All police officers started with the rank of constable and wore a uniform. Officers used the rear entrance which opened onto Scotland Yard, a very familiar name, even today. This was a very important step in instilling law and order; parliament supported the process of joining the Metropolitan Police, which had very strict requirements. To be a police officer, you had to be able to read and write, be strong and healthy, over 5'7" tall, and under 35 years old. The police department recruited over 1,000 men. As soon as the Metropolitan Police was officially established and ready for service, it became the third largest police force in the world behind the Glasgow Police in Scotland and the Paris Police in France. The initial force consisted of two commissioners, eight superintendents, 88 sergeants and 895 constables. Although they were numerous, they did not want to run the risk of being confused as a strong military power. Their main purpose, of course, was to prevent crime, but also to be public servants for all people. If they weren't careful, other countries might think they were mobilizing their power. The material of their uniforms is carefully but intentionally designed more in blue than red. In 1839, the radius of the police district was seven miles from Charging Cross. Because of the respect that the police