Metropolitan Police and City of London Police: Upper Ranks
The police forces within Greater London – the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police – are both headed by an appointed commissioner. The Commissioner of the City of London Police has the status of a justice of the peace.
The Metropolitan Police Service has five ranks above the level of chief superintendent (commander, deputy assistant commissioner, assistant commissioner, deputy commissioner and commissioner) and The City of London Police has three (commander, assistant commissioner and commissioner).
How to Address a Commissioner
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | According to title or Dear Commissioner |
| Envelope |
Sir Ben Hopkins, KBE, Commissioner of The Metropolitan Police / Sir Thomas
|
| Verbal communication | Commissioner, or according to title |
Decorations are listed after the name and before the appointment.
How to address a Deputy or Assistant Commissioner
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | As for Commissioner, but if by his/her appointment, Dear Deputy Commissioner (or Assistant Commissioner) |
| Envelope |
Daniel Mercer, Esq, Deputy Commissioner of The Metropolitan Police / David Beak, Esq, Assistant Commissioner, for The City of London/Metropolitan Police |
| Verbal communication | By appointment or according to title |
How to address a Deputy Assistant Commissioner
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | According to title or Dear Deputy Assistant Commissioner |
Envelope |
Nicholas Swallow, Esq, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police |
| Verbal address | By appointment or by name |
How to address a Commander
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | According to title or Dear Commander Smith |
| Envelope |
Commander Edgar Pollen, Metropolitan Police/City of London Police |
