Have you ever wondered where these two words to

refer to police officers come from?

Read the following texts and find out!

BOBBIES

In 1829 Sir Robert Peel formed the London Metropolitan Police, with headquarters in

Scotland Yard. The recruits wore top hats and tailcoats. This force was much larger,

better trained, and more highly disciplined than any other police force had ever been.

In 1835, due to an increase in crime, all towns and cities in England were empowered to

form their own police departments. From Sir Robert Peel’s name came the familiar

nickname ‘bobby’ for the English policeman.

COPS

In the 1830s a group of people from New York made a study of the British police system.

As a result, in 1844 New York became the first city in the U.S.A. to establish a day-and-

night force similar to Peel’s. Before long other cities followed New York’s example.

But why are American police officers known as ‘cops’ or ‘coppers’? Some people believe

that the name comes from the pointed copper star once worn by New York policemen.

Others believe that the name was taken from the initial letters of the words ‘ constable

on patrol’.
 Reading Comprehension Activities

1. Which of the following pictures can you relate to bobbies or cops?

Match:

BOBBIES

COPS

2. Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false ones.

a. Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the Scottish police force.

b. The officers belonging to the London Metropolitan Police formed

by Robert Peel were highly trained.

c. Before 1845 there were no police departments outside London.

d. ‘Bobby’ is common nickname for men called ‘Robert’.

e. The American police force is older than the British police force.

f. New York became the first city with a police force in the U.S.A.

in 1830.

g. One theory claims that the name ‘cop’ comes from the badge worn

by New York policemen.

h. ‘Constable’ is a synonym for ‘chief of police’ .

Discussion Points
a. Do you think it’s fine that Bobbies do not carry guns? Why / Why not?

b. Which uniform do you find more appealing: Bobbies’ or Cops’? Why?

 Answer Key to Exercise 2

a. F. Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the London Metropolitan

police force.

b. T. The officers belonging to the London Metropolitan Police

formed by Robert Peel were highly trained.

c. F. Before 1835 there were no police departments outside London.

d. T. ‘Bobby’ is common nickname for men called ‘Robert’.

e. F. The American police force is more modern than the British

police force.

f. F. New York became the first city with a police force in the

U.S.A. in 1844.

g. T. One theory claims that the name ‘cop’ comes from the badge

worn by New York policemen.

h. F. ‘Constable’ is a synonym for ‘police officer’ .