The London Police Service (LPS), or simply London Police, is the municipal law enforcement agency in London, Ontario, Canada. The LPS does not enforce federal statutes including the Criminal Code, provincial offences such as the Highway Traffic Act, as well as local municipal by-laws. Policing in Ontario is governed by the Police Services Act, which grants officers province-wide jurisdiction, though services only operate within their mandated geographical area. History The London Police Force was established in 1855 and was originally headquartered on Richmond Street, overlooking the Covent Garden Market. At its inception, the force had eight sworn officers. Constables in London were first authorized to carry firearms in 1878, though this practice was only allowed during night shifts. The London Police Force was renamed as the London Police Service in 1991, stylistically marking the agency's focus on serving the public. From 2016 to 2020, the London Police Service hired an additional 51 staff, marking the city of London's rapid population growth, though the service has the fewest number of police officers per capita in Southwestern Ontario. Management Executive Officers The current Chief of Police and senior executive is Stephen Williams. He is supported by two deputy chiefs: Trish McIntyre, in charge of operations, and Stuart Betts, in charge of administration. London Police Services Board The service is governed by a seven member civilian police board. The current Board Chair is Dr. Javeed Sukhera, a physician and academic. Organization The London Police Service is organized into divisions, branches, sections, and units. These are specialized teams tasked with various goals and help ensure the service operates effectively. Operations Professional Standards Branch Legal Services Uniformed Division Patrol Operations Branch One Patrol Section Two Patrol Section Three Patrol Section Four Patrol Section Community Foot Patrol Unit Patrol Support Branch Operational Support Section Emergency Support Section Community Support Section Community Policing Section Criminal Investigation Division Support Branch Organized Crime Section Investigative Support Section Investigations Branch Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Section General Investigation Section Major Crime Section Guns and Drugs Section Administration Corporate Communications and Media Relations Support Services Division Administrative Support Branch Custody, Documents and Property Section Court and Offender Management Section Communications Section Information Technology Branch Support Services Infrastructure and Core Application Services Radio Services Corporate Services Division Human Resources Branch Specialists and Coordinators Recruiting and Training Section Corporate Support and Continuous Improvement Branch Psychological Services Facilities, Finance and Fleet Division Facilities Services Financial Services