Founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, the Metropolitan Police Service is one of the oldest police services in the world. From the beginning, the purpose of the Met has been to serve and protect the people of London by providing a professional police service. Despite the challenges we have faced recently, this remains our purpose.
Today, the Met is made up of more than 46,000 officers and staff, plus thousands of volunteers. With a budget of £4 billion it is the UK’s largest police force. The territory served covers 620 square miles and is home to over 9 million people. The Met is seen as a world leader in policing. The ‘Scotland Yard’ brand is known around the world as a symbol of investigation and policing.
Policing Our Unique City
London is unique. As the largest city in Western Europe, it is home to ‘the world under one roof’. Its ever-changing population is over 9 million and it is one of the most diverse (culturally, ethnically and linguistically) cities in the world. The complexities of policing a city on this scale are huge. A seat of Parliamentary, Royal and Diplomatic power, London is also a focal point for protest and is a high-profile target for terrorist attack as well as being subject to the impact of wider national and international events.
There are over 300 languages spoken in London, and around 40% of the population are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. These numbers are predicted to grow further as the city expands and develops.
At end May 2024*, the Met has almost 34,000 of 140,000 police officers in England and Wales, almost 25% of all police officers, and polices over 15% of the England & Wales population across 32 Boroughs. Further, we have over 1,400 police community support officers, over 1,270 Met Special Constables and over 10,880 support staff. *Combined Full Time Equivalent.
Taken together, this creates a unique policing environment. Everyone joining the Met needs the ability to deliver outstanding policing to Londoners and must share our commitment to beating and preventing crime, and protecting our citizens, streets and communities. Further information on the Metropolitan Police Service can be found via the link below.
The Met is responsible for maintaining the peace and is accountable in law for the exercise of policing powers, and to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) for the delivery of efficient and effective policing, management of resources and expenditure. At all times the Commissioner and his officers remain operationally independent, in the service of the public.
Further information on the Metropolitan Police Service and key reading:
About the Met
New Met for London
Our structure
We operate through operational functions, each headed by an Assistant Commissioner:
Frontline Policing leads local policing and specialist investigation across London, responsible for the public facing aspects of ‘more trust and less crime’. Leads the delivery of precise community crime-fighting and London’s strongest ever neighbourhood policing.
Met Operations and Performance leads the delivery of services that enhance operational effectiveness across the whole Met, using data and intelligence from across the organisation to drive improved outcomes. Leads the pan-Met specialist operational capabilities required to support effective policing across London. This portfolio includes Forensic Services.
Trust and Legitimacy leads on the cultural portfolio; diversity and Inclusion; approach to community engagement.
Professionalism leads the Met on tackling misconduct and corruption within the organisation and setting, embedding and enforcing professional standards. Holds the organisation to account for creating and maintaining a culture based on Met values, standards and behaviours.
Specialist Operations continues to deliver counter terrorism and protective services (both in London and nationally).
Staff Chiefs report into the Deputy Commissioner and lead People & Resources; Digital, Data & Technology (DDAT); Communications & Engagement and Strategy & Transformation.
