• Who we are
• • Force Structure
  • Our people
• Expenses
• Priorities
• History
• Policies and procedures
• Equality and Diversity
• Services

Who we are and what we do

What area are you responsible for?

We police the City of London – the area often referred to as the "Square Mile". This stretches from the River Thames in the south to the Barbican Centre in the north, Holborn and Fleet Street to the west and Aldgate and Liverpool Street to the east. We also police the corresponding bridges in this area (Blackfriars, Millennium, Southwark, London and Tower Bridges). The Square Mile is the financial and business centre of the country. It includes such well-known places of interest as St Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England, the Mansion House, the Stock Exchange, the Lloyd's Building, the Monument and the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey).

Are you different from the Metropolitan Police Service?

Yes. We are a separate police force from the Met (they have their headquarters at New Scotland Yard, home of the famous revolving sign). The Metropolitan Police Service polices all of the Greater London area, except for the City of London.

Do you differ from other police forces?

We are a Home Office police force like all the others. We have the same ranks, work to the same regulations, and carry out the same policing services. The only difference is that our Police Authority (to whom we are accountable) is the Corporation of London's Court of Common Council, rather than a Police Authority consisting of local councillors, magistrates and independent members as exists for other forces.

When was the City Police first formed?

We started officially in 1839. But there had been policing in one form or another in the City of London since Roman times.

How many people work for the City of London Police?

850 police officers and 406 civilian support staff. Civilian support staff carry out various professional, specialist and administrative roles.

Is there a lot of crime in the City of London?

Crime generally is very low. It is mostly thefts carried out in public places, such as handbags or mobile phones being stolen from pubs. An overview of local crime is available online at www.police.uk.

Do you specialise in anything?

Because we police the financial and business district of London, we have expertise in combating fraud. Our Fraud Squad is world-renowned. The City's international business profile also makes it a potential target for terrorists (large bombs exploded here in 1992 and 1993) so we have a wide knowledge of anti-terrorist policing.

What major events do you deal with?

Every year in November we police the Lord Mayor's Show. And we are also responsible for the security of everyone who attends State occasions at the Guildhall and St Paul's Cathedral (the Royal Family, Heads of State and VIPs). We have also had to deal with bombs, the train crash at Moorgate in 1975 where 43 City workers were killed, and the violent demonstrations in 1999.

How can I recognise a City Police officer?

City of London Police officers have a distinctive red and white check on their caps (or ladies' hats) and a gold-coloured helmet plate and gold-coloured buttons.

How can I get in touch with you?

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

See the contact details area of this website to find the appropriate department to answer your queries quickly and efficiently.