... caught. Major disturbances, such as riots and demonstrations were originally intended to be prohibited but ultimately their main obligations were to deal with drunkenness, beggars, vagrants and prostitutes. Law and order in London improved from this because the metropolitan police force were able to police most areas of crime, along with being easily accessible to the public with just one headquarters, Scotland yard The police did not wish for their uniform to be associated with the army, as traditionally the public didn't like to see the 'redcoats' of the army on the streets. The navy, however were much more accepted and respected by the public, therefore the metropolitan police acquired a blue uniform, similar to that of the navy's. This consisted of tailcoat, top hat (both blue) and as few badges and decorations as possible. The new 'Bobbies' were also only armed with a truncheon, until the 1840's and 1850's when ...

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