City of London Police vs Metropolitan Police: Key Differences Explained

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Introduction

In a recent episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson spoke with James Harris, a former City of London Police officer turned senior lecturer. Their conversation covered investigative interviewing, the role of empathy in policing, and the challenges of working in diverse environments. Inspired by James’s experiences, this article examines the differences between London’s two primary territorial police forces: the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). By looking at their jurisdictions, histories, and operations, we can better understand how they work together to maintain law and order in London.

Historical Background

London’s policing structure is shaped by its rich history and administrative distinctions.

Origins of the City of London Police

The City of London, often called the “Square Mile,” is the historic and financial heart of London. In the early 19th century, as law enforcement reforms took place, the City maintained its own policing system. This autonomy was rooted in ancient privileges and charters, notably the charter granted by King William I in 1067, which affirmed the City’s right to self-governance.

Despite the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, the City of London resisted integration. This led to the formal creation of the City of London Police in 1839, allowing it to remain independent. (Wikipedia)

Formation of the Metropolitan Police Service

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) was formed in 1829 under the Metropolitan Police Act in response to London’s rapid expansion during the Industrial Revolution. The MPS introduced a structured and professional approach to policing, setting the foundation for modern law enforcement practices.

The MPS was responsible for policing all of Greater London except for the Square Mile, as the City of London continued to oversee its own police force. The MPS became a model for police services worldwide. (Wikipedia)

The coexistence of these two forces reflects London’s complex administrative history and the City’s determination to maintain its traditional rights.

Responsibilities and Specializations

While both the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are responsible for maintaining law and order, their focus and areas of expertise reflect the unique nature of their jurisdictions.

City of London Police

The City of London Police primarily focuses on:

• Economic and Financial Crimes: The City of London is a global financial hub, and the force specializes in investigating complex financial crimes, including fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and bribery. The City of London Police operates the National Lead Force for Fraud, which oversees economic crime investigations across the UK. It also works closely with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat financial crime. [City of London Police]
• Cybercrime and Digital Investigations: The force has dedicated units, such as the Cyber Crime Unit, which focuses on online financial fraud and digital threats affecting businesses and financial institutions.
• Protecting Critical Infrastructure: The City of London Police ensures the security of major financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and sensitive data centers within the Square Mile. It provides counter-terrorism measures tailored to the high-risk financial sector.

Metropolitan Police Service

The MPS has a much broader remit, covering a wide range of policing responsibilities, including:

• Counter-Terrorism: The MPS leads the UK’s counter-terrorism efforts through its Counter Terrorism Command (SO15). This unit works with intelligence agencies such as MI5 to detect and prevent terrorist threats across London and beyond. The MPS plays a crucial role in securing high-profile locations, including government buildings, transport hubs, and major public spaces. [Metropolitan Police]
• Public Order and Riot Control: The MPS is responsible for managing large-scale events, protests, and demonstrations in the capital. Its Territorial Support Group (TSG) is trained in crowd control, riot policing, and responding to major disturbances.
• Specialist Crime Units: The MPS investigates major crimes through its specialized units:
  • Homicide and Major Crime Command (SCD1): Investigates serious crimes such as murder and organized crime-related killings.
  • Specialist Crime & Operations (SC&O): Handles firearms operations, human trafficking investigations, and complex organized crime cases.
  • Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command: Investigates cases involving sexual violence, child exploitation, and human trafficking.

These distinct roles highlight how each force tailors its operations to effectively serve and protect their respective communities while collaborating when necessary.

Governance and Organizational Structure

The governance and organizational frameworks of the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) reflect their distinct jurisdictions and operational structures.

City of London Police

The City of London Police operates under the oversight of the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile. Unlike other municipal police forces, its governance is managed by the Police Authority Board, a committee of the City of London Corporation. This structure ensures that the force remains accountable to the local business community and residents while maintaining operational independence.

The City of London Police is led by a Commissioner, who is responsible for overseeing law enforcement within the Square Mile. The force is distinct in its structure due to its specialized focus on financial crime.

The operational structure of the City of London Police is divided into four key directorates:

• Economic Crime Directorate: Leads national efforts in tackling fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime, working closely with financial regulators and agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
• Crime Directorate: Manages investigations into local crimes such as theft, violent crime, and organized offenses within the Square Mile.
• Uniformed Policing Directorate: Responsible for visible policing, public safety, and emergency response.
• Information and Intelligence Directorate: Collects and analyzes intelligence to support policing operations and counter emerging threats.

