Policing System of United Kingdom

Law enforcement in the United Kingdom

It is organized separately in each of the legal systems of the United Kingdom: England and Wales, Scotland,
and Northern Ireland. Most law enforcement duties are carried out by those who hold the office of police
constable of a territorial police force.
As of 2021, there were 39 territorial police forces in England, 4 in Wales, a single police force in Scotland, and a
single police force in Northern Ireland. These territorial police forces are responsible for most law enforcement and
crime reduction in their respective police areas. In terms of national government the territorial police forces of
England and Wales are overseen by the Home Office, although are operationally independent from government.
The British Transport Police (BTP), the Ministry of Defense Police (MDP), and the Civil Nuclear
Constabulary (CNC) provide specialist policing services in England, Scotland and Wales. The National Crime
Agency (NCA) is primarily tasked with tackling organised crime and has been compared to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) in the United States.
Police constables are granted certain powers to enable them to execute their duties. Their primary duties are the
protection of life and property, preservation of the peace, and prevention and detection of criminal offences. In the
British model of policing, officers exercise their powers to police with the implicit consent of the public. "Policing
by consent" is the phrase used to describe this. It expresses that the legitimacy of policing in the eyes of the public is
based upon a general consensus of support that follows from transparency about their powers, their integrity in
exercising those powers and their accountability for doing so.
Most police constables in England, Scotland and Wales do not carry firearms. As of 2022, there were 142,526 police
officers in England and Wales, 6,192 of which were firearms authorized.

History of Law Enforcement in the United Kingdom

The history of law enforcement in the United Kingdom charts the development of law enforcement in the United
Kingdom and its predecessor states. It spans the period from the Middle Ages, through to the development of the
first modern police force in the world in the nineteenth century, and the subsequent modernisation of policing in the
twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Middle Ages
Early concepts of policing in Britain were based on the ancient laws which relied heavily on all subjects of the crown
having a responsibility to assist in maintaining law and order.
 Posse Camitatus - originated in ninth century England along with the creation of the office of sheriff.
The posse comitatus (from the Latin for "power of the county/community/guard"), frequently shortened
to posse, is in common law a group of people mobilized by the conservator of peace – typically
a reeve, sheriff, chief, or another special/regional designee like an officer of the peace potentially
accompanied by or with the direction of a justice or ajudged parajudicial process given the imminence of
actual damage – to suppress lawlessness, defend the people, or otherwise protect the place, property, and
public welfare (see also ethical law enforcement (police by consent, etc.)).
 The Assize of Arms of 1252, also called the Ordinance of 1252, was a proclamation of King Henry III of
England concerning the enforcement of the Assize of Arms of 1181, and the appointment of constables to
summon men to arms, quell breaches of the peace, and to deliver offenders to the sheriff. The Ordinance of
1252 provided for the enforcement of the Assize of Arms of 1181 and the appointment of constables to
summon men to arms, quell breaches of the peace, and to deliver offenders to the sheriff. It expanded the
1181 Assize of Arms by adding the system of watch and ward, and pointing the way forward to subsequent
legislation along similar lines by Edward I and Henry IV.
 Modern Policing
 Chief Constable Captain Athelstan Popkess is credited with being largely responsible for transforming
the British Police Service from its Victorian era 'beat policing' model to the modern reactive response
model, through his development of the 'Mechanized Division'. Under his stewardship from 1930 to
1959, Nottingham City Police were the first force in the UK to develop the use of two-way radio
communication. As early as 1931 they used radios to deploy mobile police patrol cars remotely, and
receive updates from them in return.
 Popkess and the Nottingham City Police would expand this pioneering method and develop tactics to use it
to its full potential, including: overlaying mobile patrol areas on top of several existing foot beats, allowing
responding Mechanized Division officers to collect colleagues on foot and take them to incidents; 'snatch
plans' to pot up police cars at key road junctions in the event of serious crimes; and 'Q Cars' or 'Q Cruisers',
unmarked vehicles disguised as civilian cars or delivery vans for covert patrol.
 In 1947 he further linked this to an automated burglar alarm system which reported potential break-ins
directly to a police control room where police cars could be deployed instantly to attend.
 Since the 1960s, police forces in the United Kingdom have been merged and modernised by several Acts of
Parliament.

