Improvements and developments in policing methods in the 19th century
The Metropolitan Police led the way in improving policing methods, and were then followed by other forces around the country.
Specialisation
The Metropolitan Police Service set up a plain clothes detective department in 1842. This was a significant development in methods of policing as their role was to:
- investigate crimes
- examine clues
- take evidence from the scene
- deal with witnesses and victims
As they were plain clothed they could go undercover to investigate crimes.
The Metropolitan Police set up the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1878, and by 1883 there were 800 CID officers. In 1884 the Special Investigation Branch, known as Special Branch, was set up. These changes were mostly in response to the growing threat of terrorismThe use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. at the time from groups such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
Technology
The telegraphA system for sending messages or information by wire over a distance. was first used at Scotland Yard in 1867 to improve communications. In 1869, it was extended to other areas. Photography was increasingly used in the late 19th century to help the police. At first, mug shots of suspects and criminals were taken. Later, photography developed to include scenes of crime evidence.
Records
The Criminal Records Office was set up by the Metropolitan Police in 1869. They compiled records of criminals, suspects and crimes.
The effectiveness of the police in the 19th century
Despite crime rates increasing in the 19th century, it did not mean the police were ineffective. The whole country now had a full-time, paid, trained, uniformed police force. The increasing specialisation and use of technology was making the police more effective at catching criminals and preventing crime.