This structure enables the City of London Police to effectively safeguard the UK’s financial district while addressing both local and national crime concerns. [City of London Police Governance]

Metropolitan Police Service

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) serves Greater London, excluding the City of London. It is accountable to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), which was established in 2012 to oversee the force’s performance and strategic direction. The London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee further scrutinizes MOPAC’s decisions, ensuring democratic oversight.

The MPS is led by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who is appointed by the Home Secretary with input from the Mayor of London. It is the largest police force in the UK, with a complex organizational structure to manage its diverse policing responsibilities.

The MPS is organized into several key directorates:

• Frontline Policing: Oversees day-to-day policing in London’s 32 boroughs, with officers assigned to response teams, neighborhood policing, and emergency calls.
• Met Operations: Provides specialized policing functions, including armed response, aviation security, and public order management.
• Counter Terrorism Command (SO15): Works closely with MI5 to detect and prevent terrorist activities, conducting investigations into domestic and international threats.
• Specialist Operations: Responsible for the protection of the Royal Family, government officials, and key infrastructure sites, including diplomatic security.
• Professionalism: Ensures high standards of conduct, officer training, and ethics within the force.
• Shared Support Services: Provides logistical, technological, and administrative support to operational units.

The MPS’s scale and operational scope make it the most extensive police force in the UK, covering a population of over 9 million. The structured approach allows it to address everything from local policing to national security threats. [Metropolitan Police Governance]

Collaboration and Interaction

Despite their distinct jurisdictions and specialized roles, the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) frequently collaborate to ensure coordinated law enforcement across London.

Operational Cooperation

Both forces have established formal agreements to support each other in critical incidents and complex investigations. This cooperation is essential in cases where criminal activity spans multiple jurisdictions, such as financial crime, organized crime, and terrorism.

One key agreement is a protocol that allows officers from the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police to assist each other in serious crime investigations. The costs associated with joint operations are shared between the two forces, ensuring a coordinated approach while maintaining accountability. [London Assembly Report]

Resource Sharing

In addition to investigative cooperation, the two forces work together during large-scale public events and civil emergencies. This collaboration is governed by Operation Benbow, a multi-agency protocol involving the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police, British Transport Police, and the Ministry of Defence Police.

Operation Benbow ensures that additional resources are mobilized swiftly in response to emergencies, including:

• Large-scale protests and demonstrations
• Counter-terrorism responses
• Major sporting and cultural events
• Public disorder and riot control

This coordinated approach prevents gaps in policing coverage and enhances public safety across London. [London Assembly Report]

Joint Training and Initiatives

To maintain effective collaboration, both forces participate in joint training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These include:

• Counter-Terrorism Training: Officers from both forces train together on strategies to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.
• Financial Crime Investigations: Given the City of London’s financial significance, the Metropolitan Police’s fraud investigators often work alongside the City of London Police’s Economic Crime Directorate.
• Cybercrime and Digital Investigations: With increasing cyber threats, both forces have developed expertise in tackling online crime.

This collaborative training ensures that officers from both forces are prepared to respond to incidents that require a multi-agency approach, reinforcing London’s overall security framework.

Uniforms and Insignia

Both the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service have distinct uniforms and insignia that reflect their individual identities and traditions.

City of London Police

The City of London Police uniforms feature unique design elements that differentiate them from other UK police forces:

• Insignia Color: Officers wear gold-colored rank insignia and collar numbers, in contrast to the silver used by most other UK police forces. Senior officers, such as the Commissioner, have gold bands and oak leaves on their caps.
• Headwear: The force’s caps and helmets feature a distinctive red and white checkered band, setting them apart from the black and white Sillitoe tartan pattern commonly used by other forces. The Commissioner wears two rows of oak leaves on their hat, while the Assistant Commissioner and Commander have a single row.
• Uniform Details: Officers wear traditional custodian helmets for ceremonial duties, while patrol officers use peaked caps or flat caps. Formal dress uniforms include tunics with gold insignia and epaulettes.

Metropolitan Police Service

The Metropolitan Police Service has its own distinctive uniform features, reflecting its status as the largest police force in the UK:

• Insignia Color: The Metropolitan Police use silver for rank insignia and collar numbers. The fabric used in the crowns of their insignia is red, not blue, aligning with other UK police forces.
• Headwear: Officers wear a black and white Sillitoe tartan pattern on their caps. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has a cap with two rows of oak leaves, similar to other Chief Constables in the UK. Deputy Assistant Commissioners wear only a single row of oak leaves, not two.
• Uniform Variations: Frontline officers typically wear dark blue tactical vests over their shirts, while ceremonial dress includes tunics with silver insignia. Custodian helmets are worn by officers on foot patrol, particularly in public-facing roles.

