsg|title=Home – The Met|website=content.met.police.uk|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126201507/http://content.met.police.uk/Site/tsg|url-status=live}}]
*Violent Crime Task Force (VCTF) – Formed in April 2018, the VCTF is a pan-London proactive response team to knife and serious violent crime, made up of 300 ring-fenced and dedicated police officers who solely focus on violent crime, weapon-enabled crime and serious criminality.[{{Cite web|title=Metropolitan Police Service Business Plan progress update 2018–19, Quarter 1 (April to June 2018)|url=https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/force-content/met/about-us/met-business-plan-2018-19-quarter-1-progress-report.pdf?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_2wSMUtHX6zOEEZGAIT2FYYAhdFZkeWijzVthSFMksnA-1634195403-0-gqNtZGzNA6WjcnBszQhR|url-status=live|access-date=14 October 2021|website=Metropolitan Police Service|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305113326/https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/force-content/met/about-us/met-business-plan-2018-19-quarter-1-progress-report.pdf?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_2wSMUtHX6zOEEZGAIT2FYYAhdFZkeWijzVthSFMksnA-1634195403-0-gqNtZGzNA6WjcnBszQhR}}] This, however, has since been disbanded and created into both Borough Based Violence Suppression Units (VSU) and MO7 Taskforce Surge Team. (TST)
*Operation Venice – Formed in 2017 to deal with record-breaking [moped crime in London](/source/moped_crime_in_London), but also tackles different types of robbery trends; the Scorpion Team consists of highly skilled drivers and riders who were given a green light to instigate tactical contact against moped and motorbikes involved in criminality.[{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.022955 |url=https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/disclosure_2022/may_2022/use-of-tactical-contact-to-bring-a-motorcycle-pursuit-to-an |website=Met Police |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813104042/https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/disclosure_2022/may_2022/use-of-tactical-contact-to-bring-a-motorcycle-pursuit-to-an |url-status=dead }}] This, however, has since been disbanded and replaced with the likes of Interceptor and Surge teams under MO7 Taskforce
thumb|upright=0.75|A traditional blue lamp as seen outside most police stations
===Stations===
In addition to the headquarters at New Scotland Yard, there are many [police station](/source/police_station)s in London.[{{cite web|url=http://www.met.police.uk/contacts/AZPhonenumbers.htm |title=Met Police stations: A-Z Directory |publisher=Metropolitan Police |access-date=8 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205194643/http://www.met.police.uk/contacts/AZPhonenumbers.htm |archive-date=5 February 2009 }}] These range from large borough headquarters staffed around the clock every day to smaller stations, which may be open to the public only during normal business hours, or on certain days of the week. In 2017, there were 73 working front counters open to the public in London.[{{Cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-40607533| title=Half of London police stations to close| work=BBC News| date=14 July 2017| access-date=24 September 2018| archive-date=3 November 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103164635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-40607533| url-status=live}}] Most police stations can easily be identified from one or more blue lamps located outside the entrance, which were introduced in 1861.
The oldest Metropolitan police station, which opened in [Bow Street](/source/Bow_Street) in 1881, closed in 1992 and the adjoining [Bow Street Magistrates' Court](/source/Bow_Street_Magistrates'_Court) heard its last case on 14 July 2006.[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/5179270.stm |title=BBC: Bow Street court closes its doors |work=BBC News |date=14 July 2006 |access-date=8 June 2009 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803215839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5179270.stm |url-status=live }}] One of the oldest operational police stations in London is in [Wapping](/source/Wapping), which opened in 1908. It is the headquarters of the [marine policing unit](/source/Metropolitan_Police_Marine_Policing_Unit) (formerly known as Thames Division), which is responsible for policing the [River Thames](/source/River_Thames). It also houses a mortuary and the River Police Museum. [Paddington Green Police Station](/source/Paddington_Green_Police_Station), which is no longer operational, received much publicity for its housing of terrorism suspects in an underground complex prior to its closure in 2017.
