Sir Robert Peel

Sir Robert Peel

In this paper we will explore the impact of Sir Robert Peel on American policing and its history. In order to make a connection to Sir Robert Peel and modern policing we will have to take into account the nine principles of Peel which we will describe later in the paper. The job of police officer's has evolved over time. The first officer's consisted of ordinary individuals with no uniform or experience to individuals that have experience and uniforms. Officers use to watch over life stock at night, walking with fire torches. In the current time officers are individuals that functions under pressure of patrolling our streets.

Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) improved and updated the criminal code of England. He established the first known modern police force in London, the members were nicknamed after him. The members were called bobbies. Peel was in search for a police force that would provide better for the citizens in the means of full and complete protection of the law as well as check the increase in crime. The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 was pushed through legislation with meaning of creating and accomplishing his dream of a elite police force.

Sir Robert Peel is one of the most influential person associated with the modern day policing. Peel's nine principles is what the modern day policing is based on still to this day. The nine principles are as followed: the first principle states basic reason for having police force is to be able

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to prevent crime. Second principle police must be able to secure the willing cooperation of the communities to obey laws in order to gain respect of the public. Third principle make a suggestion that police must have the public's approval in order to be effective. Fourth principle the degree of cooperation of the public will decline the use of force. Fifth principle police are considered members of the public who have authority of official duty in able to secure the welfare of the public. Sixth principles police secure the public favor by using the means of observing impartial services to the laws. Seventh principle force must be used only after all other means have been exhausted in order to obtain compliance. Eighth principle the measure of police effectiveness is present in the absence of disorder and crime not just policing activity. Ninth principle police is to enforce laws but do not discharge the right to punish.

In the growth of policing it is in close relations to the English legal traditions. The American policing was developed under different circumstances even though the similarity is present. The mirror similarities between the two systems are the principles of local control, limited authority as well as fragmented