Watchmen and Constables

During this period, law enforcement and policing were organised by local communities such as town authorities. In
Scotland, the first statutory police force is believed to be the High Constables of Edinburgh, who were created by the
Scottish parliament in 1611 to "guard their streets and to commit to ward all person found on the streets after the said
hour". Within local areas in England, a constable could be attested by two or more Justices of the Peace, following a
procedure that some sources say had its roots in an Act of the Parliament of England of 1673.
 Watchmen - The Ordinance of 1233 required the appointment of watchmen. Watchmen were organized
groups of men, usually authorized by a state, government, city, or society, to deter criminal activity and
provide law enforcement as well as traditionally perform the services of public safety, fire watch, crime
prevention, crime detection, and recovery of stolen goods. Watchmen have existed since earliest recorded
times in various guises throughout the world and were generally succeeded by the emergence of formally
organized professional policing.
 Constables - A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in criminal law
enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions. A constable is
commonly the rank of an officer within the police. Other people may be granted powers of a constable
without holding this title.
 Justice of the peace (JP) - is a judicial officer of a lower or puisne court, elected or appointed by means of a
commission (letters patent) to keep the peace. In past centuries the term commissioner of the peace was often
used with the same meaning. Depending on the jurisdiction, such justices dispense summary justice or
merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions. Justices of the peace are
appointed or elected from the citizens of the jurisdiction in which they serve, and are (or were) usually not
required to have any formal legal education in order to qualify for the office.
 Parliament of England - was the legislature of the Kingdom of England from the 13th century until 1707
when it was replaced by the Parliament of Great Britain. Parliament evolved from the great
council of bishops and peers that advised the English monarch. Great councils were first called Parliaments
during the reign of Henry III (r. 1216–1272). By this time, the king required Parliament's consent to levy
taxation.
The policing system in the UK has deep historical roots. The first formal police force was established in 1829 by
then-Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, leading to officers being referred to as "Bobbies" or "Peelers." The
Metropolitan Police Service, covering London, was the initial model for this organized law enforcement.
 The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 - 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]
Peel introduced the principles known as the "Peelian Principles," emphasizing community cooperation, crime
prevention, and maintaining public trust. Policing spread across the country, and by the mid-19th century, various
regions had established their own police forces
 The Peelian principles summarise the ideas that Sir Robert Peel developed to define an ethical police force.
The approach expressed in these principles is commonly known as policing by consent in the United
Kingdom and other countries such as Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In this model of policing,
police officers are regarded as citizens in uniform. They exercise their powers to police their fellow citizens
with the implicit consent of those fellow citizens. "Policing by consent" indicates that the legitimacy of
policing in the eyes of the public is based upon a consensus of support that follows from transparency about
their powers, their integrity in exercising those powers and their accountability for doing so.

Over time, policing evolved to adapt to changing societal needs and challenges. The establishment of detective units,
the introduction of women into policing, and advancements in technology have all shaped the modern UK policing
landscape. In 1967, the Royal Commission on the Police recommended reforms, leading to the creation of a single
system for police training and the establishment of the Police Complaints Board. Subsequent decades saw further
developments, including community policing initiatives and efforts to enhance accountability. Today, police services
in the UK operate under various jurisdictions, including territorial police forces, specialized agencies, and regional
constabularies, each contributing to maintaining law and order in their respective areas.

Mission

The Mission statement of the Metropolitan Police Service is: "Working together to make London the safest major
city in the world."

 In the United Kingdom, law enforcement is, generally speaking, organized at the level of administrative
districts, in England and Wales defined as Home Office police forces. The United Kingdom counts 52 police
forces (constabularies): 43 in England and Wales, eight in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland.
 As of 2021, there were 39 territorial police forces in England, 4 in Wales, a single police force in Scotland,
and a single police force in Northern Ireland.[1] These territorial police forces are responsible for most law
enforcement and crime reduction in their respective police areas. In terms of national government, the
territorial police forces of England and Wales are overseen by the Home Office, although are operationally
independent from government. The British Transport Police (BTP), the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP),
and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) provide specialist policing services in England, Scotland and
Wales. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is primarily tasked with tackling organised crime and has
been compared to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. (CNC) provide specialist
policing services in England, Scotland and Wales.

Hierarchical Structure
 Police services in the UK are organised around two legal entities: the ‘Office of Constable’ and the police
force. Police officers (no matter their rank) each individually hold the Office of Constable. The Office of
 Constable grants them powers to detect, prevent and investigate crime. Every police officer is a member of a
police force. The police force organises and coordinates their crime fighting. As members of police forces,
officers (and other police personnel) are under the “direction and control” of their chief officer. Chief
officers are ultimately responsible for the operation of their force.
Specialized Units
Uniformed Response Team
 The names of such teams may vary across the country, but their general function is to provide a quick time
uniform response to emergency incidents reported to police. Generally, they will deal with the most urgent
policing activities requiring immediate action and 999 calls.
Traffic or Road Policing Unit
 A traffic officer is concerned with all aspects of road safety, while still getting involved in policing all kinds
of non-traffic incidents and using specialist driving skills to purse vehicles or vehicles failing to stop.
Dog Unit
 Dog Handling Teams utilize the specialist senses of a canines smell to assist with the detection and
prevention of crime. Dog handlers are able to train and deploy their animals in a wide variety of roles such as
public order events and crowd control but more often to detect a wide range of offences.
Mounted Police
 A traditional policing department which is on the decrease but provides an invaluable policing function.
Horses are mainly used by the police for: * Crowd control during demonstrations and sporting events.
Underwater Search Unit (USW)
 Highly trained police divers are needed in many forces to take part in underwater search units. The units are
utilized for underwater searches for suspected weapons, stolen property or missing people.
Firearms Support Unit (FSU)
 Although British police officers are not routinely armed each force has a number of officers who are trained
and equipped to carry firearms and participate in operations that require firearms.
Operational Support Unit (OSU)
 Most forces will have an OSU capacity to deploy in spontaneous or pre-planned major incidents. The
department provides advanced public order trained officers, specialist search officers and officers trained in
safe entry to buildings.

