The Origins of Policing -- from the Middle Ages to the First World War
Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong
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The Basics of Law Enforcement
Most law enforcement was carried out by this kind of legalized vigilantism by the local community. And sometimes also involved the support and leadership of the sheriff. This basic model then carried over to the colonies in english north america. Particularly, sheriffs would be either appointed or more often, elected. But it was only later, first in the 17 eighties, and then more so after 17 90, that they started to change. In new york, for instance, most law enforcement officials were either sheriffs or constables who were elected by their local wards.
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