This century was marked by a change in the attitude of employees toward the Metropolitan Police, evidenced by the stabilization of the force which was taking place in a context of changes in the general work structure. The most significant development was that people were becoming accustomed to regular, full-time employment at a single job. Workers, in return for job security, were more willing to accept modern work discipline. Certain factors including income, employment security, and type of community helped determine the length of service of individual officers. Long-serving policemen were generally from the lower classes and had much to gain from the standard of living, status, and social security offered by the Metropolitan Police. In contrast, short-serving policemen tended to have had better employment histories and wider occupational opportunities which could induce them to leave the service. They were more likely to be from urban areas and to have military backgrounds which made them unwilling to accept the regimentation of police work. 128 notes