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What factors led to the creation of professional police forces in the mid-19th century?
Fear of revolution (e.g., Swing Riots).
Increasing crime rates.
JPs unable to cope in growing towns and cities.
More government involvement leading to increased taxation for public services like the police.
Who was responsible for developing a professional police force in Britain?
Robert Peel, who became Home Secretary in 1822.
When was the Metropolitan Police established, and where?
1829, in London.
Why were some JPs opposed to the new police force?
They disliked losing control of constables to Commissioners.
Some took the side of criminals in court cases.
Public meetings were held to oppose the police.
What law allowed larger borough towns to establish police forces?
The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.
What law enabled police forces to be set up in rural areas?
The Rural Police Act of 1839.
Why did many areas not set up a police force after 1835 and 1839?
It was not compulsory, and many local authorities claimed they could not afford it.
What law made police forces compulsory across the country?
The County and Borough Police Act of 1856.
How did making police forces compulsory in 1856 help ease fears about government control?
By allowing different counties to set up their own forces rather than relying solely on a centralized police force.
What system did professional police forces replace?
The old system of JPs and constables.
