History of Policing

Policing Proposal

Shelton Foster

CJA/220

10/26/14

Crystal Dickerson Bynum

Robert Peel 

Robert Peel, known as the father of modern policing was a political leader in England that fought for 30 Yrs. to improve law enforcement in his country. He introduced the three main elements of policing: Mission, Strategy and Organization.

The mission was obvious, the prevention of crime. The strategy was preventive patrols to try to prevent crime from happening. The Organization of a rank structure was borrowed from the military.

After several appeals to the parliament, Mr. Peel finally persuaded parliament to create the London Metropolitan Police in 1829. To this day officers are still known as Bobbies in honor of Robert Peel.

1630’s

Colonial America started to organize what we know as our Police force in 1630 colonial America. They worked on a system known as a ward and watch system. Citizens were expected to help one another in situations that may rise, whether it was crime or social upset such as fire. Sanctions could be taken against someone who failed to help the community under this system. Criminal investigations were not a part of this ward/watch system. There were no pay for the services citizens performed and no guidelines of behavior. Using the Ward and Watch system, citizens are expected to respond and deal with incidents as they arose in their neighborhoods. The matter was designed to address moral and social obligation of the community rather than criminal issues.

1840’s Metropolitan America

1840’s Metro Police forces primarily focused on Crime prevention. The idea was police presence would prevent crime. To identify the officers they started wearing uniforms that identified their positions. The Positions of officers became a lot more professional at this era. Officers wore uniforms and procedures regulating professionalism started developing during this time.

1840’s Frontier America...