The Politics of the First Police Departments

The first police departments were just one of several violent tools available to these early political bosses in the big cities of the north. Police systematically took pay offs to allow illegal drinking, gambling and prostitution. Police organized professional criminals, like thieves in pickpockets, trading immunity for bribes or information. They actively participated in vote buying, ballot box stuffing. Loyal political operatives became police officers. Promotions within the police departments were sold, not earned. Police drank while on patrol,. protected their patrons vice operations, and they were quick to use peremptory force.