Both forces maintain traditional elements in their uniforms while adapting to modern policing needs. The differences in their insignia, headwear, and color schemes symbolize their distinct identities within London’s law enforcement structure.

Distinctive Features

City of London Police

• Uniform and Insignia: Officers wear uniforms with gold-colored insignia, a distinction from most other UK police forces, which use silver. Their headwear includes a red and white Sillitoe tartan band, making them easily identifiable within their jurisdiction. [City of London Police]
• Jurisdiction Size: The force is responsible for policing the “Square Mile,” London’s financial district. Although it has a small resident population of around 8,000 people, its daily workforce and visitor numbers exceed 500,000, requiring a policing approach tailored to business security and financial crime prevention. [City of London Corporation]
• Financial Crime Specialization: Unlike other UK forces, the City of London Police leads national efforts in tackling financial and economic crime, including fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering. It operates the Action Fraud reporting service and works closely with major banks and financial institutions. [City of London Police Overview]

Metropolitan Police Service

• Scale and Resources: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is the largest police force in the UK, employing over 46,000 officers and staff. It accounts for roughly 25% of the total policing budget in England and Wales. The Met’s jurisdiction spans Greater London, covering 620 square miles. [Metropolitan Police Structure]
• Specialist Units: The MPS oversees numerous specialist units, including the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), the Homicide and Major Crime Command, and the Flying Squad, which investigates armed robberies. The force also manages large-scale public order operations, such as policing protests and high-profile events like the London Marathon and state visits. [Metropolitan Police Public Order]
• Community and Borough Policing: The MPS employs a neighborhood policing model, assigning officers to local areas to address concerns like anti-social behavior, drug-related crime, and youth violence. It works closely with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to shape law enforcement strategies based on community needs. [MOPAC]

Despite their distinct focuses, both the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service contribute to maintaining order, safety, and security in London. Their specialized roles ensure that the capital remains a secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Recruitment and Training

City of London Police

• Recruitment Focus: The City of London Police recruits officers with an interest in financial crime, fraud detection, and cybersecurity. Given its role as the UK’s leading force in economic crime investigations, it seeks candidates with experience in financial regulations, digital forensics, and corporate fraud. [City of London Police Careers]
• Specialized Training Programs: Officers receive specialized instruction in fraud detection, money laundering investigations, and cybercrime analysis. The force partners with agencies like the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to enhance their expertise in tackling financial offenses. [City of London Police Training]
• Entry Pathways: The City of London Police offers direct entry schemes, including pathways for graduates and individuals with specialized financial expertise. Officers can join through standard police constable recruitment or lateral entry from financial crime units in other agencies. [City of London Police Careers]

Metropolitan Police Service

• Recruitment Focus: The Metropolitan Police Service seeks a diverse range of applicants to reflect London’s multicultural population. Candidates from various backgrounds, including those with prior experience in law enforcement, community work, and social services, are encouraged to apply. [Metropolitan Police Careers]
• Comprehensive Training: MPS recruits undergo a structured training program at the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). The training covers:
  • Community policing and conflict resolution
  • Counter-terrorism and public order management
  • Investigation techniques, including homicide and organized crime
  • Firearms and tactical training for specialist units
• Graduate and Fast-Track Entry: The MPS offers routes such as the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) and the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), designed for candidates who hold degrees in fields such as criminology, law, or psychology. [Metropolitan Police Entry Routes]

The City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service employ different recruitment and training strategies, reflecting their distinct policing priorities. While the City force focuses on financial crime and specialized investigations, the Met prepares officers for broader law enforcement challenges across London.

Conclusion

Complementary Roles: While the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police Service operate independently, their collaboration ensures effective policing across London. The City of London Police focuses on financial crime within the Square Mile, while the Metropolitan Police handles broader law enforcement for Greater London, including counter-terrorism and public order.

Historical Legacy: The continued separation of these two forces reflects London’s unique administrative and historical evolution. The City of London’s self-governance and financial significance have preserved its independent police force, while the Metropolitan Police has adapted to the needs of the wider, diverse urban area.

For a deeper understanding of the historical and administrative reasons behind this division, watch the following video:

Did you know the City of London has its own independent police force? Why do you think so few people are aware of it?

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