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Perspectives On Policing: Case Study

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Perspectives on policing
Daniel Wright
‘Describe and assess the functions of the modern police and relevant bodies that over-see their practice.’

Section 1: Functions of the police

During the Victorian era, Sir Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police Force and the Metropolitan Police Act was passed. He was responsible for the introduction of the first paid and permanent constables who were charged with patrolling the streets so that they could protect London.(Johnson, n.d.) Peel’s vision was to maintain control and order through the detection and prevention of crime. The police force became standardised and was made accountable to the public. These developments led to the formation of nine standards, which are now known as the ‘Peelian Principles’. (Ragonese, Rees, Ives, & Dray, 2015)

The nine ‘Peelian principles’ are as follows (Brown, 2014):
1. To prevent crime and disorder.
2. That the power of the police to fulfil their functions and duties is dependent on public approval.
3. To recognise always that to secure and maintain the respect and approval of the public means also the securing of the willing co-operation of the public.
4. To recognise always that the co-operation of the public being secured diminishes …show more content…

Crawley also felt that even after complaints were investigated, few officers would face disciplinary action as a result. (Crawley, 2009) The Home Affairs Committee conducted an investigation into the IPCC in 2012, were it was highly critical of the system. They described the IPCC as being “woefully underequipped and hamstrung in achieving its original objectives”, explaining that it does not have the power nor the resources to complete its job successfully. (www.parliament.uk,

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