Metropolitan Police Act 1829, Introductory Text is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 20 May 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
An Act for improving the Police in and near the Metropolis.
[19th June 1829]
Whereas offences against property have of late increased in and near the metropolis; and the local establishments of nightly watch and nightly police have been found inadequate to the prevention and detection of crime, by reason of the frequent unfitness of the individuals employed, the insufficiency of their number, the limited sphere of their authority, and their want of connection and co-operation with each other: And whereas it is expedient to substitute a new and more efficient system of police in lieu of such establishments of nightly watch and nightly police, within the limits herein-after mentioned, and to constitute an office of police, which, acting under the immediate authority of one of his Majesty’s principal secretaries of state, shall direct and control the whole of such new system of police within those limits:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Short title given by Short Titles Act 1896 (c. 14)
C2Act explained by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33), s. 76
C3References to the “said justices” to be construed as references to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: Administration of Justice Act 1973 (c. 15), Sch. 1 para. 10(2)
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