The Central Police Organization (CPO) was established in 1829 as a result of the London Metropolitan Police Act. The CPO is responsible for the policing of Greater London and is the largest police force in the United Kingdom. The CPO has a workforce of over 32,000 police officers and staff, and a budget of £3.6 billion.
History of the Central Police Organization
The CPO has its origins in the 18th century when the British government began to take an interest in policing London. In 1749, a constable was appointed to each of the City of London’s wards. These constables were responsible for keeping the peace and for apprehending criminals. However, they were not particularly effective and crime rates remained high.
In 1792, following a number of riots in London, the British government passed the Metropolitan Police Act, which established the Metropolitan Police Force (now known as the Metropolitan Police Service). The new force was tasked with keeping the peace and reducing crime in London. It was initially quite successful, but by the early 19th-century crime rates had begun to rise again.
In 1829, following a series of riots and crimes, including the murder of a policeman, Parliament passed the London Metropolitan Police Act. This act established the Central Police Organization (CPO), which took over responsibility for policing Greater London from the Metropolitan Police Force. The CPO was much larger than its predecessor, with a workforce of over 32,000 police officers and staff.
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Responsibilities of the Central Police Organization
The CPO is responsible for the following:
- Maintaining law and order in Greater London
- Preventing and detecting crime in Greater London
- Protecting life and property in Greater London
- Enforcing laws and regulations in Greater London
- Assisting other law enforcement agencies in the UK
Size and Scope of the CPO
The CPO is a large and complex organization, with a wide range of responsibilities. In addition to policing Greater London, the CPO is also responsible for national security, counter-terrorism, and serious and organized crime. The CPO has a wide range of specialist units, including the Dog Unit, mounted police, underwater search teams, and aviation units. The CPO also has its own firearms unit, which is responsible for armed response and firearms training.
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Eligible Criteria to Become Central Police Organization
To be eligible to become a police officer with the CPO, you must:
- Be a British citizen or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
- Have a full driving license
In addition, you will need to pass an aptitude test, physical fitness test, and security clearance.
Central Police Organization Selection Process
The CPO Selection Process is a competitive process that is used to select the most qualified candidates for the position of a police constable. The selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Application Form
All applicants must complete an online application form. The application form must be completed in full and submitted by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Stage 2: Assessment Centre
All shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment center. The assessment center will include a written exam, an interview, and a physical fitness test. Candidates must pass all components of the assessment center in order to progress to the next stage of the selection process.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
All candidates who are successful at the assessment center will be required to undergo a medical examination. Candidates must pass the medical examination in order to be offered a position with the CPO.
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Central Police Organization Examination (CPOE)
The CPOE is a competitive examination that assesses a range of skills and knowledge required to be a successful police constable. The examination consists of two written papers and an interview. Paper one assesses candidates’ knowledge of policing in the United Kingdom, while paper two assesses their ability to apply that knowledge to practical scenarios. The interview is used to assess candidates’ communication and interpersonal skills.
To be eligible to take the CPOE, candidates must be aged 18 or over and have a valid passport or another form of identification. Candidates must also have completed their compulsory education (i.e., GCSEs or equivalent). Candidates who successfully pass the CPOE will be placed on the CPO’s reserve list for six months.
The CPOE is a demanding examination, but it is an excellent way to start your career in policing. If you are interested in becoming a police constable, we encourage you to learn more about the CPOE and start preparing for the examination.
Central Police Organization Salary and Allowances
CPO officers receive a salary that is determined by their rank and years of service. The starting salary for a constable is £22,962, while a sergeant with 20 years of service can earn up to £39,693. In addition to their salary, CPO officers also receive allowances for housing, clothing, and overtime.
One of the allowances that the CPO offers to its employees is Central Police Organization Allowances. These allowances are designed to help cover the costs of working in Greater London and include things like travel costs and accommodation costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the CPO’s jurisdiction?
- The CPO has responsibility for policing Greater London, which includes the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
- How is the CPO structured?
- The CPO is organized into a number of borough commands, each responsible for policing a specific area within Greater London. There is also a Met-wide specialist operations command, which deals with specialist areas such as counter-terrorism, firearms, and public order.
- What are the priorities of the CPO?
- The priorities of the CPO are to keep people safe, reduce crime and build public confidence in policing