CCJS 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Parish Constable, Watch System, Frankpledge

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Course: CCJS 100
• Professor: Justine Madoo

Document Summary

The development of police in the united states. Limited authority: their powers and duties are specifically defined by law. Limited control: home secretary of national government provides funding and can intervene in cases of police corruption, mismanagement, and discipline. Fragmented organization: there are many types of officers and agencies, all with their own special jurisdictions and responsibilities. Frankpledge: system in old english law in which members of a tithing (a group of 10 families) pledged to be responsible for keeping order and bringing violators of the law to court. Tithing was fined if members did not carry out their duties. Eventually developed a system in which individuals were chosen within each community to take charge of catching criminals. Parish constable system, were required to pursue criminals, but were supervised by a constable. People saw need for social order but had fear a police force would threaten freedom of citizens. Metropolitan police act was created, force had a four-part mandate.