First Policy

First Policy

Some of the first police agencies were formed as early as the 1630s. English style of policing was the choice for the English colonists. Every citizen was automatically given the civic duty to “watch and ward” in which no one was given training or was paid. Citizens were ultimately responsible oversee the behavior of other citizens. Sheriff’s and constables consisted of able-bodied men, because their service was liable. The collection of taxes and the supervision of election was the responsibility of the county sheriff. The night watchmen were in charge of looking out for suspicious activities and at times conducting weather reports (Wilbur, 2000).
Colonial policing was about punishment, criminals were hung for murders, and in more serious crimes thieves were branded. The early policing punishments served the purpose of shame in the community, which spectators use as an example. The jails were used as a holding place for criminals until their sentencing or trial, it was not for punishment or rehabilitation. The old reliance on community consensus was broken down when cities started growing larger and a more diverse community began forming.
When the American Revolution was over these individuals took the role of detectives who issued warrants and recovered stolen property. Even in the 19th century the watchmen patrolled the streets, but they were not shown respect and avoided dangerous confrontation. In cities such as Philadelphia, the citizens settled their disputes with the help of the justice. Property damage, verbal abuse, and domestic violence are just a few of the petty disputes. The police department became the central area   of conflict resolution. As time passed, cities like Boston and New York started adopting the first modern police force. Along with daytime patrols, in the 1850s they began patrols during the night. This new modern police force had the power to arrest without a warrant and walked a regular beat.
In 1852, officers started wearing...