Metropolitan Police

This section provides an introduction to Sir Robert Peel’s reforms and creation of the Metropolitan Police force. Sir Robert Peel, appointed Home Secretary in 1822, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of modern policing and penal reform in Britain. During his time in office, Peel worked tirelessly to address issues of crime, punishment, and law enforcement. His commitment to reform was grounded in a belief that the criminal justice system should focus not just on punishment, but on the prevention of crime and the rehabilitation of offenders. His reforms laid the foundations for a more organised, professional approach to policing, particularly through the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force in 1829.

Peel’s Vision for a Professional Police Force

Peel’s thoughts on policing began in earnest after his appointment as Home Secretary. He recognised the need for a more systematic approach to law enforcement, particularly in London, where crime rates were increasing rapidly due to urbanisation and social unrest. His proposal for the Metropolitan Police was groundbreaking and transformed the way law and order was maintained across Britain. Peel’s vision for the force was shaped by several key principles:

• A Centralised Police Force: Peel advocated for a centralised police system that could standardise policing practices across London. This would ensure that there were consistent standards in how law enforcement operated and that the police could respond efficiently to crime across the capital.
• Non-Military Force: One of Peel’s most significant contributions to policing was his determination that the new force would not resemble the army. He believed that a professional police force should not carry weapons like soldiers, and should focus on crime prevention rather than the use of force. This was a direct response to concerns that a militarised police force would be used to oppress the public and infringe upon individual freedoms.
• Uniform and Appearance: The Metropolitan Police officers were given uniforms that included a blue overcoat and a top hat. These were designed to make officers look civilian rather than military, so they would be viewed as part of the community rather than as a tool of governmental control. This was a deliberate move to alleviate public fears of authoritarianism.
• The Role of Officers: The police officers, often referred to as Peelers or Bobbies in reference to Peel, were given specific roles and responsibilities to build trust within the communities they served. They were tasked with preventing crime and maintaining public order rather than engaging in violent confrontations. Officers carried truncheons, rattles, and handcuffs, tools for maintaining order without resorting to excessive force.

The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829

The Metropolitan Police Act was passed by Parliament in 1829 and brought Peel’s vision to life. The establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force marked the birth of the first modern professional police force in the world. It began with approximately 3,200 officers and was tasked with policing the growing metropolis of London. This was a significant moment in British history, as it laid the groundwork for police forces across the country and beyond.

Despite its innovative nature, the creation of the Metropolitan Police was met with skepticism and resistance from the British public. Many were concerned about the new force’s potential to infringe upon personal liberties. The idea of a full-time, government-paid police force was unfamiliar to most people, and there were fears that the force would act as an instrument of state oppression. Critics viewed the new officers as spies or informers who would monitor and control the actions of ordinary citizens.

To address these concerns, Peel ensured that the new police force operated under strict guidelines. Officers were required to build positive relationships with the public and be respectful of individuals' rights. Additionally, officers were only permitted to use physical force when absolutely necessary. These principles were designed to ensure that the police force would be a positive influence in society, and would not act as an instrument of repression.

Peel’s Principles: Lasting Impact

Peel’s nine principles of policing, outlined in 1829, remain the foundation of modern British policing. These principles emphasised the importance of crime prevention, maintaining public trust, and respecting the rights of citizens. Some key principles included:

• Prevention of Crime: The most important role of the police was to prevent crime, not just respond to it after it had occurred.
• Public Cooperation: The police were to work closely with the public to achieve and maintain order.
• Use of Force: Officers should only use force when necessary and must always remain within the boundaries of the law.

These principles continue to guide police forces in Britain and around the world today, ensuring that the relationship between the police and the public is based on mutual trust and respect.

Peel’s Penal Reforms

In addition to his work on law enforcement, Sir Robert Peel was also a strong advocate for penal reform. Peel believed that the criminal justice system should focus on the rehabilitation of offenders rather than simply punishing them harshly. He was influenced by the ideas of prison reformers like John Howard and Elizabeth Fry, who campaigned for better treatment of prisoners and the introduction of reforms to help them reintegrate into society.

One of Peel’s most important achievements in penal reform was the Gaols Act of 1823, which aimed to improve conditions in prisons. The Act required that prisons be inspected regularly to ensure that conditions were humane, and it placed greater emphasis on rehabilitation. However, the impact of the Gaols Act was somewhat limited, as there were no paid inspectors to enforce the reforms consistently across the country.

Peel’s belief in reform extended to the criminal code. He worked to reduce the number of crimes punishable by death by a significant margin, removing more than 100 offences from the death penalty list. This was a significant step towards modernising the criminal justice system and making punishments more proportionate to the crimes committed.

Challenges and Legacy

While Peel’s reforms were transformative, they were not universally accepted, and the establishment of the Metropolitan Police faced significant opposition. Many people were suspicious of a professional police force, and the idea of a centrally controlled force with a presence on the streets of London seemed to threaten personal freedoms. However, Peel’s police force ultimately proved to be a success, and the model was soon adopted in other cities across Britain.

Peel’s legacy in the development of policing is still felt today. His establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force in 1829 was a revolutionary moment in the history of law enforcement. His reforms, including his emphasis on preventing crime and rehabilitating offenders, have had a lasting impact on both policing and the criminal justice system.

By focusing on community engagement, crime prevention, and humane treatment of offenders, Peel’s approach to law enforcement and penal reform helped shape the development of modern policing in Britain and around the world. His influence can be seen in the values and principles that guide police forces today.