History Coursework: The Metropolitan Police Force

... History Coursework In 1829, was the main turning point in policing. When Home secretary Sir Robert Peel set up the Metropolitan police Force. They had three vital duties. Prevent crime, solving crime and dealing with political protest (Riots). The Metropolitan Police Force was nicknamed "Peelers" or "Bobbies". They patrolled the streets keeping an eye out for trouble. One of their duties was to deal with drunkenness, vagrants, beggars and prostitutes. And tackling major disturbances such as riots was another. Preventing crime was probably the most important duty because if they could prevent crime, this would keep the streets in order. And they maintained the high level of presence on the streets of London. They used this simple but effective method. As petty theft (pick pocketing) was the most common crime around that time they were nearly always there to deter it. That is why they were so successful with preventing crime.

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