Question

Explain the purpose of the London Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 and Sir Robert Peel's influence on modern policing.

Answer 1

The Metropolitan Police Act was passed in 1829. It was an Act of Parliament which was introduced by Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel is considered as the father of modern policing. The Act established the Metropolitan Police of London replacing the previously disorganized system of parish constables and watchmen. It was done to improve public law.

Sir Robert Peel developed the Peelian Principles which defined the ethical requirements police officers must follow to be effective. In 1829 he proposed that the police are the public and the public are the police. He played an important role in modernizing the British government's social and economic policies and sponsored the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.