Crime and disorder were controlled by preventive patrols and no monetary awards were given out for successful solutions of crimes or the recovery of stolen property.

Besides crime prevention, Peel's new police force had other duties as well.  They were responsible for the lighting of the street lamps, calling out the time, watching for fires and providing other public services. 

Despite the early successes of the metropolitan police, the expansion of police forces to rural areas was gradual. The Municipal Operations Act of 1835 ordered all incorporated boroughs to set up police forces under the control of a watch committee.  It was not until 1856 that Parliament mandated that provinces establish police forces.

Early police officers or constables, were required to be on duty from 14 - 17 hours out of every 24 hour period.  These foot patrols might amount to 20 miles a day for weeks on end.  Many constables found that they had to work four to six weeks straight before receiving one day off.  Over the years, the constable was finally granted two off days per month, one of which was a Sunday.  Constables were also allowed a week's holiday per year, but without pay!

It wasn't until 1842, when this police force established its first detective bureau.  The public did not find favor with this branch of the department.  They were seen as being inefficient by their inability to solve the five murders that were attributed to the infamous Jack the Ripper.

The early 19th century found that constables were given a multitude of duties.  These would include having responsibility as the inspectors of nuisances, weights and measures, animal diseases, dairies and shops, contagious diseases and petroleum and explosives.  Most constables found themselves dealing with public drunkenness, poaching, vagrancy and the ever popular sheep stealing.  No meal breaks were allowed, although some constables carried a tin of ready made coffee or tea, which they would warm up on top of one of the street lights.  By 1908, it was common for some officers to carry a small lamp to cook the food  they brought with them.  They would then eat in the outside foyer of a person's home that was on their watch. 

One can see where today's modern day watchman principals evolved from.  The early constables were required to leave a ticket at the house of a respectable person who lived on the farthest point on his patrol.  They were to state in diaries that they carried, who they left their tickets with.  This mirrors the rounds clock or punch ticket that the modern day security guard follows.

There were few women constables during this time period.  The women that did find work were required to travel in pairs.  They were to be followed at a distance of 6- 10 yards by two male constables.  These two male constables had orders to never let the women out of their sight, and to assist them if they got into trouble.

Continue on to learn about: Early Concepts of American Police Patrols.