When was Police Invented?
The concept of law enforcement dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of organized police forces existing in various forms throughout history. The modern police force, however, has its roots in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. In this article, we will explore the origins of police and when it was invented.
Ancient Civilizations
While there is no single, definitive answer to when police were invented, it is clear that ancient civilizations recognized the need for organized law enforcement. In ancient Mesopotamia, around 4000 BCE, the Code of Ur-Nammu established a system of laws and punishments, including the use of police to enforce them.
Table 1: Ancient Police Forces
| Civilization | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mesopotamia | 4000 BCE | Code of Ur-Nammu established a system of laws and punishments |
| Ancient Egypt | 2500 BCE | Shurafa, a body of police officers, enforced laws and maintained order |
| Ancient Greece | 500 BCE | City-state of Athens had a body of police officers, the "Astynomoi", to maintain order |
| Ancient Rome | 500 BCE | Roman police, the "Cohortes Urbanae", enforced laws and maintained order |
Medieval Period
During the Middle Ages, the concept of law enforcement evolved, with various forms of policing emerging in different regions. In Europe, the Beefeaters, also known as the Yeoman Warders, were responsible for guarding the Tower of London and maintaining order in the city.
Table 2: Medieval Police Forces
| Region | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 1000 CE | Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) guarded the Tower of London and maintained order |
| Japan | 1000 CE | Samurai, a class of warrior-policemen, maintained order and enforced laws |
| China | 1200 CE | "Dutong", a body of police officers, enforced laws and maintained order |
Modern Police Forces
The modern police force as we know it today emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The first modern police force was established in Paris in 1667 by King Louis XIV. This force, known as the Maréchaussée, was responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws in the city.
Table 3: Modern Police Forces
| City | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 1667 | Maréchaussée, the first modern police force, established |
| London | 1750 | Bow Street Runners, a body of police officers, established |
| New York City | 1845 | First police force established in the United States |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the concept of law enforcement dates back to ancient civilizations, the modern police force as we know it today emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The first modern police force was established in Paris in 1667, followed by the establishment of similar forces in other cities, including London and New York City.
Key Points:
- Ancient civilizations recognized the need for organized law enforcement
- The concept of law enforcement evolved during the Middle Ages
- The modern police force emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe
- The first modern police force was established in Paris in 1667
- Similar forces were established in other cities, including London and New York City
Timeline:
- 4000 BCE: Code of Ur-Nammu establishes a system of laws and punishments in ancient Mesopotamia
- 2500 BCE: Shurafa, a body of police officers, enforced laws and maintained order in ancient Egypt
- 500 BCE: City-state of Athens had a body of police officers, the "Astynomoi", to maintain order
- 500 BCE: Roman police, the "Cohortes Urbanae", enforced laws and maintained order
- 1000 CE: Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) guarded the Tower of London and maintained order
- 1200 CE: "Dutong", a body of police officers, enforced laws and maintained order in China
- 1667 CE: Maréchaussée, the first modern police force, established in Paris
- 1750 CE: Bow Street Runners, a body of police officers, established in London
- 1845 CE: First police force established in the United States in New York City
