Law Enforcement History & Organization

Introduction to Law Enforcement History and Organization

Timing and Context

  • Date of Lecture: October 14, 2025
  • Subject Focus: The history and organization of law enforcement, particularly in Britain and the United States.

Law Enforcement in Britain (Circa 1700s)

Emergence of Criminal Leaders

  • **Key Figures:
    • Jonathan Wild:** A significant criminal leader influencing law enforcement practices.
    • Henry Fielding: Also played a crucial role in the early development of policing.

Establishment of Professional Policing

  • Year: 1824
  • Key Figure: Sir Robert Peel
    • Role: Leader of the Bow Street Runners.
    • Significance: Established the first municipal/ metropolitan police force in London, facing resistance from Parliament and citizens.
    • Nicknames for Officers:
      • "Bobbies" or "Peelers" in reference to Sir Robert Peel.

Peel's Principles of Law Enforcement

  • Overview: Nine fundamental principles that serve as the foundation of law enforcement. Key points include:
    • Police Authority: Derived from the community.
    • Social Contract: Peel recognized that policing is part of the social contract between the police and the communities they serve.
    • Paid Citizens: He referred to police officers as "paid citizens," emphasizing community service.

Law Enforcement in America (Early 1700s)

Early Policing Practices

  • Key Figure: Charles Lynch
    • Location: Virginia
    • Method: Instituted the concept of "hue and cry," mandated by the Statute of Winchester.
    • Punishment for Non-Compliance: Individuals failing to respond to calls for assistance would face penalties.

Continued Role of Ordinary Citizens (Late 1700s & Early 1800s)

  • Contexts: Ordinary citizens were expected to undertake policing functions.
  • Examples of Citizen Policing:
    • Old West Posse: Groups of citizens formed to maintain law and order.
    • U.S. Marshals (Established in 1789): Operated in various districts and territories.
    • Texas Rangers (Established in 1835): Tasked with controlling cattle thieves.

The Evolution of Professional Police Forces

  • Year: 1844
  • Significance: Establishment of the New York Police Department (NYPD) as America's first metropolitan police force.
  • Year: 1908
  • Beginning: FBI started as the Bureau of Investigation (BI).
  • Mission Statement of the FBI: To protect and defend the United States against terrorism and foreign intelligence threats.

State Law Enforcement Agencies

Models of State Police Agencies

  • Two Main Models:
    1. Centralized Model:
      • Functions include criminal investigations combined with state police patrol of highways.
    2. Decentralized Model:
      • Involves a State Bureau of Investigation that operates independently from highway patrol units.

Local Law Enforcement Structure

County Sheriff

  • Role: Acts as the highest law enforcement officer in the county.
  • Election: Elected position.
  • Responsibilities Include:
    • Serving court papers.
    • Maintaining security in the courthouse.
    • Running and operating county jails.
  • Note: Some counties have both a sheriff and county police, with the sheriff maintaining specific responsibilities regardless of the police presence.

County Police

  • Role and Functions:
    • Responsible for maintaining security on county property and crime control, extending to areas like airports, parks, etc.