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Development of The Police

Development of The Police. By the end of this lesson you will. Be able to Explai n the ways in which law enforcement changed from the Eighteenth century onwards. Be able analyse the changes and continuities within law enforcement during this period. How did a Police force develop?.

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Development of The Police

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  1. Development of The Police

  2. By the end of this lesson you will... • Be able to Explain the ways in which law enforcement changed from the Eighteenth century onwards. • Be able analyse the changes and continuities within law enforcement during this period.

  3. How did a Police force develop? • Before C19th there were very few developments. • Law and order based on practices going back to Middle Ages. • Justices of the Peace appointed by crown from1361 onwards, helped by constables and watchmen. • As population increased so did number of crimes. • More officials added – Bow Street Runners apptd by Bow Street Magistrates and Thames Valley Police set up in 1800. • However, if there were any major disturbances in London then army had to be called. • Outside capital had to rely on ‘yeomanry’ and ‘militia’.

  4. The Need for Change • Start of C19th – law and order under constant threat. • Number of disturbances still fresh in mind – Gordon Riots, Peterloo Massacre, Luddites. All raised q’s about ability of Yeomanry. • More instances of Homicide, robbery, theft and burglary as a result of the Industrial Revolution.

  5. Beginning of the Metropolitan Police • 1829 – set up to cover London area by Home Secretary Robert Peel who thought existing methods of law and order were inadequate. • Under control of 2 commissioners, reported to Home Secretary and based at Scotland yard. • Divided into 17 divisions, led by Superintendant, had 4 inspectors, and 144 constables. • London now policed by 3000 men called ‘Bobbies’ or ‘Peelers’. • Uniform kept as different to the military as possible. • Was much opposition at first but eventually gained more respect.

  6. Early achievements were mixed. • Recruits were often of poor quality, some sacked for being drunk. • Many gangs moved out of London which looked good for the police but they set up in the counties and boroughs instead.

  7. Extension of the Police Force • Municipal Corporations Act 1835: let boroughs set up watch committees to control a police force. • 1839 County Police Act – brought counties into new network. • Process patchy – 1835 and 39 Acts gave powers to do things but it wasn’t compulsory. • 1856 County Borough Police Act – compulsory for all counties and boroughs to have a police force. • Forces v. different in size and efficiency. • No more major changes for another century.

  8. Functions of the Police • Most important function – control of crime. • Detective dept set up at Scotland yard in 1842. • Communications sped up with telegraph in 1867. • Criminal Investigation Dept set up in 1878. • Records kept in each police station, Scotland yard kept details on most notorious criminals. • Also to control civil disturbances and riots.

  9. Conditions in the Police force • Major problem in C19th was lack of prestige and status given to police. • In 1876 earned 29s. And 6d. (just under £1.50) a week. • Up to 12 hours patrolling on foot. • Bicycles used after 1890. • Whistles used to attract attention.

  10. TOTAL CHANGE How far has policing changed? NO CHANGE

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