Policing in England and Wales and the purpose of this book

This chapter provides an overview of policing in England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 and its practical consequences became the template for policing throughout England and Wales. Despite the changes, complexity, multicultural and multifaceted features of social context, crime prevention, the detection and arrest of offenders and the maintenance of public order, remains at the heart of policing. The chapter highlights the importance of leadership among police sergeants and inspectors. It clarifies that this book aims to supplement and add to authorised police training manuals, textbooks and other official instructions, referencing that it brings a mixture of theory and practice and helpful tips and a series of brief, skills-based checklists.