Presentation by Rtn. Val Smith on the History of Policing

Last Monday the 19th August the Rotary Club of March were given a presentation on the History of Policing by Val Smith who had a career spanning 42 years in various capacities in Police forces ranging from North Yorkshire and finally ending up in Cambridgeshire. Val is also a member of the Rotary Club of Wisbech.

After being introduced to the Club by Rtn. Nick Kime Val explained how policing really started with the Anglo-Saxon system of maintaining public order by appointing an unpaid constable to enforce the Law which continued to develop rather haphazardly through the years when, in 1749, Henry Fielding began organizing a force of constables known as the Bow Street Runners.

Modern policing started in 1829, when the Metropolitan Police Act was passed by Parliament, allowing Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary, to establish the London Metropolitan Police. This promoted the preventive role of police as a deterrent to urban crime and disorder. These police were often referred to as "Bobbies" or "Peelers" after Sir Robert.

Modern police forces then spread throughout the Country under the auspices of the Police Authorities. In 2012 these Authorities were replaced by the controversial election of Police and Crime commissioners.

After a lively question and answer session Rtn. John Orbell thanked Val on behalf of the Club for a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting presentation.