Text 3. Scotland Yard

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Scotland Yard is the symbol of the British Police which was formed by Sir Robert Peel in 1829. It is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service and the largest police agency in the country, having 27 000 people on its staff and being responsible for the territory of 787 square kilometers. It consists of 4 departments and is headed by the Commissioner.

Originally, it was the courtyard of a residence owned by the Kings of Scotland and used as a police station. It was also the name of the place where Scottish royalty used to stay visiting the English Court.

Scotland Yard is responsible for crime detection and emergency service. It has the famous 999 system which provides immediate contact with police cars in any part of the city.

Another remarkable feature is the Central Crime Map in which all violent crimes are registered.

Scotland Yard has the Mounted Branch and the Branch of Police Dogs. The 200 horses of the Mounted Branch take part in ceremonial occasions, and the dogs are especially useful in the detection of drugs.

There is also the River Police which handles crimes on the Thames and on the territories within the river boundaries.

The Rogue Gallery is Scotland Yard's sight of interest. It contains the records of all known criminals in the United Kingdom.

There is also a museum of crime instruments in Scotland Yard.

The nickname "bobby" means a policeman and is related to Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the British Police (Bobby - Бобби isthe diminutive form of Robert).

Scotland Yard is known for its efficiency. It operates in contact with Interpol. The main duties of Scotland Yard are to prevent and detect crime, keep public order and supervise road traffic.