Enforcing Law and Order THE CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT

Enforcing Law and Order THE CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF POLICE FORCES IN THE 19 TH CENTURY

Enforcing Law and Order By the 18 th century it was becoming increasingly clear that the existing system of policing was not effective. The crime rate was rising, and new crimes were developing. Increase in population and the growth of towns meant it was difficult for unpaid amateurs to maintain law and order. In 1900 there were 181 police forces in Britain. Many of these were small and each one had different structures, methods and records. There was limited contact between them.

Police Officers The number of police officers has increased in the 20 th and 21 st centuries. There were over 125, 000 officers by 2000. The police have recruited female officers since the end of the First World War. Sofia Stanley was the Metropolitan Police’s first official female recruit in 1919. Attempts have been made recently to increase the number of officers from minority ethnic backgrounds. A National Police Training College was set up in 1947. Police officers now receive more guidance and have 14 weeks of training before they start.

Purpose of Policing The purpose of the police has changed in modern times. At first the role of the police was to: patrol the streets deter criminals investigate crimes arrest suspects Their role and purpose is also now increasingly focused on crime prevention. Each force has Crime Prevention Officers who visit schools and attend community meetings.

Task Research and make a powerpoint on the history of our local police constabulary which Is Merseyside Police Constabulary. Here is a useful website: https: //www. merseyside. police. uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/au/aboutus/ourhistory 2/#: ~: text=Policing%20 on%20 Merseyside%20 officially%20 started, Merseyside %20 County%20 Council%20 was%20 formed.