As I was sat around last night, trying to figure out what Policing topic I was going to cover, I realised that we were leaping ahead in some of our posts. I had wanted to try and work my way from the beginning of a crime scene to the end of a case, but with a couple of questions coming in, I’d thrown myself off course somewhat. So, I needed to focus.
Don’t worry, this can all go tumbling sideways again…
But, the first post I did was on Police Working Relationships, Here, where I discussed the differences between uniformed officers and detectives (nothing in the case of rank) and what officers would call each other.
I realised, what I hadn’t done, for anyone wanting to write crime, who really didn’t know anything about the policing structure, that I hadn’t mentioned the rank structure itself. I mean, that really is remiss of me.
So, let me put that straight. Bear in mind, this is for all UK forces, other than the Met.
Constable
Sergeant
Inspector
Chief Inspector
Superintendent
Chief Superintendent
Assistant Chief Constable
Deputy Chief Constable
Chief Constable
The Metropolitan Police – after Ch Supt
Commander
Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Assistant Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner
Commissioner
City of London Police  – after Ch Supt
Commander
Assistant Commissioner
Commissioner
You can find all previous posts in the Policing series, Here. And if you have any questions you’d like answering in a post, please leave them in the comments below.
Elle Turner says
I had no idea the Met and other UK forces had a different structure! Love this series.
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes 🙂 Funny isn’t it? It’s why I thought I’d better go right back to basics because it’s not often known.
Rebecca Bradley says
And, thank you! 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
It would be handy if a mystery writer from every country wrote a list like that!
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes, it would be helpful because this doesn’t help crime writers working in other countries. Though I do think there is another crime writer and blogger who is doing something similar for the US.
Margot Kinberg says
Thanks, Rebecca. This is really helpful. Doesn’t matter what police service you’re talking about, it’s as well to understand the rank system.