National Air support Unit (NPAS)

 Now a national unit, forces are able to request air support for deployment on a wide range of incidents.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID)

 The CID deals with the majority of more serious crimes and investigations within a force. Offences such as
robberies, burglaries, sexual offences, fraud, serious assaults and potentially murders.
Major Investigation Team (MIT)
 Major Investigation Teams may have different titles across the country but they are responsible for
investigating some of the most serious and high profile crimes within a force,
Forensic services – Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
  Across the country this department will vary in structure but in general its main functions will include, Crime
Scene Investigation, Photographic/imaging and fingerprint development services.
Force Intelligence Unit
 This department and structure will vary greatly form force to force but its function will generally be
concerned with the gathering, developing, handling and dissemination of intelligence across a force or within
specialist units.
Drugs squad
 Where the National Crime Agency tackles the large-scale drug trafficking offences, local forces may have
local units to deal specifically with drug offences in their area.
Economic Crime Unit (ECU)
 Most forces have specialist units dealing primarily with fraud or financial crime. The unit’s main
responsibility is to both investigate and take steps to prevent fraud, along with a wide range of other
fraudulent crimes which require specialist knowledge and training to investigate.
Special Branch (SB)
 Most forces still retain its own Special Branch dealing with terrorism related enquiries locally however,
regional counter terrorism units have the lead role in most major terrorism investigations.
Safeguarding Unit
 Local Safeguarding Units (SGU’s) include police officers and support staff who specialise in areas relating
to child and public protection.
Public Protection Department
 Public Protection Officers are responsible for the daily management of potentially dangerous persons,
registered sex offenders, and other sex offenders residing within the force area.
Cyber Crime Unit
 A new and rapidly emerging area of policing, most forces will now have a capacity to respond to the threat,
risk and harm posed by cyber and organised crime.

Community Policing
There are four elements in community policing that make it useful and proactive. These are the philosophical,
strategic, tactical, and organizational dimensions.
Philosophical Dimension
 This community policing element refers to the ideas and perspectives that make up community policing.
Generally, this element involves information and resources from a community.
Strategic Dimension
 This element of community policing allows law enforcement to transform community ideas into action. Law
enforcement uses this element to develop tools that address the root causes of crime in the community.
Tactical Dimension
 Unlike the strategic dimension, the tactical dimension focuses on program development. This element of
community policing helps law enforcement transform ideas into programs, strategies, and practices.
Organizational Dimension
 The last element of community policing is the organizational dimension. This element emphasizes promoting
community policing as a law enforcement strategy.
Training and Education
In recent years, professionalisation has become a critical discourse for the development of police forces in the United
Kingdom. As a result, moving away from traditional training programmes towards more formal higher education
programmes has been seen as a way of progress to develop professionalism within the police force. In light of recent
development in the field of policing, modernisation became the key concern for workforce development to fulfil the
demands of the twenty-first century. The changing nature of policing and the complexity of police work became an
integral part of police studies discourse. Recent studies show that having a higher education degree tends to have a
more significant impact on police officers’ knowledge and appreciation of the values and lifestyles of peoples from
different cultures, especially minority groups and immigrants. Therefore, the professional academic education
programme has been suggested as a vital tool for the development of police forces in the United Kingdom.

