Police

:This article is about law enforcement. For the band, see The Police. For the town in Poland, see Police, Poland.

History

In ancient times, the military was mostly responsible for maintaining law and order in cities. The Roman Empire had a reasonably effective law enforcement system until the decline of the empire, though there was never an actual police force in the city of Rome itself. Beginning in the 5th century, policing became a function of clan chiefs and heads of state. Local lords and nobles were responsible to maintain order in their lands, and often appointed a constable, sometimes unpaid, to enforce the law.

Related Topics:
Military - Roman Empire - 5th century - Constable

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In 1663, London hired watchmen to guard the streets at night, augmenting the force of unpaid constables, as the first paid law enforcement body. This practice was widespread throughout the United Kingdom. On June 30 1800 the authorities of Glasgow, Scotland successfully petitioned the Government to pass the Glasgow Police Act establishing the City of Glasgow Police. This was the first professional police service in the country and was different to previous law enforcement in that it practiced preventative policing. This was quickly followed in other cities who set up their own police forces by individual Acts of Parliament http://www.scotia-news.com/issue5/ISSUE05a.htm.

Related Topics:
1663 - London - United Kingdom - June 30 - 1800 - Glasgow - Scotland - Glasgow Police Act - City of Glasgow Police - Preventative policing

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In 1829 the Metropolitan Police Act was passed by Parliament allowing Sir Robert Peel, the then home secretary, to found the London Metropolitan Police. It became a model for the police forces of many countries, including the United States.

Related Topics:
1829 - Metropolitan Police Act - Robert Peel - Home secretary - Metropolitan Police - United States

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In 1845, the United States' first full-time organized police force was formed in New York City. Boston followed shortly after.

Related Topics:
1845 - New York City - Boston

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