LONDON POLICE FORCE FINEST YET PRODUCED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 6

LONDON POLICE FORCE FINEST YET PRODUCED.

13,000 MEN MARCH PAST THE FRINGE. (United Prase Assn.—By Etectrle Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 25. “ The London Police Force is the finest thing of its kind that civilisation has produced,” says the “Evening News," describing to-day's celebration of the centenary of its establishment, when thirteen thousand policemen marched past the Prince of Wales at Hyde Park. a The King’s message of congratulation declared: “ The Force, which for a century has been responsible for the maintenance of order and the prevention of crime in the metropolis, has developed into a highly efficient organisation. I share the feelings of admiration and respect with which the Metropolitan Police are universally regarded.” Three days’ extra leave has been granted to all ranks in honour of the occasion. The parade was a wonderful spectacle, almost like a military review. Many policemen wore war medals, and the parade included detectives, police women and mounted men, while pensioners, “ Old Charlies,” “ Bow Street Runners,” “ Blue Devils,” and a “Raw Lobster ” gang were all represented. Fifteen hundred specials lined the route.—Australian Press Association— United Service. Prior to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force in 1829, by Sir Robert Peel v the enforcement of the law and the protection of life and property were in the hands of the parishes. The state of the country was appalling. At the first there was considerable opposition to the formation of the force, on the grounds that it would be an instrument of oppression. However, the prejudice was soon overcome, and the police in London have a reputation for tact and courtesy that is unrivalled. The City of London has its own police force, organised on similar lines, and outside the metropolitan area the police are on a county basis. The name “ Bobby,” and the old one “ Peeler,” are derived from the name of the originator of the force. Sir Robert Peel. The metropolitan police are under the control of the Home Secretary, through a Commissioner of Police. The present Commissioner is Lord Byng.