In 2004, there was a call from the [Institute for Public Policy Research](/source/Institute_for_Public_Policy_Research) for more imaginative planning of police stations to aid in improving relations between police forces and the wider community.[[http://www.ippr.org.uk/ecomm/files/reinventing_police_station.pdf Institute for Public Policy Research: Re-inventing the police station] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927074315/http://www.ippr.org.uk/ecomm/files/reinventing_police_station.pdf |date=27 September 2006 }}]
==Statistics==
=== Outcome and detection rates ===
{{See also|Crime statistics in the United Kingdom}}
From 2015 the MPS has published monthly 'positive outcome' rates,[{{Cite web |title=MPS overview of crimes |url=https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/metropolitan.police.service/viz/MonthlyCrimeDataNewCats/Coversheet |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Monthly Crime Data New Cats}}] a somewhat wider definition from the previous 'sanction detection' rates for offenders receiving some formal sanction such as being charged or summonsed.[{{Cite web |title=Crime outcomes in England and Wales: Technical annex |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-2023-to-2024/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-technical-annex |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}] These include charges, but also outcomes such as Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs), warnings for cannabis possession, offences that are asked to be taken into consideration by a court (TICs), cautions, warnings, and reprimands.[{{Cite web |title=Crimes detected in England and Wales 2010 to 2011 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/crimes-detected-in-england-and-wales-2010-to-2011 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}][{{Cite web |title=Crime outcomes in England and Wales: Technical Annex |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-2020-to-2021/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-technical-annex |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}]
Nationally, detection rates have been falling as police-reported crime has been rising.[{{Cite web |date=2019-01-13 |title=A policing paradox: As crime rises, detection rates of those responsible fall |url=https://policinginsight.com/feature/analysis/a-policing-paradox-as-crime-rises-detection-rates-of-those-responsible-fall/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Policing Insight |language=en}}] The following table shows the percentage 'sanction detection' rates for the Metropolitan Police by offence group for 2022/2023:[{{Cite web |title=2022 - 2023 crime statistics {{!}} Metropolitan Police |url=https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/stats-and-data/stats-and-data/met/year-end-crime-statistics-22-23/?_t_id=-6IHkVpPtbGFgCawtQ1uDg==&_t_uuid=9Tkz63K9QxCij2UOAm1IKw&_t_q=crime-statistics-22-23&_t_tags=siteid:9a7e26e6-9ba2-42bf-80ec-103507e5aec9,language:en,andquerymatch&_t_hit.id=Cds_Soh_Web_Models_Pages_StatsAndData/_141c69b7-ced9-4199-a0f2-8b486032ff0d_en-GB&_t_hit.pos=4 |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=www.met.police.uk}}]
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! style="width:7.7%;" |Total
! style="width:7.7%;" |Violence against the person
! style="width:7.7%;" |Sexual offences
! style="width:7.7%;" |Robbery
! style="width:7.7%;" |Burglary
! style="width:7.7%;" |Offences against vehicles
! style="width:7.7%;" |Other theft offences
! style="width:7.7%;" |Fraud and forgery
! style="width:7.7%;" |Criminal damage
! style="width:7.7%;" |Drug offences
! style="width:7.7%;" |Other offences
|-
|7.3
|8.1
|9
|7.3
|6.3
|0.9
|1.9
|N/A
|5.7
|38
|23.9
|}
The corresponding figures for 2010–2011 were far higher, with an average total detection rate of 24%.[Home Office (July 2011). [http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/crime-research/hosb1111/ Crimes detected in England and Wales 2010/11] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007163442/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/crime-research/hosb1111/|date=7 October 2011}}. See Excel file for "Police force area tables".] However, largely owing to the [history of changes in the way the UK police count offenses](/source/Crime_statistics_in_the_United_Kingdom), crime numbers have seen significant increases since 1998, and particularly from 2014 onward. The same volume of detections is therefore divided by a much larger number of total recorded offences. While this does not fully explain the drop in detection rates, it is thought to have contributed to it. Other reasons include lack of police resources[{{Cite web |date=2019-12-19 |title=London Assembly - Sanction Detection Rates |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/sanction-detection-rates-7 |website=london.gov.uk}}] and that the crimes the police record disproportionately affect those offences, which (in law, if not by the public) are treated as the least serious.[{{Cite news |last=Marsh |first=Sarah |last2=Greenfield |first2=Patrick |date=2018-09-09 |title=Met police dropped 30,000 criminal investigations in first 24 hours last year |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/09/met-police-dropped-30000-criminal-investigations-in-first-24-hours-last-year |access-date=2025-11-20 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}]
