When it comes to law enforcement in London, two of the most well-known police forces are the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police. While both organizations work tirelessly to maintain public safety, there are several key differences between them that set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at each force and see how they differ.
Metropolitan Police
The Metropolitan Police Service, more commonly known as the ‘Met’, is the largest police force in the UK. It covers an area of 620 square miles and serves a population of over 8 million people. The Met is responsible for law enforcement across Greater London and is divided into 32 boroughs.
History
The Met was formed in 1829 and was the first modern police force in the world. Its initial purpose was to combat rising crime rates in London, which had become a major problem during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the Met employs over 40,000 officers and staff, making it one of the biggest employers in London.
Responsibilities
The Met is responsible for maintaining law and order across Greater London. Its duties include preventing crime, arresting offenders, investigating crimes, and providing support to victims of crime. The Met also has a number of specialist units that deal with specific areas such as counter-terrorism, organized crime, and traffic policing.
City of London Police
The City of London Police is a smaller force than the Met but has its own unique responsibilities. It covers an area of just one square mile but has a significant role to play in maintaining public safety within this area.
History
The City of London Police was formed in 1839 as a way to provide additional policing within the financial district of London. Its jurisdiction covers not only this area but also some surrounding parts of central London.
Responsibilities
The City of London Police is responsible for policing the financial district of London, which is home to many major banks and financial institutions. Its officers work closely with these institutions to prevent financial crime such as fraud and money laundering. The City of London Police also has a number of specialist units that deal with areas such as economic crime and cybercrime.
Differences Between the Met and City of London Police
While both forces have similar goals, there are several key differences between the Met and City of London Police. One major difference is their jurisdiction – while the Met covers a vast area across Greater London, the City of London Police only covers a small but important area within central London.
Another difference is their responsibilities – while both forces are responsible for preventing crime and maintaining public safety, the City of London Police has a specific focus on preventing financial crime within the financial district.
Conclusion
In summary, while both the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police work towards maintaining law and order in London, they have different jurisdictions and specific responsibilities. The Met serves a population of over 8 million people across Greater London while the City of London Police focuses on policing the financial district. Both forces play an important role in keeping London safe for its residents and visitors alike.