The Metropolitan Police Service is continually evolving and improving to respond to the needs of millions of people of all nationalities, faiths and cultures who visit, live and work in London. The organisation aims to deliver quality policing that reduces crime — and the fear of crime — across the capital. It is also recognised on a global scale as a leading authority on policing today.
The Met today is a far cry from the organisation that was founded in 1829 by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel. Back then, there were just 1,000 officers looking after a population of 2 million. Now, there are some 54,000 officers and staff working as one team to make the streets safer for 7.2 million Londoners in 32 boroughs across 620 square miles.
As one of the capital's largest employers, the Met is committed to having a workforce that reflects the community it serves. People join from all kinds of backgrounds, bringing all sorts of skills and experience to a huge diversity of roles. As well as frontline officers, the Met employs 14,000 police staff who carry out vital work such as answering emergency calls, forensics, handling finances or harnessing the latest advancements in technology.
But London can only be policed with the trust and respect of all Londoners, so it's essential that everyone who joins has the sensitivity to work effectively with the many different communities that make up the capital.
Making London safer is uniquely challenging but uniquely rewarding. Good salaries are supplemented by attractive benefits including a superb pension and opportunities for career progression.