Metropolitan Police Act 1829 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for improving the Police in and near the Metropolis. |
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| Citation | 10 Geo. 4. c. 44 |
| Introduced by | Robert Peel |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 19 June 1829 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Metropolitan Police Act 1829 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 was an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was introduced by a famous politician named Sir Robert Peel. This law created the Metropolitan Police, which was the first modern police force in London.
This new police force was in charge of keeping order in a special area called the Metropolitan Police District. This area included places like the City of Westminster and parts of Middlesex, Surrey, and Kent. It covered everything within seven miles of Charing Cross, but not the very old City of London itself. Before this Act, policing was done by different local groups, like parish constables and watchmen. This Act changed how law and order worked in a big way.
Contents
Creating Modern Policing
This law was super important because it set up what many people consider the very first modern police force. These new police officers were often called "bobbies" or "peelers." These nicknames came from Sir Robert Peel, who helped create them.
A New Way to Keep Order
The "bobbies" became a model for how police forces would work in cities all over Britain. Before this Act, the main law about policing was the Statute of Winchester from 1285. That law had been around since the time of the Norman Conquest! The 1829 Act brought policing into the modern age.
Why Was a New Police Force Needed?
In the early 1800s, London was growing very fast. There were more people, and also more crime. The old system of watchmen and constables wasn't enough to keep everyone safe. Sir Robert Peel believed that a new, organized police force was needed to prevent crime and help people.
The Role of the New Police
The new Metropolitan Police were different. They wore uniforms and were trained to patrol the streets. Their main job was to prevent crime from happening, not just to catch criminals after a crime had been committed. They were also meant to be part of the community and help citizens.
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