Reading Assignment for Section 4.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 4.1: Early History of Policing.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore how policing was conducted in the earliest human societies and learn about the earliest written codes of law. You’ll understand the major elements of the mutual pledge system and the watch and ward system. Additionally, you’ll delve into the early history of the London Metropolitan Police, the impact of Robert Peel’s innovations on American policing, and the political era of policing in America, along with its associated problems and key reforms.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 4.1

• SLO 1: Describe how policing was done in the earliest human societies.
• SLO 2: Name and provide the origin of the earliest written codes of law.
• SLO 3: Describe the major elements of the mutual pledge system.
• SLO 4: Describe the major elements of the watch and ward system.
• SLO 5: Sketch the early history of the London Metropolitan Police and explain the impact of Robert Peel’s innovations on policing in America.
• SLO 6: Describe the political era of policing in America and its associated problems.
• SLO 7: Describe the key reformers and the key reforms of the reform era.