Other Forms of Law Enforcement in the 20th Century

This section looks at other forms of law enforcement in 20^th Century Britain. The rising levels of reported crime since the early 20th century have led to the development of additional forms of law enforcement. These alternative methods of policing are designed to complement the work of professional police forces, often with a focus on community involvement, prevention, and public cooperation.

Community Law Enforcement

In modern Britain, there has been a resurgence of community-based law enforcement, harking back to systems used in Anglo-Saxon England. In those times, communities relied on systems such as the tithing, a group of ten men who were responsible for each other’s behaviour, and the hue and cry, a call to the community to help catch a criminal. While these methods were compulsory in the past, the 20th-century approach is largely voluntary, with members of the public playing an active role in crime prevention and community safety.

Neighbourhood Watch

One of the most prominent forms of community law enforcement in modern Britain is the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. This initiative, first established in 1982, emerged at a time when crime rates were escalating in many areas. The scheme was inspired by similar efforts in the United States and aimed to raise awareness of crime within communities while encouraging residents to be vigilant and look out for one another's property.

Neighbourhood Watch quickly gained popularity and today is the largest voluntary crime-prevention movement in the UK. It currently involves around 2.3 million households across England and Wales, reflecting widespread public engagement with the initiative. The scheme’s primary aim is to foster cooperation between local communities and the police, to reduce crime and create a safer environment.

The objectives of Neighbourhood Watch include:

• Supporting crime prevention efforts – By remaining vigilant and alert, members contribute to preventing crime in their communities. Their observations can assist the police in identifying suspicious activities and responding to potential threats.
• Reducing the fear of crime – One of the key benefits of Neighbourhood Watch is its ability to alleviate concerns about crime by creating a sense of solidarity and support among neighbours. People are more likely to feel secure when they know others are keeping an eye out for them and their property.
• Reporting crime patterns – By regularly communicating crime trends or patterns within the neighbourhood, members help the police to understand emerging threats and focus resources on areas with higher crime rates.
• Strengthening communication between the police and the community – Neighbourhood Watch acts as a conduit between residents and local law enforcement. It provides an avenue for residents to report concerns, request advice, or seek updates from the police about local crime incidents and prevention strategies.

Impact and Effectiveness of Neighbourhood Watch

Many people believe that Neighbourhood Watch schemes have had a positive impact on crime levels in local communities. By fostering closer relationships between residents and the police, these schemes create a shared responsibility for crime prevention. Local people often work alongside law enforcement officers, sharing information and collaborating on strategies to reduce crime.

Research has suggested that Neighbourhood Watch schemes can deter criminal activity in areas where they are active. Criminals are less likely to target homes or businesses in neighbourhoods where they know residents are alert and organised. Furthermore, these schemes can help build stronger community bonds, as people come together for a common purpose and support one another in maintaining safety and order.

However, some critics argue that Neighbourhood Watch schemes can lead to over-vigilance or unnecessary suspicion, with neighbours potentially reporting harmless activities as suspicious. It is essential for such schemes to strike a balance, ensuring that the community remains engaged without fostering a sense of paranoia.

Other Voluntary Law Enforcement Initiatives

Beyond Neighbourhood Watch, other community-driven law enforcement initiatives have emerged in the 20th century. These often focus on enhancing public awareness and involvement in maintaining law and order. Some examples include:

• Citizen’s Patrols – In certain areas, groups of volunteers form patrols to monitor their communities and deter criminal behaviour. These patrols work alongside the police and may assist in preventing anti-social behaviour or reporting crimes in progress.
• Crime Stoppers – Founded in 1988, Crime Stoppers is a charity that allows members of the public to anonymously report information about criminal activities. This initiative encourages individuals to come forward with details that they may otherwise withhold due to fear of retribution or a lack of trust in the police. Crime Stoppers has helped solve numerous criminal cases by providing a secure and confidential channel for tips.
• Local crime forums – In some communities, local forums or meetings are held to discuss crime-related issues and provide a platform for residents to voice concerns and engage with the police. These forums help to improve communication and ensure that policing is responsive to local needs.

Conclusion

The rise in reported crime since c.1900 has prompted the development of a range of additional law enforcement measures in Britain. Among the most significant of these is the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which has helped foster stronger relationships between communities and the police. By involving ordinary citizens in crime prevention efforts, these voluntary initiatives have played an important role in reducing crime, improving public safety, and building a sense of community. While the impact of such schemes is difficult to measure conclusively, they continue to form an important part of modern law enforcement in the UK.