29 September 2016
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A traditional ‘blue lamp’, located outside the Charing Cross Police Station of the Metropolitan Police in London
The Metropolitan Police Service was founded by Robert Peel on 29 September 1829
On this day in history, 1829: The Metropolitan Police Service is founded by Robert Peel under the Metropolitan Police Act 1829.
Metropolitan Police officers, who became affectionately known as ‘bobbies’, took to the streets on 29 September 1829 despite resistance from some parts of the community who saw them to be a threat to civil liberties. The initial force consisted of two Commissioners, eight Superintendents, 20 Inspectors, 88 Sergeants and 895 Constables. Patrolling the streets within a seven-mile radius of Charing Cross, in order to prevent crime and pursue offenders.
Do you have police ancestors? Many historical records have been kept by the Metropolitan Police. Assisted by 'The Friends' of the ‘met collection’ the MPS has invested resources to make these records searchable and available to the public. Find out more at http://content.met.police.uk/Site/mpshistoryinformation.
Pictured: A traditional ‘blue lamp’, located outside the Charing Cross Police Station of the Metropolitan Police in London.