On September 29, 1829, the Metropolitan Police Service (referred to as the Metropolitan Police at the time) was formed to provide policing services in Greater London. Founded on the principle of policing by consent championed by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, the Metropolitan Police Service was devised as a means of addressing the concerns held by the public regarding policing agencies by making the police a paid, civilian position accountable to the public. Following the findings of a committee established by Sir Peel, the Metropolitan Police Act 1829 was passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent on June 19, 1829. The act authorized the establishment of the Metropolitan Police as a replacement for the previous system of parish constables and watchmen.

Since its establishment, the Metropolitan Police has not only been responsible for law enforcement in Greater London (with the exception of the City of London itself which is under the authority of the City of London Police) but also provides security services for the British Royal Family as well as the Cabinet of the United Kingdom and other high-ranking government officials. As of March 2016, the Metropolitan Police service employed over 43,000 personnel, including 32,000 police officers.