Who founded the Metropolitan Police?

The Metropolitan Police was founded by Robert Peel in 1829, making him a central figure in the establishment of modern policing in London. Peel's vision was driven by the need for a systematic and organized approach to law enforcement, which was necessary due to the growing population and the associated rise in crime during that period. He implemented a structure that emphasized preventative policing and the idea that police officers, known as "Peelers" or "Bobbies," would work in partnership with the community to maintain order and prevent crime from occurring, rather than simply responding to incidents after they occurred.

This foundational concept of community policing remains influential today, demonstrating the lasting impact of Peel's principles on modern law enforcement practices. Other historical figures mentioned in the options, like Charles Rowan and Henry Fielding, contributed to policing initiatives, but it was Robert Peel who is credited with the formal establishment of the Metropolitan Police as the first professional police force. Bernard Hogan-Howe, while significant in contemporary policing as a former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, is not associated with its founding.