Police & Society- History of Law Enforcement Key Terms

Bobbies

British police force whose primary goal was the prevention of crime. Named after Sir Robert Peel, who introduced the legislation that created the force. (1829)

Tithing

In the Frankpledge System, every male over twelve years of age was required to form a group of ten families called a "tithing."

Constables

Local level individuals who assisted the Shire Reeve and organized posses to chase and apprehend criminals

Frankpledge system

A form of community policing instituted by King William in 1066

Sir Robert Peel

A member of the English Parliament in 1829 who led the mandating of a publicly funded police force throughout England via the London Metropolitan Police Act. He advocated the 12 principles of policing.

Henry Fielding

A London magistrate who, in 1748, formed a group of law enforcement agents to apprehend criminals and recover stolen property from the entertainment district. They were called the "Bow Street Runners."

Shires

Ten "tithings" were grouped together to form a hundred, and these consolidated groups were called shires.