city police


History and structure

The history of policing the City of London is documented from the 13th century and originated with Watch and Ward, the night and day guard which protected the City. In 1784 the City formed a day police. In 1824 it numbered less than 100 men who wore a uniform consisting of a top hat, blue frock coat and blue trousers. This blue uniform was the originator of the modern police officer’s uniform which became universally adopted.

When Sir Robert Peel introduced his Act for policing the Metropolis in 1829, the City was excluded. Gradually the City improved its own police force and in 1838 had a force of over 500 men. In 1839 the City of London Police Act established the Force as we know it today under the command of a commissioner. The present holder of this office is Commissioner Perry Nove.

The Force was initially organised into six divisions, each having their own police stations at Moor Lane, Snow Hill, Bridewell, Cloak Lane, Seething Lane and Bishopsgate. Over the years this was reduced. Moor Lane was destroyed by bombing in 1940 and Cloak Lane was closed to make way for a new complex in Wood Street.