old bill

[john law]

Why do people call the police the "old bill"?

[ravenhair]

Various theories exist; the most common one seems to be that it comes from a character in a First World War cartoon.

[incitatus]

or because like any bill they always turn up when least wanted or expected.

[sgs]

Find out what the Old Bill themselves have to say about it at http://www.met.police.uk/history/oldbill.htm

[incitatus]

I like the idea it might be William IV. Because he was universally known as Silly Billy....somehow calling the Sillies would be so much nicer than dialling the filth.