LAWS 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Canadian Police Information Centre, Royal Irish Constabulary, Bow Street Runners
Document Summary
Pledge system : closest thing to police agency in its time, every person was responsible for assisting neighbors and protecting the village from criminals. Later on : as time progressed, the pledge system advanced, groups of ten families (aka. Tithings ) were set up in each village to settle minor problems: this was known as the frankpledge system . Constable watch system of protection formed by the statute of westminster (1285) System was enacted to protect citizens of larger towns & cities. The statute allowed one member of the parish to be a constable who had the power to appoint watchmen. Watchmen : duty to watch or guard local town/city, patrolled predominantly at night, responsible for protecting citizens, ensuring safety, detecting fires, they reported to the constable. Lecture 6 police & policing: required all males aged 15-60 to possess weapons and be prepared to participate in hue and cry , come to assistance of a watchman, when needed.