British police

Sometimes the British police officer is called the «bobby» after Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the police force. The police in Britain are organized very differently from many other countries. Britain has no national police force, although police policy is governed by the central Government’s Home Office. There is a separate police force for each 52 areas into which the country is divided.

Policemen are to be seen in towns and cities keeping law and order, walking in the streets or driving in cars. In most countries police carry guns. The British police generally do not carry firearms except in Northern Ireland. Only a few policemen are regularly armed: those who guard politicians and diplomats or who patrol airports.

The duties of the police are varied, e.g. assisting at accidents, safeguarding public order, dealing with lost property, apprehending criminals and would-be criminals.

All members of the police must have a certain academic qualifications and undergo a period of intensive training. Like the army, there are a number of ranks, e.g. Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant, and Constable. Women make up about ten per cent of the police force.

Each police force has its own Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Members of CIDs are detectives. They do not wear uniforms.

Traffic wardens wear uniforms and make sure that drivers obey the parking regulations. The function of police in Britain is to apprehend criminals and would-be criminals.