4.2 Sir Robert Peel
Tiffany Morey; Kate McLean; and Franklyn Scott
Developments in 19th-century England heavily influenced the history of policing in the United States. Not only did municipal law enforcement radically change for the first time in over six centuries, but Sir Robert Peel set the stage for what is known today as modern policing. Home Secretary for the United Kingdom from 1828 to 1830, Peel believed that policing needed to be restructured in order to become effective. In 1829 he pushed the Metropolitan Police Act, which created the first British police force, and what we now recognize as the first modern police force. [1] In recognition of his influence, officers of the London Metropolitan Police became known as “bobbies.”
The New York City Police Department was the first American police department to follow the London Metropolitan Police Department model. The establishment of police departments in various municipalities was due to the increase in urbanism, crime rates, and public discontentment.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) was established in 1852 due to the incorporation of three autonomously functioning police departments. The creation of the NOPD occurred during massive restructuring that changed all levels of the city of New Orleans’ government.
Sir Robert Peel is best known for the “Peelian Principles.” Peel did not himself codify these principles, but rather, scholars who have studied his work and writings have identified these mandates as essential to his policing philosophy.
1- The police must be stable, efficient, and organized along military lines;
2- The police must be under government control;
3- The absence of crime will best prove the efficiency of police;
4- The distribution of crime news is essential;
5- The deployment of police strength both by time and area is essential;
6- No quality is more indispensable to a policeman than perfect command of temper; a quiet, determined manner has more effect than violent action;
7- Good appearance commands respect;
8- The securing and training of proper persons is at the root of efficiency;
9- Public security demands that every police officer be given a number;
10- Police headquarters should be centrally located and easily accessible to the people;
11- Policemen should be hired on a probationary basis; and
12- Police records are necessary to the correct distribution of police strength.
Are these principles largely in line with what we expect of police today? Which principles do we take for granted, and which still seem aspirational (or like something we continue to strive for)?