Legal System - The legal system in the United Kingdom plays a crucial role in shaping and governing the policing
system. Here are key aspects:
 *Legal Framework:* Policing in the UK operates within a legal framework that includes various statutes,
regulations, and common law principles. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) is a
fundamental piece of legislation outlining police powers, detention procedures, and other important aspects.
 *Human Rights Act 1998:* The UK Human Rights Act incorporates the European Convention on Human
Rights into domestic law. This has implications for policing, ensuring that law enforcement actions comply
with human rights standards.
 *Common Law:* Many principles of policing are derived from common law, which evolves through judicial
decisions. This includes the duty of the police to prevent and investigate crime.
 *Independent Judiciary:* The UK has an independent judiciary that ensures the rule of law. Courts have the
authority to review police actions, ensuring they adhere to legal standards.
 *Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs):* In England and Wales, PCCs are elected officials responsible
for overseeing the police force in their respective areas. They play a role in setting priorities, allocating
budgets, and ensuring accountability.
 *Crown Prosecution Service (CPS):* The CPS is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by
the police. It operates independently from the police and makes decisions on whether to bring cases to court.
 *Magistrates and Crown Courts:* Criminal cases are heard in magistrates' courts for less serious offenses
and Crown Courts for more serious ones. Judges and magistrates ensure that legal procedures are followed
during trials.
 *Police Complaints and Oversight:* Independent bodies, such as the Independent Office for Police Conduct
(IOPC), handle complaints against the police. They investigate cases where there are concerns about police
conduct.
These elements collectively form a comprehensive legal system that governs and oversees policing activities in the
United Kingdom. The legal framework emphasizes the importance of upholding individual rights and ensuring
accountability within law enforcement.
In the United Kingdom, the majority of police officers are traditionally unarmed. This approach is rooted in a
philosophy that emphasizes community policing, public cooperation, and the principle that the police should, in
general, use minimal force. Most routine policing duties, including patrolling and responding to incidents, are carried
out by unarmed officers. However, there are exceptions to this norm:
 *Armed Response Units:* In response to specific incidents or threats, specially trained armed officers may
be deployed. These units, often known as Armed Response Units (ARUs), are equipped with firearms and
are trained to handle situations where there is a significant risk of violence.
  *Specialist Firearms Units:* The UK has specialist firearms units that handle high-risk situations. These
units undergo extensive training and are equipped with firearms. They are not part of the routine patrol force.
 *Airport and Critical Infrastructure Security:* Certain locations, such as airports and critical infrastructure
sites, may have armed officers as part of their security measures.
 *Counter-Terrorism Units:* Given the evolving threat of terrorism, there are specialized units within the
police force that are armed and trained to respond to terrorist incidents.
It's important to note that even in situations where officers are armed, the emphasis is on de-escalation and using
firearms as a last resort. The approach to arming the police in the UK reflects a balance between ensuring public
safety and maintaining a policing model that emphasizes community engagement and trust.
Decentralized
The policing system in the United Kingdom operates on a decentralized model, meaning that there is no single,
national police force. Instead, policing is organized at various levels, with different territorial police forces
responsible for specific geographic areas. This decentralization is a key feature of the UK's approach to policing, and
it contributes to local accountability and responsiveness. Key points about the decentralized nature of the UK
policing system include:
 *Territorial Police Forces:* England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have their own separate
police forces. Within England and Wales, there are multiple territorial police forces, each responsible for
policing a specific geographic area.
 *Local Policing Priorities:* Decentralization allows local police forces to tailor their approaches to address
the specific needs and priorities of their communities. Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected
officials responsible for overseeing the police force in each area, providing a mechanism for local
accountability.
 *Regional Variation:* Policing policies and practices can vary between different police forces based on the
priorities and strategies determined by local leadership.
 *Specialized Units:* While basic policing functions are handled locally, there are centralized or regional
units for specialized tasks such as counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and major investigations. These units may
serve multiple local police forces.
 *Collaboration:* Despite the decentralized structure, there is a significant degree of collaboration and
information-sharing between police forces to address cross-border or regional issues.
 This decentralized model contrasts with centralized policing systems found in some countries where there is
a single, national police force responsible for law enforcement throughout the entire country. The UK's
decentralized approach is designed to ensure that policing is responsive to the unique needs of different
communities while maintaining a framework for collaboration on broader issues.

Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system in the United Kingdom encompasses various agencies and processes, including the
police, courts, and corrections. Here's an overview of how the criminal justice system works in the context of the
policing system:
 *Police Investigation:* When a crime is reported, the police are typically the first responders. They conduct
investigations, gather evidence, and, if necessary, make arrests. The police play a crucial role in building a
case for prosecution.
 *Crown Prosecution Service (CPS):* The CPS is responsible for deciding whether to prosecute individuals
based on the evidence provided by the police. It operates independently of the police and makes decisions on
whether cases should proceed to court.
  *Courts:* The UK has a dual court system, with magistrates' courts handling less serious offenses and Crown
Courts dealing with more serious crimes. Cases may be heard by a judge or a panel of magistrates. The
court's role is to determine guilt or innocence and, if applicable, impose sentences.
 *Legal Representation:* Individuals accused of crimes have the right to legal representation. Legal
professionals, including solicitors and barristers, play a crucial role in advising and representing defendants
in court.
 *Sentencing:* If a defendant is found guilty, the court determines an appropriate sentence. Sentences can
include fines, community service, imprisonment, or a combination of these.
 *Probation Service:* For individuals serving community sentences or released on parole, the probation
service monitors and supports their rehabilitation.
 *Prison Service:* Individuals sentenced to imprisonment serve their sentences in various prisons. The prison
service is responsible for managing the custodial aspect of the criminal justice system.
 *Appeals:* The legal system allows for appeals against convictions or sentences. Higher courts, including
the Court of Appeal, handle these appeals.
 *Parole Board:* For individuals serving indeterminate sentences, the Parole Board assesses whether they can
be released on parole.
Throughout this process, adherence to legal principles, respect for human rights, and due process are fundamental.
The criminal justice system aims to ensure fair and impartial treatment for all individuals involved, balancing the
rights of the accused with the interests of justice.
Equipment and Technology
The policing system in the United Kingdom utilizes a range of equipment and technology to enhance its capabilities.
Here are some key components:
 *Communication Systems:* Police officers use advanced communication systems, including radios and
digital networks, to coordinate responses, share information, and stay connected with their teams.
 *Body-Worn Cameras:* Many police officers wear body-worn cameras to record interactions with the
public. This technology serves as a tool for accountability, evidence collection, and improving transparency.
 *Vehicles:* Police forces use a variety of vehicles, including patrol cars, motorcycles, and vans, equipped
with communication systems and sometimes ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology for
identifying vehicles of interest.
 *Forensic Technology:* Advanced forensic technology, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint identification,
and facial recognition systems, aids in criminal investigations and evidence collection.
 *Surveillance Cameras:* Public spaces and critical infrastructure are often monitored by surveillance
cameras, contributing to public safety and assisting in criminal investigations.
 *Drones:* Some police forces use drones for aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, and
monitoring large events.
 *Tasers:* Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs), commonly known as Tasers, are used by some police officers
as a less-lethal option to incapacitate individuals who pose a threat.
 *Computers and Software:* Police stations are equipped with computers and specialized software for
managing case information, analyzing data, and facilitating communication within the force.
 *Digital Evidence Collection:* Police officers use digital devices to collect evidence, including photos,
videos, and audio recordings, which can be crucial in investigations and court proceedings.
 *Training Simulators:* Virtual reality and simulation technologies are employed for training purposes,
allowing officers to practice scenarios in a controlled environment.
  *Biometric Technology:* Biometric systems, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, are used for
identification and verification purposes.
 *Mobile Technology:* Officers often use mobile devices, tablets, or laptops equipped with specialized apps
to access databases, file reports, and receive real-time information while on patrol.
 *Non-lethal Weapons:* In addition to Tasers, police may use other non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray
or batons to maintain control without resorting to lethal force.
The deployment of technology in policing is continuously evolving, with an emphasis on improving efficiency,
effectiveness, and public safety while respecting privacy and legal considerations.
Corruption and Accountability
The United Kingdom places a strong emphasis on integrity, accountability, and combating corruption within its
policing system. Key aspects include:
 *Independent Oversight:* Independent bodies, such as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC),
play a crucial role in overseeing complaints against the police. They investigate cases of misconduct and
ensure transparency in the process.
 *Code of Ethics:* The UK has a Code of Ethics for policing, outlining the principles and standards expected
of police officers. This code emphasizes integrity, honesty, and accountability.
 *Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs):* Elected PCCs are responsible for overseeing police forces in
their respective areas. They provide a level of civilian oversight, holding police chiefs accountable for their
performance and ensuring that the police respond to community needs.
 *National Crime Agency (NCA):* The NCA focuses on tackling serious and organized crime, including
corruption. It operates independently and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies.
 *Internal Affairs Units:* Police forces have internal affairs or professional standards units that investigate
allegations of misconduct or corruption within their own ranks.
 *Whistleblower Protection:* Mechanisms are in place to protect whistleblowers within the police force.
Officers who report misconduct or corruption are safeguarded against retaliation.
 *Court System:* The legal system provides a means for holding individuals accountable for corrupt
practices. If corruption cases are identified, they are subject to legal proceedings.
 *Anti-Corruption Training:* Officers receive training on ethical standards and conduct to prevent corruption.
This training emphasizes the importance of upholding the law and maintaining public trust.
 *Community Engagement:* Building strong relationships with communities fosters trust and cooperation.
Transparent communication and engagement help prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
While these measures are in place, no system is immune to challenges. Instances of corruption or misconduct are
thoroughly investigated, and efforts are made to learn from such cases to strengthen the integrity of the policing
system. Ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior remains essential to maintaining
public trust in law enforcement.

