The Metropolitan police force

The first British Police Force which became an organized body of uniformed men with special powers was the Metropolitan Police Force («The Met»), named so because it policed the metropolis of London. This force was established by the Metropolitan Police Act 1829. It is the largest Police Force in Britain.

The Force is controlled by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis under the general directions of the Home Secretary.

The Metropolitan Police District is divided into twenty three Divisions which are divided into sub-Divisions. Each sub-Division is split into sectional police stations under the control of a Station Officer, who is usually a Sergeant.

The Metropolitan Police is divided into two main branches – the Criminal Investigation Department (the CID), and the uniformed branch. Besides, there is a number of specialized branches in the Force such as the Mounted Branch, the Dog branch, the River Police, the Woman Police and others.

The names of the ranks in the British Police system are as follows: constable, sergeant (2 grades), inspector (2 grades), superintendent (2 grades). All higher officers come from these ranks.

The main goals of policing include the prevention of crimes and disorder, the preservation of the peace, the apprehension of offenders, the recovery of lost or stolen property, and the protection of life, property, and personal liberties.

Упр. 6. Вставьте пропущенные слова, представленные ниже. Запишите соответствующие пары цифр в тетради.

1. The Metropolitan Police Force was … in the 19-th century.

2. The Metropolitan Police is the largest … force in Great Britain.

3. A police station in London is usually under the … of a Sergeant.

4. The first rank in the British police system is ….

5. The main responsibilities of the police are …of criminals, … of stolen property, protection of personal ….

6. The main branches of the Metropolitan Police are the …, and the … police.

1) liberties; 2) arrest; 3) police; 4) uniformed; 5) established; 6) recovery; 7) Criminal Investigation Department; 8) constable; 9) control.