In 2024, it was reported that there was a zero-detection rate for crimes within 166 neighborhood areas under the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police Service.[{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Amy-Clare |date=2024-07-15 |title=Met Police failed to solve any neighbourhood crimes in more than 160 areas in 3 years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/met-police-neighbourhood-crime-dispatches-b2580025.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=The Independent}}][{{cite web |last=Reporters |first=Telegraph |date=2024-07-15 |title=Met fails to identify a single burglary suspect in more than 150 neighbourhoods for three years |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/15/met-police-burglary-suspect-failure-identify-channel-4-disp/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=The Telegraph}}] A report by [His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services](/source/His_Majesty's_Inspectorate_of_Constabulary_and_Fire_%26_Rescue_Services) said that the Met was rated inadequate or failing regarding crime investigations and managing offenders. It was rated as requiring improvement in five other areas, and as adequate in one.[{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Liz |date=15 August 2024 |title=Met failing in almost all work areas – inspectorate |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0qe1g4g751o |access-date=15 August 2024 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC}}]
==Controversies==
{{See also|History of the Metropolitan Police|Institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police|Institutional sexism in the Metropolitan Police}}
The Met was controversial even before its formation in 1829. Since the 1970s, such controversies have often centred on [institutional racism](/source/Institutional_racism_in_the_Metropolitan_Police) and [institutional sexism](/source/Institutional_sexism_in_the_Metropolitan_Police) within the organisation, along with the right to protest,{{efn|In August 2023 Graham Smith issued a claim for judicial review against the Metropolitan police commissioner regarding Smith's arrest on the day of the king's coronation, when he was preparing to demonstrate against the monarchy.[{{cite web |last1=Boffey |first1=Daniel |title=Anti-monarchy protester suing Met chief over coronation day arrest |date=12 September 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/12/anti-monarchy-protester-suing-met-chief-over-coronation-day-arrest |website=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian |access-date=12 September 2023 |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912131600/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/12/anti-monarchy-protester-suing-met-chief-over-coronation-day-arrest |url-status=live }}]}} failures in investigations,{{efn|In December 2021, an inquest jury ruled that the deaths in 2014{{ndash}}2015 of serial killer [Stephen Port](/source/Stephen_Port)'s final three victims was due in part to the Met Police's failings. The inquest found that the Met "failed to carry out basic checks, send evidence to be forensically examined, and exercise professional curiosity while Port was embarking on his killing spree".[{{Cite web|date=10 December 2021|title=Stephen Port: Met Police failings led to more deaths|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59593887|access-date=10 December 2021|website=BBC News|language=en|archive-date=10 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210130330/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59593887|url-status=live}}]}} and officers belonging to proscribed organisations.{{efn|In April 2021 an early-career Metropolitan police officer, Ben Hannam, was found guilty of being a member of a banned [neo-Nazi](/source/Neo-Nazism) terrorist group.[{{Cite web|date=1 April 2021|title=Met police officer guilty of belonging to banned neo-Nazi group|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/01/ben-hannam-met-police-officer-guilty-belonging-banned-neo-nazi-terror-group|access-date=1 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401122257/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/01/ben-hannam-met-police-officer-guilty-belonging-banned-neo-nazi-terror-group|url-status=live}}]}}
In 1993, the investigation into the racially motivated [murder of Stephen Lawrence](/source/murder_of_Stephen_Lawrence) was heavily criticised. The subsequent Macpherson Inquiry (1999) found the Metropolitan Police to be "institutionally racist," a landmark finding that mandated significant police reform efforts across the UK.
