Case study: the reforms of Robert Peel

Who was Robert Peel?

A politician who became Home Secretary initially and later Prime Minister

When was Robert Peel Home Secretary?

From 1822

When was Robert Peel Prime Minister?

1834–1835 and again 1841–1846

What kind of politician was Robert Peel?

He was open to new ideas and skilled at getting laws passed through Parliament

What did Peel believe about punishment and prisons?

He believed in preventing crime and reforming criminals rather than using harsh deterrence

Which prison reformer influenced Robert Peel?

Elizabeth Fry

How did Robert Peel reduce the Bloody Code?

He reduced the number of crimes punishable by death by about 100

What was the 1823 Gaols Act?

A law that aimed to improve prison conditions

What did the 1823 Gaols Act say about chaplains?

Prisoners should receive regular visits from prison chaplains

What did the 1823 Gaols Act say about gaolers?

Gaolers should be paid to stop them taking bribes

What did the 1823 Gaols Act say about female prisoners?

Female prisoners should be supervised by female warders

Why did the 1823 Gaols Act have limited impact?

There were no paid prison inspectors to enforce it

When were paid prison inspectors introduced?

In the 1853 Prisons Act

Why was the Metropolitan Police created?

Economic downturn from 1826 led to poverty, crime and rioting

When was the Metropolitan Police established?

September 1829

How were the Metropolitan Police organised?

In a military-style hierarchy with full-time, paid officers and standardised training

How many Metropolitan Police recruits were originally appointed?

About 2800 recruits

Why was there public opposition to the new police force?

People feared oppression, high taxes, and criticised officers as poorly trained and immoral

What policing principles did Peel introduce?

Crime prevention, policing by consent, impartiality, minimal force, and police as citizens in uniform