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Metropolitan Police Act 1829

The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 (10 Geo. 4. c. 44) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, introduced by Sir Robert Peel, which established the Metropolitan Police. This was to be responsible for policing the newly created Metropolitan Police District, which consisted of the City of Westminster and parts of Middlesex, Surrey, and Kent, within seven miles of Charing Cross, apart from the City of London. It replaced a previously more diverse system of parish constables and watchmen. It is one of the Metropolitan Police Acts 1829 to 1895.[b]

Long title

An Act for improving the Police in and near the Metropolis.

19 June 1829

The Act[edit]

The Act was the enabling legislation for what is often considered to be the first modern police force, the "bobbies" or "peelers" (after Peel), which later served as the model for modern urban policing throughout Britain. Until the passage of the Act, the Statute of Winchester of 1285 was cited as the primary legislation regulating the policing of the country since the Norman Conquest.[1]

History of law enforcement in the United Kingdom

History of the Metropolitan Police

Peelian principles

Emsley, Clive (2018). Crime and Society in England, 1750–1900.

Gash, Norman. Mr. Secretary Peel (1962) 1:477-507

Harrison, Arch. "The English Police 1829-1856: Consensus or Conflict" International Journal of Police Science & Management 2 (1999): 175+

Lyman, J. L (1964). . Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science. 55 (1): 141–154 – via JSTOR.

"The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829: An Analysis of Certain Events Influencing the Passage and Character of the Metropolitan Police Act in England"

Inspector Denning - Victorian Police in Westminster - UK Parliament Living Heritage

Metropolitan Police Act 1829 on the UK Parliament website

Metropolitan Police; Time Line 1829 - 1849

Metropolitan police - Timeline 1829 to 1899

Crime, Punishment and Protest Through Time, c.1450-2004

learnhistory.org.uk