Difference Between Scotland Yard and Metropolitan Police

Scotland Yard and Metropolitan Police are terms related to the Police service in United Kingdom. Difference between Scotland Yard and Metropolitan Police is simple and clear but often confused by people all over the world. There are many who think of Scotland Yard as the name of the police force in England. For the benefit of such people, here is a brief description that intends to clarify all such confusion.

Metropolitan Police Service

Also known as MPS, this is the police force of London and Greater London, maintaining law and order in the city and adjoining areas. The only area outside its jurisdiction is the Square Mile inside London which is looked after by the City of London Police. It is not just London that MPS is concerned with, and providing protection to the Royal family of UK and senior members of the government is also a part of the duties discharged by MPS. Metropolitan Police Service also has a lot of significance in matters related with counter terrorism measures. It is also referred to as the Met and just MP. Some people mistakenly refer to it as Scotland Yard which is the location of the headquarters of the police force.

Scotland Yard

Headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London is a place called Scotland Yard. The headquarters of the police force were shifted from Great Scotland Yard to Broadway Street in 1967. But the name stuck and today Scotland Yard has become a symbol of police in London. Erroneously though, a lot of people think of Scotland Yard as a law enforcement agency. The reason why Scotland Yard is so perceived is also because of the great role played by the police force of London in international crime detection. Scotland Yard works in close collaboration with other British intelligence agencies to provide protection to the Royal family and other members of the HM governments. The employees at Scotland Yard have played part in investigating some of the most famous criminals in history such as J. Kray Gang, Dr. Crippen and Jack the Ripper. Scotland Yard is perceived as a very efficient police force around the world.