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Police and Legal Systems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

NCJ Number
162380
Date Published
1995
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This document provides a brief and general outline of the most significant features of the police and legal systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; it is intended as an introduction for those unfamiliar with the systems.
Abstract
A description of the geography of the three countries and a map that shows their counties is followed by an overview of police organization. There is some variation in the organization and structure of the three police forces, but with the exception of the Metropolitan Police and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, geographically they are based on local authority areas. The Metropolitan Police force serves the Greater London area, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary serves all of the Province of Northern Ireland. In relationship to the state, the three forces are based upon a tripartite relationship between central government, the local Police Authority, and the chief officer of police. An overview of the legal systems describes the judiciary (courts) and the prosecution process. An outline of police duties is followed by a description of the structure of a typical police force, which addresses force headquarters, divisions, and force strength. Police ranks and their hierarchical placement are charted, and police badges of rank are portrayed. Listings and descriptions of central executive and coordinating bodies are followed by a profile of the logistics of policing London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Remaining sections of the document focus on personnel and ancillary staff; police recruitment; and police training for recruits, supervisory officers, and senior officers.