Policing in Modern Britain since c.1900

This section explores how policing has evolved since the start of the 20^th Century. Since the beginning of the 20th century, policing in Britain has undergone significant changes. While the fundamental role of the police remains focused on catching criminals, their responsibilities have expanded to include crime prevention and tackling increasingly complex criminal activities. This shift has been influenced by changing societal attitudes, advancements in technology, and the emergence of new types of crime.

Specialist Units

As the range and complexity of crimes increased, so too did the need for the police to develop specialist units to handle specific types of crime. These specialist squads are designed to address particular threats and challenges facing society. The modern British police force includes a variety of specialised units, including:

• Drug squads – to combat the rise in illegal drug use and trafficking.
• Counter-terrorist squads – to address the growing threat of terrorism.
• Dog handlers – to assist in tracking suspects, detecting drugs, and providing support during arrests.
• Fraud squads – to investigate financial crime, including fraud and money laundering.
• Bomb squads – to deal with the disposal and defusal of bombs or other explosive devices.

In 1947, a national police training college was established to ensure that recruits received consistent, formal training. Today, new police officers undergo around 18 to 22 weeks of classroom-based training, in addition to practical experience. Some officers are also trained in specialist skills such as using firearms (guns and tasers), riding police horses, or operating police motorbikes. Each police force in Britain also has its own special branch, which works directly with the security services (including MI5) to tackle national security threats. These branches help detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist activities, liaising with local police forces to share intelligence and coordinate actions.

Impact of Science and Technology

The development of science and technology since the 20th century has had a profound impact on policing in Britain. Technological advancements have not only enabled the police to tackle crime more effectively but have also provided new tools for investigation and crime prevention. Some key developments include:

• Fingerprints and blood analysis – Since the discovery of blood groups in 1901, the police have used fingerprinting and chemical analysis of blood samples to solve crimes, particularly in cases of violent crime.
• Two-way radios – Introduced in the 1930s, two-way radios allowed police officers to communicate quickly and efficiently across large areas.
• The 999 emergency number – Introduced in 1937, the 999 number has enabled the public to report emergencies and crimes to the police, providing a direct and immediate means of contact.
• Police vehicles – The use of police cars and motorbikes became standard from the 1930s onwards, allowing officers to respond quickly to incidents and patrol vast areas of urban and rural Britain.
• Helicopters – The introduction of police helicopters has allowed officers to track suspects from the air and provide support to ground officers during operations.
• Pepper spray and CS gas – These are now standard tools used by the police to control violent suspects and to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
• DNA – The use of DNA as evidence in criminal investigations was first introduced in 1988 and has since become a cornerstone of forensic science in solving crimes.
• CCTV – Closed-circuit television cameras are widely used in public spaces and by police forces to monitor potential criminal activity and gather evidence to help identify and convict criminals.
• Breathalysers and speed cameras – These tools are commonly used to prevent driving-related offences such as drink-driving and speeding.
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – ANPR cameras are used to read the registration plates of vehicles and access data about the registered owners. This technology has been particularly useful in tracking criminals and preventing crimes such as car theft.

Representation in the Police Force

The composition of the police force has evolved significantly since the early 20th century, with increasing representation of women and minority ethnic groups. During World War I, women served in voluntary and auxiliary roles, but it wasn’t until 1919 that Sofia Stanley became the Metropolitan Police’s first official female recruit. Initially, women in the police force were not granted the same powers as their male counterparts, particularly in terms of making arrests.

The case of Harry Daley, who joined the Metropolitan Police in 1929 and later became a sergeant, highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ officers. Daley was open about his sexuality during a time when homosexuality was illegal. His career during the Blitz and his subsequent retirement in 1950 exemplified the evolving role of individuals from diverse backgrounds within the force. Daley’s autobiography, This Small Cloud, published posthumously, sheds light on the experiences of a gay police officer in the early to mid-20th century.

In recent decades, there has been a significant push to improve diversity within the police force. Data from March 2020 revealed that:

• 31.2% of police officers in England and Wales were female, a notable increase from 28.6% in 2016.
• 7.3% of police officers came from ethnic minority backgrounds, representing a steady increase from previous years. The police force has worked towards greater inclusivity, reflecting the multicultural nature of modern Britain.

Changing Role of the Police

Over time, the role of the police force has evolved from simply apprehending criminals to a broader, more preventative function. Police officers today are responsible for tackling a wide range of non-criminal issues, such as:

• Anti-social behaviour – Officers are often called upon to address incidents of public nuisance and disorderly conduct.
• Child protection – Police are involved in safeguarding children from abuse and neglect, working alongside social services and other organisations.
• Preventing human trafficking – Modern policing focuses on tackling people-trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
• Public safety at events – Police officers are deployed to manage crowds, maintain order, and ensure public safety at demonstrations, large gatherings, and sports events.

In 2002, the introduction of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) marked another shift in the role of the police. These officers work alongside regular police officers, patrolling neighbourhoods and building relationships within the community. While PCSOs do not have the same powers as fully-fledged police officers and cannot make arrests, they can:

• Stop and search individuals
• Take photographs of suspects
• Seize vehicles
• Conduct car checks
• Control traffic

PCSOs are part of the effort to maintain community safety and build trust between the police and the public, helping to prevent crime and providing a visible police presence in local areas.

Conclusion

Policing in Britain has developed considerably since c.1900, adapting to the changing needs of society, advances in technology, and the increasing complexity of crime. From specialist units targeting specific types of crime to the introduction of new technologies that assist in investigations, the police force has continually evolved. The role of the police has shifted to emphasise crime prevention, while efforts to improve representation and inclusivity have made the force more reflective of modern British society.