Police Roles and Organization The History of Policing Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

Where were the first police? Pledge Systems were used in the Middle Ages. –Tithings were groups of people (usually ten families) that pledged to offer mutual support and protection against minor crimes and fires. –Ten tithings were grouped as Hundreds supervised by a constable appointed by the local noble.

Early Law Enforcement

The Watch System Most law enforcement done by constables. Used Watchmen who patrolled neighborhoods at night. Usually members of the tithings.

Modern Policing London, England. Sir Robert Peel men organized in military lines with uniforms and duties to protect society.

Modern Policing First American police force in 1838, Boston. Primary duty - crowd control. Keep riots down. No real order. Appointments were based on politics, not skills.

Modern Policing Police work primitive and low pay. No training offered. Mostly bounty hunters. 19th Century thought corrupt and incompetent by most.

Modern Policing Changes in 20th Century Removal of political appointments. Civil service tests for promotion. More training, organization and supervision of officers. Specialized squads - homicide, vice, etc.

Federal Law Enforcement The Justice Department Headed by the Attorney General. –Alberto Gonzales Enforce all federal laws. Represent U.S. in federal court. Conduct investigations.

Divisions of Justice Department Civil Rights Division - investigates cases of discrimination based on race, creed, ethnicity, or sex. Proceeds with cases. Investigative Division includes FBI and DEA. Tax Division - proceeds against tax violators Criminal Division - prosecutes violations of federal codes like bank robberies of FDIC banks, drugs, etc.