Notes on the Peels Metropolitan Police Act and the First London Police Force

Establishment of the London Metropolitan Police

• The Peels Metropolitan Police Act was responsible for establishing the first organized police force in London.
• This force was comprised of over $1,000$ men.
• It was structured along military lines.
• Members of the force became known as bobbies, a moniker derived from their creator, Sir Robert Peel.
• They were distinguished by a specific uniform.
• Initially, the force was led by two magistrates, who were later granted the title of commissioner.
• Ultimate accountability for the police lay with the Home Secretary, and by extension, Parliament.

Early Challenges Faced by the Bobbies

• The early bobbies encountered numerous difficulties:
  • Corruption: Many officers were corrupt.
  • Ineffectiveness: They were largely unsuccessful in their primary goal of curbing crime.
  • Influence by the Wealthy: They were susceptible to influence from affluent individuals.
• A significant issue was the continued practice of bribery: owners of