The Met faced widespread criticism over the actions of officers during the [2009 G20 London summit protests](/source/2009_G20_London_summit_protests), including the death of demonstrator [Ian Tomlinson](/source/Death_of_Ian_Tomlinson) after being struck by an officer. This led to public criticism over excessive force and officers concealing their identification numbers.
In 2011, it was disclosed that a number of [undercover officers](/source/UK_undercover_policing_relationships_scandal) had entered into intimate relationships with members of targeted groups, and even proposed marriage or fathered childred with protesters who were unaware their partner was a police officer in a role as part of their official duties.[{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Rob |last2=Lewis |first2=Paul |date=20 January 2012 |title=Undercover police had children with activists |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jan/20/undercover-police-children-activists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119183251/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jan/20/undercover-police-children-activists |archive-date=19 November 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian}}][{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Rob |date=9 November 2020 |title=Undercover officer rekindled relationship seven years later, inquiry told |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/09/undercover-officer-rekindled-relationship-seven-years-later-inquiry-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120095010/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/09/undercover-officer-rekindled-relationship-seven-years-later-inquiry-told |archive-date=20 November 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian}}] The groups affected were predominantly left-wing and progressive.[{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Rob |last2=Blight |first2=Garry |date=13 February 2019 |title=UK political groups spied on by undercover police – search the list |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2018/oct/15/uk-political-groups-spied-on-undercover-police-list |access-date=2 December 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=}}]
In 2020, two officers assigned to guard the scene of the murders of [Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman](/source/Murders_of_Bibaa_Henry_and_Nicole_Smallman) were jailed for taking and sharing photographs of the deceased women on [WhatsApp](/source/WhatsApp), referring to them as "dead birds."[{{Cite news |date=2022-06-07 |title=Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman: Met apologises on anniversary of murders |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61721721 |access-date=2025-12-09 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}]
In 2021 a review into the handling of the investigation of the [murder of Daniel Morgan](/source/murder_of_Daniel_Morgan) found that the Met Police was "institutionally corrupt".
In 2023, a report found racism, misogyny, homophobia and corruption within the organisation after the [abduction](/source/Kidnapping) of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, a police constable. 12% of female Met employees had been harassed or attacked, with 33% experiencing sexism. Other incidents included a Muslim officer who had bacon stuffed into his boots and a Sikh officer whose beard was cut. The report also found that officers of minority ethnic backgrounds were more likely to be disciplined and leave the force.[{{cite news |last1=Dodd |first1=Vikram |title=Met police found to be institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic |date=21 March 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/21/metropolitan-police-institutionally-racist-misogynistic-homophobic-louise-casey-report |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=21 March 2023 |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321000506/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/21/metropolitan-police-institutionally-racist-misogynistic-homophobic-louise-casey-report |url-status=live }}] The report was criticised by the charity Galop for not investigating transphobia.[{{cite web | url=https://galop.org.uk/news/galops-statement-on-institutionalised-homophobia-and-transphobia-in-the-met-police/ | title=Galop's statement on institutionalised homophobia and transphobia in the Met Police | access-date=2 May 2023 | archive-date=2 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502010207/https://galop.org.uk/news/galops-statement-on-institutionalised-homophobia-and-transphobia-in-the-met-police/ | url-status=live }}] Five former officers admitted in court in 2023 to sending racist messages, the targets of which included the [Duchess of Sussex](/source/Meghan%2C_Duchess_of_Sussex), and a sixth was convicted after a trial. All six were given [suspended jail sentences](/source/suspended_sentence).[{{Cite news |date=2023-09-07 |title=Met Police: Ex-officers admit sending racist WhatsApp messages |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-66743803 |access-date=2023-09-07 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907152843/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-66743803 |url-status=live }}][{{cite web |last1=Symonds |first1=Tom |title=Met Police: Ex-officers sentenced over racist WhatsApp posts|date=7 December 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67650961 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC |access-date=12 January 2024}}]
