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Period: 1200 to
The English Heritage
The roots of modern policing can be traced back to England, where early forms of community-based policing like the "watch and ward" system were developed. The Anglo-Saxon "tithing" system grouped families into units responsible for maintaining law and order. The Statute of Winchester (1285) formalized watchmen roles, and by the 18th century, the Bow Street Runners became one of the first formalized law enforcement bodies. -
1285
Statute of Winchester
Arms: Required men between the ages of 15 and 60 to have specified weapons to keep the peace
Police force: Organized the police force and regulated the roles of constables
Local law enforcement: Established a system of local law enforcement, requiring each county to appoint a group of officials called the "hue and cry" to pursue criminals
Town gates: Closed town gates between sunset and sunrise
Court leet: Required constables to present offenders at court leet -
Period: to
Law Enforcement in Colonial America
Early American colonies adopted English policing methods, relying on sheriffs, constables, and night watchmen. Law enforcement was primarily localized and informal, with an emphasis on community-based justice. Policing was often focused on maintaining public order rather than crime prevention. -
Bow Street Runners
The Bow Street Runners were the law enforcement officers of the Bow Street Magistrates' Court in the City of Westminster. They have been called London's first professional police force. The force originally numbered six men and was founded in 1749 by magistrate Henry Fielding -
London’s Metropolitan Police
Founded in 1829 by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel under the Metropolitan Police Act 1829, the first constables of the service appeared on the streets of London. Ten years later, Metropolitan Police Act 1839 consolidated policing within London by expanding the Metropolitan Police District and either abolishing or amalgamating the various other law enforcement entities within London into the Metropolitan Police such as the Thames River Police and the Bow Street Runners. -
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The First Modern American Police
The first modern police forces in America emerged in the 1830s, modeled after London’s Metropolitan Police established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829. Boston (1838), New York City (1845), and Philadelphia (1854) were among the first cities to establish organized police departments, marking the shift from volunteer watchmen to paid, professional officers. -
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The “Political Era” in American Policing
This era is characterized by close ties between police and politicians. Police forces were often used to maintain political control, and corruption was widespread. Policing was decentralized, and officers often had significant discretion in enforcing the law. Public service roles, such as providing social services, were common during this period. -
The Boston Police Department
In 1838, a bill passed in the General Court that allowed the city to appoint police officers, paving the way for the creation of a formal police department.The Boston Police Department was formally founded in May 1854, at which point both the night watch and Day Police were disbanded. At the time of its founding, the Boston Police constituted one of the first paid, professional police services in the United States. -
The New York City Police Department
On May 7, 1844, the New York State passed the Municipal Police Act, a law which authorized creation of a police force and abolished the night watch system.However, because of a lengthy dispute between the Common Council and the Mayor of New York City regarding who would appoint the officers, the law was not put into effect until the following year -
The Philadelphia Police Department
In 1797, Philadelphia established a night watch, and employed its first police officers to patrol the streets in daytime in 1833. The two entities were combined in 1854 to form the Philadelphia Police Department, which was modeled on London's Metropolitan Police. -
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The Professional Era
Efforts to reform policing led to the professionalization of the force. The focus shifted towards efficiency, crime control, and centralized command. August Vollmer, often called the father of modern policing, advocated for higher education and training standards for police officers. The establishment of the FBI in 1908 also reflected the trend towards professionalization and specialization. -
The Establishment of The FBI
In 1896, the National Bureau of Criminal Identification was founded, providing agencies across the country with information to identify known criminals. The 1901 assassination of President William McKinley created a perception that the United States was under threat from anarchists. The Departments of Justice and Labor had been keeping records on anarchists for years, but President Theodore Roosevelt wanted more power to monitor them. -
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The Police Crises of the 1960s
The 1960s saw significant social upheaval, with civil rights movements and anti-Vietnam War protests. Police forces were often at the center of these conflicts, leading to widespread criticism of police practices, especially regarding the use of force. The police were seen as out of touch with the communities they served, leading to calls for reform and more community-oriented policing strategies. -
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New Developments in Policing
This era has seen significant changes in policing, including the rise of community policing, advances in technology, and a focus on crime prevention. The "Broken Windows" theory, introduced in the 1980s, influenced policing strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing minor crimes to prevent more serious ones. The 21st century has also seen the rise of data-driven policing and the use of body cameras. -
The "Broken Windows" Theory
In criminology, the broken windows theory states that visible signs of crime, antisocial behavior and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes, such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking and fare evasion, help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness. -
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The National Police Crisis
This recent era is marked by widespread public scrutiny of police practices, particularly regarding racial disparities and the use of force. High-profile incidents of police violence, particularly against Black Americans, have led to nationwide protests and calls for systemic reform. The Black Lives Matter movement has been central to these discussions. There has been a growing debate over the role of police in society, with some advocating for defunding or restructuring police departments. -
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Future: The Equitable Era
The "Equitable Era" of policing is envisioned as a transformative period. The focus shifts from traditional law enforcement to a holistic, community-centered approach. This era is defined by an emphasis on equity, accountability, and collaboration, aiming to rebuild trust between police and the communities they serve. It represents a fundamental reimagining of the role of policing in society, where public safety is achieved through partnerships, prevention, and the protection of human rights. -
Community Integration and Co-Policing
Policing becomes a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. Co-policing models involve citizens in decision-making processes, from setting priorities to evaluating performance. Police officers are seen as part of the community, working alongside residents to identify and address the root causes of crime and disorder. -
Equity and Inclusion
The era is marked by a deep commitment to equity in policing. This includes addressing systemic racism and bias, ensuring that all communities—especially historically marginalized ones—are treated with dignity and fairness. Recruitment, training, and promotion practices are overhauled to reflect the diversity of the communities served. -
Restorative Justice
Restorative justice practices become a cornerstone of the justice system, emphasizing healing over punishment. Police work closely with restorative justice organizations to provide alternatives to incarceration, focusing on reconciliation and rehabilitation. -
Technology and Transparency
Advanced technology is leveraged to increase transparency and accountability. Real-time data on police activities, including the use of force and community interactions, is made publicly available. AI and machine learning are used ethically to predict and prevent crime, with strict safeguards to protect privacy and prevent bias. -
Mental Health and Social Services Integration
Recognizing that many incidents involving the police are related to mental health, addiction, or poverty, the Equitable Era sees a significant expansion in the role of social services within public safety. Police departments collaborate with mental health professionals, social workers, and non-profits to provide comprehensive support to individuals in crisis, often diverting them away from the criminal justice system. -
Global Collaboration
Policing in the Equitable Era is informed by global best practices. International collaboration helps to develop innovative approaches to public safety, drawing on successful models from around the world. This includes a focus on human rights-based policing and adopting strategies that prioritize de-escalation and conflict resolution. -
Education and Training
Continuous education becomes a requirement for all police officers, with a focus on cultural competency, de-escalation techniques, and community engagement. Training programs are developed in partnership with academic institutions, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to handle the complexities of modern policing.