Function

Law Enforcement
In the United Kingdom, law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in maintaining public order, preventing and
investigating crime, and upholding the rule of law. The primary functions include ensuring the safety and security of
citizens, enforcing laws, conducting criminal investigations, and collaborating with communities to address
concerns. The major law enforcement agencies in the UK include the Metropolitan Police Service, the City of
London Police, and territorial police forces in various regions. Additionally, agencies like the National Crime
Agency (NCA) focus on tackling serious and organized crime at a national level.
Community policing In the United Kingdom emphasizes building positive relationships between law enforcement
agencies and local communities. Its functions include:
 Community Engagement: Establishing open communication channels to understand community concerns
and needs.
 Problem-Solving: Collaborating with residents to identify and address local issues and challenges affecting
public safety.
 Prevention: Focusing on proactive measures to prevent crime, such as community patrols, education, and
outreach programs.
 Visibility and Accessibility: Being visible and accessible in the community, fostering trust and a sense of
security among residents.
 Partnerships: Building partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and residents to collectively address
crime and social issues.
 Cultural Competence: Developing cultural awareness and understanding to better serve diverse communities
and improve police-community relations.
 Conflict Resolution: Assisting in resolving disputes and conflicts within the community through mediation
and other peaceful means.
 Empowerment: Encouraging community members to actively participate in the decision-making processes
related to public safety.

Crime prevention in the United Kingdom involves various strategies and activities aimed at reducing the risk of
criminal activities. Key functions include:
 Public Awareness: Educating the public about crime risks, safety measures, and ways to protect themselves
and their property.
 Community Engagement: Involving communities in crime prevention efforts, encouraging them to be
vigilant and actively participate in making their neighborhoods safer.
 Environmental Design: Implementing strategies like "designing out crime," which involves creating physical
environments that discourage criminal behavior, such as improved lighting and surveillance.
 Police Patrols and Visibility: Deploying police resources strategically to deter criminal activity and increase
a visible police presence in key areas.
 Crime Analysis: Utilizing data and analysis to identify crime patterns, hotspots, and trends, allowing for
targeted interventions and resource allocation.
 Partnerships: Collaborating with various stakeholders, including local government, businesses, nonprofits,
and residents, to address the root causes of crime.
 Youth Engagement: Implementing programs and initiatives that engage young people positively, reducing
the likelihood of involvement in criminal activities.
 Victim Support: Providing support services for victims of crime to aid their recovery and reduce the
likelihood of re-victimization.
 CCTV Surveillance: Using technology, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), to monitor public spaces
and deter criminal behavior.
  Legislation and Policy: Developing and enforcing laws and policies that discourage criminal activities and
promote a safer society.

Traffic management in the United Kingdom serves several functions to ensure the safe and efficient movement of
vehicles on roads. Key functions include:
 Road Safety: Implementing measures to reduce accidents and enhance road safety for all road users,
including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
 Traffic Flow Optimization: Regulating traffic signals, signage, and road design to optimize the flow of
vehicles and minimize congestion.
 Public Transportation Integration: Coordinating traffic management with public transportation systems to
improve overall transportation efficiency and encourage the use of public transit.
 Congestion Management: Developing strategies to alleviate traffic congestion, such as dynamic traffic signal
control, variable speed limits, and real-time traffic information dissemination.
 Infrastructure Planning: Planning and developing road infrastructure to accommodate current and future
traffic needs, considering factors like population growth and urban development.
 Parking Management: Implementing parking policies and strategies to ensure the availability of parking
spaces and discourage illegal parking, contributing to smoother traffic flow.
 Traffic Enforcement: Enforcing traffic laws through measures like speed limits, traffic signals, and
surveillance to maintain order and safety on the roads.
 Emergency Response Planning: Collaborating with emergency services to develop plans for managing traffic
during emergencies, such as accidents, natural disasters, or major events.
 Environmental Impact Mitigation: Implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact of traffic,
such as promoting sustainable transportation options and addressing air quality concerns.
 Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and analyzing traffic data to identify patterns, trends, and areas
where improvements can be made, informing future traffic management strategies.

Jurisdiction
Territorial policing in the United Kingdom refers to the geographic-based policing carried out by local police
forces within specific regions or areas. The jurisdiction of territorial policing typically includes:
 Local Authority Boundaries: Territorial police forces operate within the boundaries of specific local
authorities, such as counties, cities, or boroughs.
 County Policing: Policing responsibilities extend across entire counties or specific parts of larger
metropolitan areas, depending on the structure of local government.
 Urban and Rural Areas: Territorial police cover a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas within their
designated jurisdiction.
 Communities: Policing is directed toward serving and protecting the communities within the defined
territorial boundaries.
 Crime Prevention: Territorial policing focuses on preventing and investigating a wide range of crimes within
the local community.
 Emergency Response: Local police forces are responsible for responding to emergency situations, accidents,
and incidents within their designated territories.
  Collaboration: Territorial police often collaborate with other local agencies, community groups, and
organizations to address specific issues affecting the community.
 Community Engagement: Establishing positive relationships with the community, understanding local
concerns, and involving residents in crime prevention efforts.
 Neighborhood Policing: Implementation of neighborhood policing strategies, where officers are assigned to
specific areas to build trust and address local issues.
 Public Order Maintenance: Territorial policing involves maintaining public order, managing public events,
and responding to civil disturbances within the local jurisdiction

