Actually, they were called "coppers" for the copper buttons on their jackets; hence the later version of "cops". They were also called constables.
Am I from the old days? Recognise a few names in this thread: Vile, NorthViking, biagrin ... the rest, not so sure..
Nope.. I'm from the old days. U are pre-historic.. Though I have never seen you around and I know most of the old guys..
Ah well.. such is the curse of anonimity. At least you (lowestseries) (very odd name?) are from my country.