NCJ Number
197144
Date Published
2002
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This chapter assesses the view of English police development when expanded beyond the confines of the history of the law.
Abstract
There were serious problems in the policing system of 18th century England. Reformers highlighted these problems in various publications where politicians became convinced a change was needed and acted. These reformers focused essentially on the detection of crime. A study of crime and policing in the square of the City of London from the mid-17th to the mid-18th century describes the developments. The City’s commercial and financial districts guarded their municipal independence but used the legislature when it suited them. The authorities within the city recognized the need for a paid, regular watch and sponsored legislation to this end. There were other policing improvements in the provinces of Hanoverian England. The high constable was a man of substance, but not the petty constable. The social status of these servants appeared to decline during the 18th century. At the same time their burdens increased. Throughout this time crime rates and concerns about crime appeared to have fluctuated with war and peace and dearth and plenty. Police reform in Hanoverian England stemmed significantly from local experiment. A significant step was taken with the creation of the Metropolitan Police of London. It was uniformed and hierarchical, much closer to a military organization than envisioned by reformers. The County and Borough Police Act of 1856 introduced a structure of police administration that was to continue without major change until the 1960's. A typology of police in 19th century Europe suggests three principal kinds: state military, state civilian, and municipal civilian. The revolutionary activity in France and other parts of Europe reveal why they considered political policing and surveillance necessary. In England there has been a drive towards bigger police forces and greater centralization, in the name of efficiency, since the early 20th century. 4 notes, Bibliography