Law Enforcement: Change and Continuity

This section explores the change and continuity in law enforcement, c.1700 - c.1900. From the early 18th century, policing in Britain was largely based on local, community-based systems, with responsibility for maintaining law and order lying with parish constables, watchmen, and even soldiers. However, during the 19th century, the nature of law enforcement in Britain underwent a profound transformation with the establishment of the first professional and full-time police force in London. This marked the beginning of significant changes in how crime was prevented, investigated, and punished across the country.

Early Policing in Britain: Local Responsibility

For centuries, law enforcement in Britain was primarily a community responsibility. Communities were largely self-policing, and the idea of professional, full-time police officers did not exist. Instead, the following groups were responsible for maintaining law and order:

• Parish Constables: These were local officials who dealt with minor crimes and offences within their communities. They had limited powers and were often unpaid or poorly compensated.
• Watchmen: Tasked with guarding public and private property, watchmen were particularly concerned with preventing fire and theft, patrolling streets at night to deter criminals. They were often viewed as inefficient and ineffective.
• Soldiers: In times of rebellion, civil unrest, or large-scale riots, soldiers were called upon to deal with more serious disturbances. They were also involved in maintaining order during times of war or conflict.

While these methods were largely sufficient in rural areas or small towns, they were increasingly inadequate as the population grew and urban areas expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries. This led to a demand for more organised and professional policing.

The Bow Street Runners: The First Step Towards Organised Policing

The Bow Street Runners, founded in 1748 by brothers Henry and John Fielding, are considered one of the first attempts to create a more formal system of policing in London. As magistrates at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court, the Fielding brothers recognised the need for a more systematic approach to preventing and investigating crime in the growing city.

• Initially, the Bow Street Runners were a group of volunteers who patrolled the streets of London during the evening hours. They were tasked with deterring crime and investigating offences. Their presence on the streets was meant to serve as a deterrent to criminals.
• The Fielding brothers introduced the idea of thief-takers, individuals who would investigate crimes and collect rewards for successfully securing convictions. In 1754, they formalised their role by introducing a system of fees, which enabled them to be compensated for their work.
• By 1785, the government began paying the Bow Street Runners directly, recognising their growing importance in maintaining order in London.
• The Fieldings also introduced a horse patrol to combat highway robbery, a significant crime in the era, and published a newspaper, The Public Hue and Cry, which shared information about crime and criminals. This enabled law enforcement officials and magistrates across the country to communicate more effectively about criminal activity and stolen goods.

The Bow Street Runners played a crucial role in the development of organised policing in London and set the foundation for the formalisation of law enforcement across the country. Their success led to the establishment of Middlesex and Westminster Detective Offices in 1792, which employed constables to detect crimes and arrest suspects.

The Metropolitan Police: The Birth of Modern Policing

Despite the successes of the Bow Street Runners and other local initiatives, by the early 19th century, there was still no official, centralised police force in London or elsewhere in Britain. Policing remained fragmented, and there was growing recognition that a more professional, organised force was necessary to cope with increasing crime and civil unrest.

In 1829, the Metropolitan Police Act was passed, which established the Metropolitan Police Force in London, the first professional police force in Britain. The Act was introduced by Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary, and was a landmark development in the history of law enforcement.

• The Metropolitan Police replaced the previous system of parish constables and watchmen with a larger, full-time police force. The aim of the police force was to deter crime through visible patrols and a strong presence on the streets.
• The police officers wore a distinctive blue uniform, consisting of a blue overcoat with tails to represent service, and a top hat to symbolise authority. The uniform was designed to make the police appear civilian rather than military, so they would not be associated with the army. This was important because many people feared that a government-backed police force could be used to suppress their rights and freedoms.
• The police did not carry firearms, which further distinguished them from soldiers and ensured that their role was seen as one of community service rather than control through force.

The creation of the Metropolitan Police marked a significant shift in how law enforcement was organised in Britain. For the first time, policing became a professional, centralised service aimed at preventing crime and maintaining order in urban areas.

Reasons for the Creation of the Metropolitan Police

Several factors contributed to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829:

• Growing Crime: By the early 19th century, London had become a sprawling metropolis, and crime rates were rising. Many people in the city were concerned about the increase in crime and supported the establishment of a professional police force to tackle the problem.
• Government Support: The British government, led by Sir Robert Peel, recognised the need for a police force to maintain public order and reduce crime. Peel was determined to prove that a professional police force could help reduce crime without infringing on personal freedoms.
• Social Unrest: The French Revolution (1789) and subsequent uprisings in Europe made the British government wary of potential social unrest in Britain. Landowners and the ruling classes feared that workers might rise up against them, and the creation of a police force was seen as a way to prevent disorder and maintain control.
• Urbanisation: As cities like London expanded rapidly, the existing system of watchmen and constables was increasingly inadequate. The need for a larger, more organised police force became clear as urban areas grew more crowded and difficult to patrol.

Policing After 1829: The Spread of Professional Policing

The success of the Metropolitan Police led to the spread of professional policing across Britain in the decades following its creation. Other cities, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, soon followed London’s example and established their own police forces. By the mid-19th century, law enforcement had become a professional, organised institution in most urban areas.

• The Police Act of 1839 encouraged localities outside London to establish their own police forces, and by 1856, the County Police Act made it mandatory for every county in England and Wales to have a police force.
• The introduction of professional police forces helped to standardise law enforcement practices and created a more cohesive and efficient system of crime prevention across the country.

Conclusion

The period from 1700 to 1900 saw significant changes in the way crime was policed in Britain. From the early days of community-based policing with parish constables and watchmen, the 19th century brought the advent of professional, full-time police forces. The creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 was a turning point in the development of modern policing, influencing law enforcement practices across Britain and beyond. By the end of the 19th century, policing had become a professional, centralised institution that played a crucial role in maintaining public order and responding to the challenges of urbanisation and social unrest.