preview

Compare And Contrast Robert Peel's Nine Principles Of Policing

Better Essays

In 1829, the British Parliament passed the London Metropolitan Police Act, adding a new arm to the British Government. It created a full time, uniformed police force in the city of London. This police forces primary job was the prevention of crime and social disorder. With the population expanding rapidly in London there was an increase in social disorder, crime, riots, and public health issues. This force was seen by Britain’s Home Secretary, Robert Peel as a necessity as the current system of constables was not able to handle the problem. In creating this organization, Peel established nine principles to guide the new police officers so they had a clear understanding of their role in society. If policing in America had followed Peel’s nine principles of policing, it could have possibly avoided multiple eras of reform and not be facing much of the criticism we see today.
Peel’s nine principles of policing:
(1) The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder.
(2) The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police actions.
(3) Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect of the public.
(4) The degree of cooperation of the public that can be secured diminishes proportionally to the necessity of the use of physical force.
(5) Police seek and preserve public favor not by catering to public opinion, but by

Get Access