The Metropolitan Police was criticised in 2024 by former Prime Minister [Boris Johnson](/source/Boris_Johnson) for political bias in its efforts to support an investigation into alleged [Israeli war crimes](/source/Israeli_war_crimes) following Israel's response to terror attacks committed in 2023 by [Hamas on 7 October](/source/October_7_attacks). The Met responded by saying, under the terms of the [1998 Rome Statute](/source/Rome_Statute), it was obliged to support any investigations opened by the [International Criminal Court](/source/International_Criminal_Court) (ICC) that could involve British subjects.[{{Cite news |last1=Mendick |first1=Robert |last2=Evans |first2=Martin |date=2024-01-03 |title=Johnson condemns Met Police investigation into Israel 'war crimes' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/03/boris-johnson-condemns-police-investigation-israel-gaza/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}] In 2024, [His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services](/source/His_Majesty's_Inspectorate_of_Constabulary_and_Fire_%26_Rescue_Services) issued a report regarding the Met's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, saying the Met had been largely impartial. The report criticised the then Prime Minister [Rishi Sunak](/source/Rishi_Sunak) and the then Home Secretary [Suella Braverman](/source/Suella_Braverman) for suggesting otherwise.[{{cite web |last1=Dodd |first1=Vikram |date=10 September 2024 |title=Sunak and Braverman wrong to lambast Met over Palestine demos, report says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/sep/10/sunak-braverman-metropolitan-police-palestine-demos-report |access-date=11 September 2024 |website=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian}}]
In April 2024, the Met settled a claim for [misfeasance in a public office](/source/Misfeasance_in_public_office) and [false imprisonment](/source/false_imprisonment) by agreeing to pay a five-figure sum as damages to a French publisher who had been arrested and detained under anti-terrorism laws while he was on his way to a book fair in London.[{{cite web |last1=Weaver |first1=Matthew |title=Met police to pay 'five-figure sum' to French publisher arrested under anti-terror laws|date=29 April 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/29/met-police-to-pay-five-figure-sum-to-french-publisher-arrested-under-anti-terror-laws |website=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian |access-date=5 May 2024}}]
In November 2024, it was alleged that the Metropolitan Police was told about [allegations of sexual assault against Mohamed Al-Fayed](/source/Mohamed_Al-Fayed), the late businessman and owner of Harrods, ten years earlier than it had acknowledged.[{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Hannah |last2=De Simone |first2=Daniel |date=1 November 2024 |title=Met told about Al Fayed a decade earlier than stated |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg7nk5dx0wo |access-date=1 November 2024}}] The Met claimed that it first received such allegations in 2005, but the BBC was told that it had been informed by victims in 1995, but had not acted on the information.[{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=De Simone |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8egz8gr8lo |title=Met only sought Al Fayed charges for two victims |work=BBC News |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=1 November 2024}}] On 8 November, the [Independent Office for Police Conduct](/source/Independent_Office_for_Police_Conduct) announced that it would be investigating the Met over its handling of allegations of sexual misconduct related to the case.[{{cite news |date=8 November 2024 |title=Watchdog to review police handling of Al Fayed abuse claims |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr5mrp9g2n0o |access-date=8 November 2024}}]
