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Policing in the 1700s and 1800s: the Fieldings and Peel
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This period saw the move from community policing to a professional police force.
The Fielding brothers
Henry Fielding, a magistrate at Bow Street in London, set up the Bow Street Runners in 1749. They were paid to catch criminals.
His half-brother John Fielding continued the work and shared information about crimes and suspects.
His half-brother John Fielding continued the work and shared information about crimes and suspects.
Robert Peel
As Home Secretary, Robert Peel reformed the law and prisons, including the Gaols Act (1823), and reduced the number of capital crimes.
The Metropolitan Police Act (1829) created the first professional police force in London. Officers wore blue uniforms to look different from soldiers and patrolled set beats.
The Metropolitan Police Act (1829) created the first professional police force in London. Officers wore blue uniforms to look different from soldiers and patrolled set beats.
Police spread and develop
From 1856 every county and borough had to have a police force.
The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) was set up in 1878 to use detectives.
The new police focused on preventing crime by being seen on the streets.
The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) was set up in 1878 to use detectives.
The new police focused on preventing crime by being seen on the streets.
Why did the Metropolitan Police wear blue uniforms?
- People feared a police force would act like an army.
- Soldiers wore red.
- Blue uniforms made officers look civilian rather than military.
Answer: To look different from the army and reassure the public.
Bow Street Runners 1749 (Fieldings). Peel: Gaols Act 1823, Metropolitan Police Act 1829. Police forces compulsory from 1856. CID 1878.
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