Policing Flashcards
How were new constables recruited in Whitechapel?
New constables recruited by the headquarters of the met police, which from 1890 was in Scotland Yard. Once the recruits were accepted and trained they were sent out to divisions that needed men. Successful applicants were given two weeks training in military drill practice followed by one week of beat duty alongside a more experienced constable.
In Whitechapel, what type of candidates were the best for the met?
The best policemen were men who had been brought up in the countryside, as they would be bigger and healthier than those in London. Character was important as candidates had to show they had good discipline and would not break rules
What was significant about getting a job as a policeman in Whitechapel?
The police offered a steady job in an age when work was usually poorly paid and temporary
How did promotion in the police force work in Whitechapel?
Right from the start of the met it was decided that senior jobs would be given to serving policeman. So good policeman who stayed in the job could expect promotion. After 1860, a pension was given after 30 years in service.
What did dickens dictionary of London state in 1885?
Listed 19 inspectors, 44 sergeants and 441 constables. This made about 505 policeman to cover the population of Whitechapel of 176,000.
How do we know there was understaffing in the met in Whitechapel?
At normal times there was about one policeman for every 300 people.
What uniform were beat constables given?
Woollen trousers and jacket, both a deep blue black colour with shiny buttons and a top hat. This was meant to stand out as one of the jobs of the policeman was to be seen
What equipment did beat constables carry?
A truncheon was carried to help a constables under attack and handcuffs were used to bring unwilling citizens back to the station
What was the main tactic in preventing crime in Whitechapel?
‘The beat’, this was a specific area that each constables would have to patrol by using a route that had been given to him by his sergeant. It was also timed precisely and the constables would be expected to reach certain places or end at specific time so his sergeant could contact him when necessary.
How long did the beat last?
In the day the beats were about half an hour and at night they were made half as long so the route was walked every 15 mins.
What were beat constables expected to learn?
The route of their beat, the shops, workhouses, pubs and businesses and the people who worked there. As well as the alleyways and squares that led off their route
Why were constables moved beats after a month?
To prevent corruption between police and locals
It was often the case that shopkeepers might give a constable a cup of tea in return for them to be extra vigilant around them. Was this encourages or discouraged?
Officially, it was frowned upon but sergeants and inspectors saw that the constable needed to get to know the locals. They were encouraged to do this so that they could share information on suspicious persons and potential suspects
What was a downside to the beat system?
After watching each policeman for a little while, a criminal would be able to work out the route and commit his crime when the policeman was on another part of the beat.