Specialized units in the United Kingdom operate with specific mandates and jurisdictions to address particular types
of crime or situations. Their jurisdictions often extend beyond the local level. Some examples include:
 National Crime Agency (NCA): The NCA has a national focus and jurisdiction, dealing with serious and
organized crime that spans across different regions. It collaborates with various law enforcement agencies to
address complex criminal activities.
 Counter-Terrorism Units: Units such as the Counter Terrorism Command have a national remit to prevent,
investigate, and respond to terrorism-related threats and incidents.
 Cyber Crime Units: Specialized units, like the National Cyber Crime Unit, focus on investigating and
combating cybercrime at a national level, as cyber threats often transcend local jurisdictions.
 Major Crime Units: These units handle serious and major crimes, often working across multiple jurisdictions
to investigate cases that require specialized expertise.
 Border Force: Responsible for border security, the Border Force operates at ports of entry and has
jurisdiction over immigration and customs enforcement.
 Policing Units: Units tasked with policing waterways, ports, and coastal areas to address maritime crime,
smuggling, and ensure maritime safety.
 Specialist Firearms Units: These units operate nationally and are trained to handle high-risk situations,
including armed response to incidents that may occur anywhere in the country.
 Serious Fraud Office (SFO): The SFO has jurisdiction over investigating and prosecuting serious and
complex fraud cases, often involving financial and economic crimes.
 Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Command: Focused on tackling child exploitation, CEOP
operates nationally to address online child abuse and exploitation.
 Organized Crime Units: Various police forces have specialized units targeting organized crime, with the
ability to operate across different regions to address criminal networks.

Legal Framework
Common Law System
The legal framework of the common law system in the United Kingdom is based on a combination of statutes (laws
enacted by Parliament) and common law (laws developed through judicial decisions). Here are key components of
the legal framework:
 Parliamentary Legislation: The primary source of law is statutes passed by the UK Parliament. Acts of
Parliament, such as the Human Rights Act 1998 or the Criminal Justice Act 2003, lay down specific rules
and regulations.
  Common Law: The common law is a body of legal principles and doctrines developed by judges through
decisions in individual court cases. Precedents set in higher courts are binding on lower courts, creating a
system of case law.
 Constitutional Law: While the UK doesn't have a single, written constitution, it has an unwritten constitution
based on statutes, common law, and constitutional conventions. Key constitutional statutes include the
Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights 1689, and the Parliament Acts.
 Royal Prerogatives: Historically exercised by the monarch, these powers are now exercised by government
ministers. Examples include the power to issue or withdraw passports and the power to make treaties.
 European Union Law (Historical): While the UK was a member of the EU, EU law was a significant part of
the legal framework. However, following Brexit, the UK is no longer bound by EU laws and regulations.
 Human Rights Act 1998: This Act incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law,
allowing individuals to bring human rights claims in domestic courts.
 Judicial Precedent: Stare decisis, or the principle of following precedent, is a fundamental aspect of the
common law system. Decisions of higher courts are binding on lower courts, creating consistency in the
application of the law.
 Legal Profession and Judiciary: The legal profession, including solicitors and barristers, plays a crucial role
in the administration of justice. The judiciary interprets and applies the law, ensuring its consistent
application.
 Legal Institutions: Various legal institutions, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the
Crown Court, form part of the legal framework, each with specific jurisdictions and roles.
 Legal Reforms: Periodic legal reforms, initiated by government and informed by consultation and expert
advice, contribute to the evolution of the legal framework to meet contemporary needs.
The UK and Philippine policing systems differ significantly in terms of jurisdiction, structure, and functions. In the
UK, policing is largely decentralized, with separate police forces for each geographic area. The jurisdiction of these
forces is based on geographic boundaries, such as counties or cities.
On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is a national law enforcement agency, and its jurisdiction
covers the entire country. Within the PNP, there are specialized units for various purposes, including criminal
investigation, traffic management, and public safety.
In terms of functions, both systems share common objectives such as maintaining public order, preventing and
investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety of citizens. However, the specific strategies, organizational structures,
and legal frameworks can vary significantly between the two countries.
It's important to note that the legal and cultural contexts also play a role in shaping the policing systems in each
country. The UK, for example, has a long history of common law traditions, while the Philippines has a legal system
influenced by both Spanish and American legal principles.

