Mark Worthington, age l5, of Richmond, Va., for his question:

Why are London policemen called bobbies?

The well run London police force is famous around the world and visitors always admire its well trained, friendly officers. But there was a time when London had no organized police force and its law enforcement was nothing to brag about.  In the l9th century sir Robert PeeI saw the need for reform.

Peel was a dedicated statesman with firm ideas of law enforcement. In l829 he was given the duty of organizing a London police force and everyone was impressed with the sound job done by the statesman they called Bobbie Peel. Later Peel went on to other duties and became Prime Minister. But people never forgot his wonderful police force and the policemen of London still are called bobbies in honor of Bobbie Peel.