UK Police Arrest Over 500 Pro-Palestinian Supporters

## Overview The Associated Press (AP) is the world’s largest newsgathering organization, operating as a nonprofit cooperative owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters in the United States[1][7]. It delivers news, photographs, video, and audio to over 1,700 member newspapers, 6,000 broadcasters, and 8,500 other subscribers in 110 countries[1]. AP’s mission is to advance the power of facts through independent, nonpartisan, and fact-based journalism, reaching an estimated four billion people daily[4][7]. ## History AP was founded in 1846 when five New York City newspapers pooled resources to share the cost of covering the Mexican-American War, pioneering the concept of cooperative newsgathering[3][4][8]. Originally known as the New York Associated Press, it expanded as regional groups formed and merged, leading to the modern AP’s incorporation in 1900 after legal and organizational shifts[2][3]. From the start, AP focused on accurate, timely reporting—a tradition that continues today[4][7]. ## Key Achievements AP has been a pioneer in news technology, establishing the first leased telegraph wires for news transmission in 1875 and launching innovative services like APTN (television news) and AP All News Radio[1][5]. Its journalists have won 59 Pulitzer Prizes, including 36 for photography, reflecting a consistent commitment to excellence[7]. AP has reported on every major global event since the mid-19th century, from wars and elections to cultural milestones[4][6]. ## Current Status Today, AP operates nearly 250 bureaus in almost 100 countries, producing approximately 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos annually[4][7]. It remains financially independent, funded by its members and subscribers rather than government or private ownership, ensuring editorial independence[6][7]. AP’

The **Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)**, commonly called the **Met Police** or simply the **Met**, is the primary territorial police force responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention within Greater London, excluding the City of London which is policed separately. Established in the 19th century, the Met is historically known as "Scotland Yard," referencing its original headquarters location. Today, it is headquartered at New Scotland Yard on the Victoria Embankment[1]. The Met's remit extends beyond conventional policing to specialised national roles including **counter-terrorism**, **protection of the monarch**, royal family, government officials, and high-profile figures across the UK. It also handles security for 164 foreign embassies, London’s major airports (Heathrow and London City), and oversees policing for thousands of public events and protests annually, reflecting London's status as a global city[1]. As the largest police force in the UK by officer numbers, the Met balances a relatively small geographic area—the Metropolitan Police District—with enormous complexity and high visibility operations. It operates under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, currently Sir Mark Rowley (since July 2022), who is directly accountable to the Mayor of London through the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), and also to the Home Office at the national level[1][2]. Organisationally, the Met is divided into five main directorates, each led by an Assistant Commissioner, covering Frontline Policing, Met Operations, Specialist Operations, and Professionalism, supported by civilian-led departments for digital technology, communications, and finance, emphasizing its integration of business and technology in modern policing[2]. Key achievements include pioneering counter-terrorism strategies, managing high-profile security operations, and implementing advanced digital and data technologies to enhance crime detection and prevention. The current Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan (2025-2029) prioritizes reducing violence, building safer communities, reforming