How did policing start in early times (like in Sumer, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome) and later develop into the modern police system by Sir Robert Peel? How did these early systems affect today's policing?
Answer (1)
Policing started in ancient times as a way for early civilizations like Sumer, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome to keep order and protect their communities. In places like Egypt, police were often soldiers or special groups like the Medjay, who guarded temples and tombs. They helped enforce laws and maintain peace by stopping thieves and controlling crowds. In Babylon, officials called paqūdu acted like early police officers, handling arrests and law enforcement under the supervision of temple courts. Greece and Rome had their own systems of law enforcement, where officials and sometimes the military helped keep peace in cities and streets.Over time, these early systems became more organized and formal, shaping how societies managed crime and safety. The modern police system as we know it began in the 19th century with Sir Robert Peel in England. He established the first professional police force with clear guidelines focused on crime prevention, protecting citizens, and building trust with the community. Peel’s principles emphasized that police should serve the public and act with fairness.These early policing ideas influenced today’s police by showing the importance of having structured, professional law enforcement that balances authority with service. Many modern police practices come from this history, like protecting people, investigating crimes, and cooperating with the public. So, our current police system grew from these ancient roots and Peel’s reforms, aiming for safety and justice in society[tex].[/tex]
