Loretta A Chapman
CJU230BO8
Author Note
Abstract
For an accurate look into the evolution of the function of police in society, I believe we must go through the history of police. It is a long history so I will focus on the origins and the most important advances. The first persons made to perform what we now realize to be police duties, occurred during the Ancient Era, between 3000 BC and 400 AD. Captured Nubian slaves were made to perform the police function of watch, in Mesopotamia, during the birth of civilization. This is the era where the Code of Hammirabi, which is the first known system of modern law, was formed. The first organized police force was actually formed in or around 27 BC by Gaius Octavius, otherwise known as Agustus Caesar, the grand-nephew of Julius Caesar. He formed the Roman vigils, which were a 9000 member non-military and non-mercenary police force, designed to keep him from being assassinated. These first police members had little to do with society and strictly worked for masters of the land.
The Evolution of Policing
Advancement in policing has changed a lot since Alfred the Great created a policing force using family’s to govern their own. Thereafter in 1748 Fielding started the Bow Street runners, first ever investigative force in England. Another large step was in 1828 when Sir Robert Peel drew up the first ever police bill that was passed by Parliament. This, London’s new Metropolitan police which was responsible for preventing crime and catching criminals. In the seventieth century village authorities began selecting men to become guardians of the peace. They were similar to constables in stopping crime and maintaining the peace. Constables were found in all colonies as soon as local governments were organized. The Sheriff, the first of the formal law enforcement officer to appear in the vast territories beyond the Mississippi river was closely modeled after British counterparts. Sheriffs in the United