History of Law Enforcement: Henry and John Fielding

Historical Figures in Law Enforcement

• Henry Fielding published a pamphlet in 1751 advocating for major reforms in law enforcement.
• In 1753, John Fielding, as Henry's assistant, introduced practices such as informants, wanted notices, and employing firearms and handcuffs in London.
• Known as the "Blind Beak," John Fielding could identify 3,000 criminals by their voices despite being blind.
• Eugene Vidocq in France formed squads of ex-convicts for the police, coining the phrase "Set a Thief to catch a thief."
• Vidocq founded the Trade Protection Society, an early version of the credit system for businesses.
• Dr. Edmond Locard published "L' Etiquette Criminelleet les Methodes Scientifique" in 1920, becoming known as the "Sherlock Holmes of France."
• Locard established the principle "Every contact leaves a trace," known as Locard's Exchange Principle.
• Sir Robert Peel is recognized as the father of modern criminology and established the London Metropolitan Police, the first organized police force.
• In 1833, Scotland Yard hired the first undercover officer, while Philadelphia set up the first paid police department in the USA.
• The Texas Rangers were established in 1835 as the first statewide law enforcement agency, leading to the formation of the FBI.
• William Henry Fox Talbot's explanation of the photographic process in 1839 marked the birth of photography.
• Republic Act No. 7438 defines the rights of arrested individuals and the responsibilities of law enforcement.

Criminal Investigation Overview

• "Investigation" originated from Latin, meaning to inquire or discover; it involves seeking facts through detailed examination.
• Criminal investigation entails a systematic inquiry into crime, identifying perpetrators, and bringing them to justice.
• Objectives of criminal investigation include identifying guilty parties, locating suspects, and collecting evidence for legal proceedings.

Types of Informants

• Informants provide voluntary or anonymous information to investigators, while informers are paid professionals gathering criminal intelligence.
• Varieties of informants include:
  • Anonymous informants: Provide information anonymously via calls or letters.
  • Rival elimination informants: Seek to remove competition or resolve personal vendettas.
  • False informants: Share insignificant information to distract from their own actions.
  • Frightened informants: Motivated by fear for their safety.
  • Self-aggrandizing informants: Seek recognition by sharing valuable information.
  • Mercenary informants: Provide information for pay or revenge.
  • Double crossers: Use the guise of providing information to manipulate investigators.
  • Women informants: Often connected to criminal networks, may offer information to avoid legal repercussions.

Interrogation Techniques

• Stern approach: Investigators adopt a demanding demeanor to elicit responses from suspects.
• Mutt and Jeff method: One investigator intimidates while another offers sympathy to create a safe space for confession.
• Cultural sensitivity: Matching interrogators' backgrounds with suspects' cultures to foster trust.
• Searching for the "soft spot": Identifying personal connections to encourage suspects to confess.
• Projection: Suspects may blame others or circumstances to alleviate personal culpability.
• Minimization: Convincing suspects that a confession might lessen their legal penalties.

Signs of Deception

• Excessive sweating: Indicates anxiety or fear during questioning.
• Facial color changes: Blushing or pallor can reveal nervousness or guilt.
• Dry mouth: Tension-related, can signify deception.
• Excessive breathing: An effort to control breathing signals potential guilt.
• Increased pulse: Detectable in the neck; accompanies signs of deception.
• Avoidance of eye contact: Often indicates guilt or discomfort during interrogation.

Use of Instrumentation in Criminal Investigation

• Instrumentation applies physical science techniques to criminal investigations, enhancing the objective analysis of evidence.
• Criminalistics can support cases by:
  • Providing missing links in evidence chains.
  • Strengthening weak evidence segments.
  • Verifying statements from suspects and witnesses.
  • Assisting investigators in expediting case resolutions.
• Various forensic sciences contribute to investigations, including:
  • Pathology: Study of diseases.
  • Toxicology: Study of poisons.
  • Physical anthropology: Study of humanity.
  • Odontology: Study of dental evidence.

This quiz explores the contributions of Henry and John Fielding to the development of law enforcement in 18th century London. Understand the reforms proposed by Henry Fielding in his 1751 pamphlet and the impact of his brother John Fielding's efforts to improve justice administration.