Tom Smith, a well known 'peeler'. English policemen became known as 'peelers' after Robert Peel, who reorganised the Police Force in 1829. (Photo by Claudet/Getty Images)

1860: A group of scruffy Londoners being eyed dubiously by a policeman (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

1872: A policeman in a snowy street watches a well-dressed couple leave a house for a hackney cab waiting for them at the kerb. 'Duty and Pleasure' by Charles Green. G Portfolio 1876. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

1887: A Black Maria or secure vehicle used by the police to transport prisoners. Original Artist: By Renouard. Original Publication: The Graphic - pub. 1887 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

circa 1890: Members of the Metropolitan Police outside their station. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

16 August 1884: Police Inspector E Denning of the House of Commons. Original Artwork: Lithograph by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son for 'Vanity Fair'. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

circa 1845: English textile manufacturer and Member of Parliament Sir Robert Peel (1750 - 1830), whose son Robert (1788 - 1850) created the first London Police Force and was Prime Minister from 1834-5 and from 1841 to 1846. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Members of the Bow Street Horse Patrol, one of the earliest mounted police forces in the world, London, England, early 1800s. The group, made up of former cavalry soldiers, was absorbed into Sir Robert Peel's Metropolitan Police force in 1836. (Photo by Mansell/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

A London policeman wears the uniform of a late 19th. century City of London police officer.