by Metropolitan Police Commissioners 1862

A Policeman’s Lot

The Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police reiterated that what they liked best was a policeman who never arrested anyone.

1862

King George V 1910-1936

Introduction

In 1829, Sir Robert Peel’s Metropolitan Police Act passed into law with the blessing of Prime Minister Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, and King George IV. Sir Richard Mayne, a barrister, drew up guidelines emphasising that the measure of success was not arrests and prosecutions, but tranquil communities, and thirty-three years later the Met saw no reason to change them.

by Metropolitan Police Commissioners 1862

THE following Instructions for the different ranks of the Metropolitan Police Force are not to be understood as containing rules of conduct applicable to every variety of circumstances that may occur in the performance of their duty; something must necessarily be left to the intelligence and discretion of individuals; and according to the degree in which they show themselves possessed of these qualities, and to their zeal, activity, and judgment, on all occasions, will be their claims to future promotion and reward.*

It should be understood, at the outset, that the principal object to be attained is “the Prevention of Crime.”

To this great end every effort of the Police is to be directed. The security of person and property, the preservation of the public tranquillity, and all the other objects of a Police Establishment, will thus be better effected than by the detection and punishment of the offender after he has succeeded in committing the crime.

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“He must be particularly cautious not to interfere unnecessarily” the Guidelines informed police constables; “when required to act, he is to do so with decision and boldness: on all occasions he will receive full support in the proper exercise of his authority.” No inferior can exercise discretion and forbear to interfere if his superiors will not back him up, regardless of the outcome.

Précis

In 1862, the Metropolitan Police reissued guidelines first published when the Force was established thirty-three years earlier. They reminded officers that their primary task was preventing crime, not catching criminals, and also that the exercise of individual initiative and discretion, even regarding their own guidelines, was something they encouraged and would reward.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

The Metropolitan Police Force was founded in 1829. The Commissioners issued guidelines. Their main aim was ‘the prevention of crime.’

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IEstablishment. IIPriority. IIIStop.

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