ABOUT US
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 MPS 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 MPS is made up of more than 46,000 officers and staff, plus thousands of volunteers. With a budget of more than £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 ‘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.
There are over 300 languages spoken in London
%
40% of the population are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
The MPS has over 34,200 of 140,000 police officers in England and Wales
%
The MPS polices over 15% of the England & Wales population across 32 Boroughs
Police staff
Police community support officers
Metropolitan Special Constables
These figures are correct as of 31.10.2023
Taken together, this creates a unique policing environment. Everyone joining the MPS 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.
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.
Values: how we behave
Respect
- I will respect the rights of everyone I meet.
- I will listen to individual perspectives and needs.
- I will try my best to understand a diverse range of views and achieve the best possible outcomes for the public.
Integrity
- I will always try to do the right thing.
- I will be fair and consistent in everything I do, being mindful of the impact of my actions.
- I will actively challenge those whose behaviour falls below public and the Met’s expectations.
Empathy
- I will care about communities and colleagues and try to understand their perspectives and experiences, at all times.
- I will be kind and listen and understand without judgement.
- I will take time to clarify and explain my decisions.
Courage
- I will show courage by making tough decisions when needed.
- I will always challenge racist, homophobic, misogynistic and any other discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour.
- I will show humility.
Accountable
- I will strive to build trust with the public, colleagues, and partners, by being open, honest and taking ownership for what I have done and why.
- I will admit when I make mistakes, learn from them and improve.