In Britain different areas have different police forces. For instance, the Metropolitan police – the largest police force in the country operate in London, but there are different police forces in the counties outside London.
The top man in each police force is Chief Constable. He is appointed by the local Watch Committee which is a committee of the local government. The Watch Committee can dismiss him, too, if the central government agrees. The Chief Constable appoints all the officers below him in his force.
Things are slightly different in London. The top man is known as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and his appointment is arranged through the central government. Home Secretary performs general direction of the Metropolitan police force. Like the army, there are a number of ranks: after the Chief Constable comes the Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendant, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant and Constable-a patrolman.
British police are normally not armed. In special cases, when their work becomes dangerous, they can be given firearms however.
The most famous name connected with the British police is Scotland Yard. It is the headquarters of the London police force. Besides dealing with local police matters, the London police also help all over England and Wales with difficult crimes. They do this at the request of the local police.