British Institutions: The Metropolitan Police Quiz

Answer: Broadway, S.W.1

Scotland Yard, the former name, took its title from a courtyard to the rear of 4, Whitehall Place, once the site of a London residence belonging to the Kings of Scotland. Upon relocation, in 1890, to Victoria Embankment it was then known as New Scotland Yard. 1967 saw yet another relocation to its premises on Broadway, Victoria, SW1, taking the name New Scotland Yard to the new address.

Answer: Four

The Metropolitan Police (established in 1829) was, and still is, the largest force operating throughout London and Greater London. The other police forces covering this area were: the City of London Police, a separate body policing the City or 'Square Mile' of London. Records show the city was policed as early as the 13th century; the City of London Police Act of 1839 set the standards of the modern force.

The British Transport Police (founded 1838) had jurisdiction over policing the rail and underground systems, and the Royal Parks Constabulary (set up in 1872) patrolled London's parks.

Answer: The Job

'The Job', published fortnightly, is for the benefit of police personnel and others taking an interest in London's policing. There is no charge for this paper to members of the public and copies may be obtained from police stations and libraries in the London area.

Answer: False

The head of the Metropolitan Police has the title of Commissioner. With the exception of the City of London Police force, whose head is also a Commissioner, all other British police forces have a Chief Constable.

Answer: Safer London

In 2002, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said his aim was to make London a safer place for residents, workers and visitors alike.

Answer: Crippen

Two friends of Crippen's wife visited the CID section of New Scotland Yard in June 1910 to report her disappearance. Officers questioned Crippen but they had no proof of murder and, by now, Crippen and his 'housekeeper' were on route to Montreal, Canada aboard the 'SS Montrose'.

The police discovered the body of Crippen's wife at their London home and later the Captain of this ship saw a foreign newspaper report. He sent a message by Marconi telegraph to his London office who forwarded this to the police. Chief Inspector Walter Dew of the Metropolitan Police crossed the Atlantic Ocean on board 'SS Laurentic' and apprehended Crippen before he could disembark at Montreal.

He was hanged for murder at Pentonville Prison in November 1910.

Answer: Superintendent

A Superintendent is the fifth in order of rank. The rank badge of an Inspector (third in order of seniority) is two diamond-shaped pips; the badge of a Chief Inspector (ranked above Inspector but below Superintendent) shows three diamond-shaped pips and the badge of a Sergeant, one rank above that of ordinary Constable, has three downward-pointing chevrons.

Answer: Burglary and the sale of stolen goods

After being successful in two areas of London, 'Operation Bumblebee' was extended to the whole of the capital as results showed burglary was the biggest fear of residents. In 1994 the Yellow Pages Directory became sponsors of the operation and in his 1996/7 report the then Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Paul Condon, stated that 'Operation Bumblebee' had not lost its sting, with burglary rates being at their lowest since 1989.

As of 2004 this is still an ongoing operation.

Answer: 14

SO14 - the Royalty Protection unit is responsible for the safety of the Royal Family at home and abroad and the protection of all London Palaces and Windsor Castle and, when occupied by members of the Royal Family, the 4 official Scottish residences. They are also tasked with protecting foreign royalty visiting the UK and providing escorts for visiting Heads of State, high-risk prisoners and valuable cargoes. SO19 is the Met's Firearms Unit; SO1 deals with international and organised crime; SO8 is the Forensic Science unit.

Answer: False

When first created this section was named the 'Mobile Patrol Experiment', the name 'Flying Squad' was adopted in 1921. This quick-response unit of specially trained expert drivers, chosen from uniformed patrol car drivers, deals with detecting and preventing armed robbery and similar crime using speed and surprise tactics.

The Flying Squad ('Sweeney Todd') is part of the Serious and Organised crime section.