General Qualifications in Entering the Agency

AGE
 You must be aged 17 or older on the date of submitting your application. If you are 17, you will progress
through the recruitment process but will not be able to take up appointment until reaching the age of 18.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
  holds a level 2 in Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) at the time of applying
 you will also need to have obtained a level 3 qualification* (as the equivalent of 2 A Levels, e.g. A Level
Grade A-E) or be awarded by the start of pre-employment checks, or
 be a serving POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER (PCSO) who has completed their professional
development plan, passed their probationary period at the time of application and are up to date with all
mandatory training, or
 be a serving SPECIAL CONSTABLE who has attained independent patrol status at the time of application,
who are consistently completing sixteen hours per month and are up to date with all mandatory training
DRIVING LICENSE
 a full United Kingdom (UK) manual driving license is not needed as part of the application process. You will
be required to have a full United Kingdom (UK) manual driving license by the end of the first six months of
your training
NATIONALITY AND RESIDENCY
 all applicants must be a United Kingdom (UK) citizen, European Union citizen with EU Settled Status, a
Commonwealth Citizen, or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom (UK)
 Whether or not you were born in United Kingdom (UK), you should have lived here for the three years
immediately prior to submitting your application
FITNESS
 you'll need to pass a Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) to check your fitness levels. This determines whether
you're fit for the job and ready for Officer Safety Training, where you'll learn to protect yourself and others
 You'll be asked to take a running test (known a muti-stage shuttle run or bleep test) to level 5:4

HEALTH ASSESSMENT
 a medical assessment is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required.
Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum accepted medical standard for entry.
BACKGROUND CHECK
As part of your qualifications
 you must declare any previous spent and unspent convictions, and
 have a basic backtrack check to get Security Check level clearance
 Your application may not be accepted if you have cautious, convictions or reprimands, other than some
motoring offenses, or fail to supply details in the application form.
Rank Structure

 Police Constable: This is the entry-level rank for police officers in the UK.
 Police Sergeant: This is a supervisory rank, and sergeants often lead small teams or shifts.
 Inspector: Inspectors are responsible for overseeing larger teams or specific functions within a police
department.
 Chief Inspector: This rank involves more strategic and managerial responsibilities.
 Superintendent: Superintendents typically have significant managerial duties within a police force.
 Chief Superintendent: This is a senior rank, often involving oversight of multiple departments or divisions.
 Assistant Chief Constable: This rank is part of the senior command team within a police force.
 Deputy Chief Constable: This is a high-ranking position with significant leadership responsibilities.
  Chief Constable: The Chief Constable is the highest-ranking officer in a police force

Chain of Command

The chain of command in the United Kingdom policing system typically follows a hierarchical structure:

 Police Constable: The entry-level position, responsible for day-to-day policing activities.
 Sergeant: Supervises a team of constables, providing guidance and support.
 Inspector: Manages multiple teams or specialized units within a police station.
 Chief Inspector: Responsible for overseeing larger sections and coordinating activities.
 Superintendent: Manages a district or specialized department.
 Chief Superintendent: Holds higher-level responsibilities within a police force.
 Assistant Chief Constable: Assists the Chief Constable in strategic and operational matters.
 Deputy Chief Constable: Second in command to the Chief Constable, overseeing various aspects of
policing.
 Chief Constable: The highest-ranking officer in a police force, responsible for overall leadership and
strategic direction.
The organizational structure may vary slightly between different police forces, but this general hierarchy is common.
The Chief Constable reports to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in areas with an elected PCC, adding a
layer of accountability in the governance structure

The London Police Services' organizational chart shows the larger scope of the London Police Service and includes
the various Branches, Divisions, Sections and Units.
On the Operational side, the Deputy Chief of Operations oversees both the Criminal Investigation Division and the
Uniformed Division.
The Criminal Investigation Division flows into two branches. The Organized Crime and Support Branch contains the
Criminal Intelligence Section, Forensic Identification Section, Investigative Support Section and the Guns and
Gangs Section. Each of these sections have several units including Criminal Intelligence, Explosive Disposal and
MobiTle Surveillance Units. The Investigative Services Branch contains three sections including: Sexual
Assault/Child Abuse, General Investigation and Major Crime where units such as Human Trafficking, Street Crime
and Polygraph Examination are found.
The Uniform Division is broken down into three branches, Patrol Operations, Patrol Support and the Community
Mobilization and Support Branch. These branches contain our front line officers within four Patrol Sections. Units
like Canine, Emergency Response, School Safety and our Auxiliary Section are also housed within the Uniformed
Division.
On the Administrative side, the Deputy Chief of Administration oversees: Corporate Communications and Media
Relations, Member Care and Organizational Wellness Branch/Psychological Services, Support Services Division ,
Corporate Services Division, Human Resources Division and Facilities, Finance and Fleet Division. These areas
contain Courts, Record Checks, Headquarters, Risk Management, Recruiting, Training & Professional Development,
Payroll & Benefits and Procurement.