In December 2025, the Metropolitan Police and [Greater Manchester Police](/source/Greater_Manchester_Police) announced tougher enforcement measures following reports that [antisemitic incidents in Britain](/source/Antisemitism_in_the_United_Kingdom) had increased more than fourfold since October 2023.[{{cite news |date= |title=Antisemitic incidents 'quadruple in UK' since Hamas attack in Israel |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67085625 |access-date= |work=BBC News}}][{{cite news |date= |title=Israel-Gaza conflict fuels hate crime surge on London transport |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/israelgaza-conflict-hate-crime-london-public-transport-b1263061.html |access-date= |work=Evening Standard}}] The announcement followed heightened security concerns after fatal attacks on Jewish communities in Britain and abroad, including a [Synagogue](/source/Synagogue) attack in [Manchester](/source/Manchester) and a mass shooting at a [Hanukkah](/source/Hanukkah) event in [Bondi Beach](/source/Bondi_Beach), [Sydney](/source/Sydney), [Australia](/source/Australia).[{{cite news |date=17 December 2025 |title=UK police plan tougher action against antisemitic chants and protests |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-police-plan-tougher-action-against-antisemitic-chants-protests-2025-12-17/ |access-date= |work=Reuters}}] In a joint statement, police warned that pro-Palestinian chants such as "[Intifada](/source/Intifada)" and "globalise the intifada" carried "real-world consequences", and confirmed they would "act decisively and make arrests" where offences were identified.[{{cite news |date=17 December 2025 |title=Two arrested on suspicion of shouting slogans calling for ‘intifada’ at protest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/17/met-police-gmp-crackdown-intifada-chants-pro-palestine-protests |access-date= |work=The Guardian}}]
=== Freemasonry ===
There have long been rumours of undue influence of [Freemasonry](/source/Freemasonry) within the Metropolitan Police. In 2025, Freemasons' organizations took legal action to secure an injunction against a policy that would force Freemasons within the Metropolitan Police to reveal their affiliation.[{{Cite web |date=2025-12-11 |title=Hierarchical organisations added to declarable association policy |url=https://news.met.police.uk/news/hierarchical-organisations-added-to-declarable-association-policy-504257 |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=Mynewsdesk |language=en}}][{{Cite news |last=Dodd |first=Vikram |date=2025-12-29 |title=Freemasons seek injunction against Met policy requiring officers to declare membership |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/29/freemasons-injunction-metropolitan-police-declare-membership |access-date=2026-01-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}] {{As of|2026|01}}, although the injunction has yet to be ruled on, more than 300 officers had already declared themselves to be Freemasons.[{{Cite web |date=2026-01-13 |title=Hundreds of Met officers and staff declare Freemasons links |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1m7zln0x3eo |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}]
==See also==
{{Portal|London}}
{{div col|colwidth=50em}}
*[2010 United Kingdom student protests](/source/2010_United_Kingdom_student_protests)
* ''[Bent Coppers](/source/Bent_Coppers)'', 2003 non-fiction book that examines police corruption within the MPS
* [Crimint](/source/Crimint)
* [Hendon Police College](/source/Hendon_Police_College)
* [Institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police](/source/Institutional_racism_in_the_Metropolitan_Police)
* [Institutional sexism in the Metropolitan Police](/source/Institutional_sexism_in_the_Metropolitan_Police)
* [London Emergency Services Liaison Panel](/source/London_Emergency_Services_Liaison_Panel)
* ''[The Met: Policing London](/source/The_Met%3A_Policing_London)''
* [List of British police officers killed in the line of duty](/source/List_of_British_police_officers_killed_in_the_line_of_duty)
* [Metropolitan police role in phone hacking scandal](/source/Metropolitan_police_role_in_phone_hacking_scandal)
* [News International phone hacking scandal](/source/News_International_phone_hacking_scandal)
* [Project Griffin](/source/Project_Griffin)
* [Royal National Lifeboat Institution](/source/Royal_National_Lifeboat_Institution)
{{div col end}}
==References==
=== Notes ===
{{notelist}}
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/police-forces/metropolitan/ ''Metropolitan Police''] at [His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services](/source/His_Majesty's_Inspectorate_of_Constabulary_and_Fire_%26_Rescue_Services)
*[https://archives.parliament.uk/collections/getrecord/GB61_MET Parliamentary Archives, Records of the Metropolitan Police] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815072917/https://archives.parliament.uk/collections/getrecord/GB61_MET |date=15 August 2021 }}
{{Metropolitan Police}}
{{Police forces of the United Kingdom}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Metropolitan Police
Category:Police forces of London
Category:1829 establishments in England
Category:Government agencies established in 1829
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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Metropolitan Police](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Police) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Police?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.