The Evolution of Policing

1
The Evolution of Policing

• John Merren
• AJS 101

2
Early British Policing

• The constable and sheriff (shire-reeve) are from
  early British policing.
• The emphasis was on community cooperation to
  identify and apprehend law breakers.
• In 1285 the Watch and Wardsystem required all
  men in a community to take turns assisting the
  constable keepting the community safe.
• In 1748, the Bow Street Runners were the first
  group organized to patrol and prevent crime.

3
Modern Policing Begins

• In 1829, Sir Robert Peel established The
  Metropolitan Police of London.
• Their effectiveness and popularity resulted in
  the public naming them after Sir Robert,
  Bobbies.

4
Sir Robert Peels Nine Principles

• The basic mission is to prevent crime and
  disorder.
• The ability of police to perform is dependent on
  public approval.
• In order to maintain public respect, police must
  secure voluntary observance of the law.
• The degree of public cooperation diminishes
  proportionately with the use of force.
• Police seek and preserve public favor by
  constantly demonstrating impartial service to the
  law.
• Physical force is used only to the extent
  necessary to restore order and only after
  persuasion, advice, and warning is insufficient.
• Every citizen is responsible for public welfare,
  and the police are only paid to give it their
  full-time attention.
• Police should always perform their functions and
  not those of the judiciary.
• The test of police efficiency is the absence of
  crime and disorder, not visible evidence of
  police action.

5
Urban American Police of the 1850s

• New Your, Chicago, and other major cities formed
  police forces.
• Officers were poorly paid, not respected, and
  seldom well prepared for their duties.

6
The Era of Political Patronage

• The lack of a professional focus and the use of
  police to further the aims of politicians led to
  corruption.
• Political machines would reward those who
  solicited votes with jobs as policemen.
• The political police were subject to beingowned
  by politicians or their cronies.