Introduction to Policing

Introduction to Policing

• Policing is a relatively recent concept, only 200 years old
• Modern policing involves apprehending lawbreakers, maintaining order, and preventing crime
• Police operate within a larger criminal justice system (CJS) and are employed by the government

Historical Context of Policing in Australia

• The first formation of a centrally controlled police organization was in Paris in 1667 under King Louis XIV
• The British system of justice developed from tribal systems, Anglo-Saxon laws, and the Frankpledge system
• The Sheriff was responsible for law and order, including custody of offenders
• The office of Coroner was established to collect fines and seize property
• The Bailiffs executed arrest warrants and empaneled juries

Development of Law Enforcement in Britain

• The Frankpledge system obligated community members to assist in law enforcement
• The Watch was established in the 1200s to conduct surveillance during summer
• The Sheriff's role evolved to include law and order responsibilities
• The office of Coroner was established to collect fines and seize property
• The Parish Constable was elected by villagers and dealt with problems related to vagrants and the poor

Decline of the Early System

• Three main causes of decline:
  • Contempt for the office
  • Contempt for the Royal Justices
  • Population growth and urbanization

Early Australian Policing

• Late 1700s and early 1800s: London expanded, and law and order deteriorated
• Convicts were transported to the new colony of NSW
• First Fleet arrived in 1788, and marines were the first police force
• 1789: A night watch was established from the ranks of convicts
• 1790: Enlarged to include free settlers and became the "Sydney Foot Police"
• 1794: First Chief Constable appointed

Dawn of a New Era

• 1829: Sir Robert Peel instigated the formation of the London Metropolitan Police Force
• The "New Police" had a full-time force, a chain of command, and a rank system
• The primary function was to prevent crime by patrolling the streets in uniform

Robert Peel's 9 Principles

• The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder
• The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval
• Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law
• ... (remaining 6 principles)

Modern Australian Policing

• Metropolitan (UK) and Sydney Police Acts empowered the Governor to appoint police magistrates and constables
• Duties of NSW police differed from UK Bobbies
• Australian police were more aggressive, frontier-style, and dealt with convict population and bushrangers

Historical Context of Policing in Queensland

• 1839: Western Australia
• 1862: New South Wales
• 1864: Queensland
• Policing established across the colonies
• Timeline of Queensland Police Service (QPS) history through selected Commissioners
• Considerations:
  • Renaming of the Queensland Police Force to the Queensland Police Service in 1990
  • Motto change from "Firmness with Courtesy" to "With Honour We Serve"

Introduction to Policing

• Policing is a relatively recent concept, only 200 years old
• Modern policing involves apprehending lawbreakers, maintaining order, and preventing crime
• Police operate within a larger criminal justice system (CJS) and are employed by the government

Historical Context of Policing in Australia

• The first formation of a centrally controlled police organization was in Paris in 1667 under King Louis XIV
• The British system of justice developed from tribal systems, Anglo-Saxon laws, and the Frankpledge system
• The Sheriff was responsible for law and order, including custody of offenders
• The office of Coroner was established to collect fines and seize property
• The Bailiffs executed arrest warrants and empaneled juries

Development of Law Enforcement in Britain

• The Frankpledge system obligated community members to assist in law enforcement
• The Watch was established in the 1200s to conduct surveillance during summer
• The Sheriff's role evolved to include law and order responsibilities
• The office of Coroner was established to collect fines and seize property
• The Parish Constable was elected by villagers and dealt with problems related to vagrants and the poor

Decline of the Early System

• Three main causes of decline:
  • Contempt for the office
  • Contempt for the Royal Justices
  • Population growth and urbanization

Early Australian Policing

• Late 1700s and early 1800s: London expanded, and law and order deteriorated
• Convicts were transported to the new colony of NSW
• First Fleet arrived in 1788, and marines were the first police force
• 1789: A night watch was established from the ranks of convicts
• 1790: Enlarged to include free settlers and became the "Sydney Foot Police"
• 1794: First Chief Constable appointed

Dawn of a New Era

• 1829: Sir Robert Peel instigated the formation of the London Metropolitan Police Force
• The "New Police" had a full-time force, a chain of command, and a rank system
• The primary function was to prevent crime by patrolling the streets in uniform

Robert Peel's 9 Principles

• The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder
• The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval
• Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law
• ... (remaining 6 principles)

Modern Australian Policing

• Metropolitan (UK) and Sydney Police Acts empowered the Governor to appoint police magistrates and constables
• Duties of NSW police differed from UK Bobbies
• Australian police were more aggressive, frontier-style, and dealt with convict population and bushrangers

Historical Context of Policing in Queensland

• 1839: Western Australia
• 1862: New South Wales
• 1864: Queensland
• Policing established across the colonies
• Timeline of Queensland Police Service (QPS) history through selected Commissioners
• Considerations:
  • Renaming of the Queensland Police Force to the Queensland Police Service in 1990
  • Motto change from "Firmness with Courtesy" to "With Honour We Serve"