The British police are counted among those institutions in the world that are regarded as practical examples of autonomy, professional impartiality, and the rule of law. If today law and justice in Britain are not merely theoretical concepts but a living reality, if citizens feel safe and confident the fundamental reason is the independent, empowered, and accountable role of the police. The British police are not merely an institution that uses force, rather, they are an organized and integrated system that maintains a balance between the state, the government, and the public.

The foundation of the British police was laid in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police. In that era, principles were formulated that are still considered the spirit of policing today. According to these principles, the police operate with the consent, trust, and cooperation of the public not through fear, coercion, or political pressure. This is why in Britain the police are seen not as an institution standing against the people, but as one standing alongside them.

Today, a total of 43 police forces operate across the UK, responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety in their respective areas. Each force is independent within its jurisdiction, yet all operate under the same national legal framework. This clear division of authority is one of the system’s greatest strengths: power is not concentrated in a single individual, and there is little room for mismanagement.

Each police force is headed by a Chief Constable, who is both empowered and fully accountable. The Chief Constable enjoys operational independence meaning that arrests, investigations, security decisions, and the enforcement of law are carried out without political or governmental interference. No minister, Member of Parliament, or powerful figure can order the Chief Constable to take action against someone or to grant favors. This independence is what makes the British police strong.

In contrast, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is a public representative elected directly by voters. The PCC’s role is limited to overseeing overall police policy, priorities, budgets, and public complaints; they cannot influence any case, FIR, arrest, or investigation. Thus, public representation is maintained on one hand, while police impartiality is safeguarded on the other.

In Britain, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The police can arrest anyone whether a judge, a general, a minister, a journalist, or a wealthy industrialist. Past investigations and actions against senior government figures, Members of Parliament, and powerful individuals are clear proof that the law here does not consider status, wealth, or connections.

This is why today people from every country, religion, and ethnicity live in Britain without fear. Whether an immigrant or a local citizen, everyone has confidence that if they suffer injustice, the police will listen. From the registration of an FIR to arrest and investigation, the entire process is transparent, documented, and conducted according to law. Police stations here are not symbols of fear, but gateways to justice.

A prominent role of the British police is also to ensure that large public demonstrations and protest gatherings remain peaceful. The historic “Million March” in London against the Iraq War is a shining example, where the Metropolitan Police chose to organize, facilitate, and secure this massive expression of dissent rather than suppress it with force. Similarly, in recent years, demonstrations involving hundreds of thousands in support of Gaza and Palestine against Israel were handled by the Metropolitan Police with the highest level of professionalism. Despite diplomatic pressure on governments and political sensitivities, the police maintained a balance between freedom of expression and public safety an emblem of a mature democracy and independent policing.

The culture of bribery and favoritism is virtually nonexistent in the British police, primarily due to a strong accountability system. If allegations of corruption, abuse of power, or discrimination against a police officer are proven, the officer is immediately suspended, criminal proceedings are initiated, and, if necessary, they are dismissed from service. Police officers are fully aware that they themselves are subject to the law.

Parliamentary select committees also exist to ensure police accountability. These committees can question police performance, policies, and controversial matters. Police chiefs and senior officers must answer before Parliament, keeping the institution under full democratic oversight.

In October 2025, a football match in Birmingham between Israel’s national team and Aston Villa became a clear example of British police autonomy. Although the government wished to allow spectators into the stadium, serious security concerns led the Birmingham Chief Constable to refuse permission. Despite governmental pressure, media noise, and demands from club management, the police prioritized the protection of public lives and this decision proved to be correct.

This column is presented with the hope that the police in Pakistan and other developing countries will learn from the British policing system. However, the bitter reality is that rulers in many third-world countries do not implement such independent policing because they use the police for their own interests suppressing political opponents, enabling corruption, and prolonging their hold on power. Independent policing becomes a threat to them, so it is kept subservient.

But the question remains: for how long? For how long will the police continue to be used as a tool for personal interests, political manipulation, and corruption? Britain’s example delivers a clear message: when the police are independent, the state becomes strong, citizens feel secure, and justice ceases to be a slogan it becomes a living reality.