Case Study:Reforms of Robert Peel

Question 1

Who was Robert Peel?

Answer 1

1. PM from 1834-35 and 1841-46
2. Home secretary from 1822
3. Called the father of modern policing

Question 2

What were his key strengths?

Answer 2

1. WEll-informed and open to new ideas. Took on board Fry’s suggestions about prisons
2. Skillful at seeing bills through parliament

Question 3

What were his penal reforms?

Answer 3

1. Wanted a system aimed at prevention than deterrent
2. Reformed the penal code to reduce the crimes punishable by death by 100

Question 4

What is 1823 Gaols Act?

Answer 4

1. Prisoners should receive regular visits from the prison chaplains
2. Gaolers should be paid- no exploitation
3. Female prisoners should be watches over by female wardens
4. Prisoners should not be held in chains or irons

Question 5

Met Police:

Answer 5

1. Already thinking about it in London since 1822
2. From 1826, there was economic downturn. Crime rose
3. Wanted a centralised system for keeping the peace that did not rely on lethal weapons

Question 6

What did the job include?

Answer 6

1. Carry out foot patrols from 7-10 miles
2. Law abiding citizen
3. At least 5’7” tall
4. Fit and healthy
5. Truncheon
6. Handcuffs
7. First officers were appointed in September 1829.

Question 7

Features of the police:

Answer 7

1. Military style hierarchy
2. Employed full time- weekly pay funded through increased taxation
3. Centrally organised
4. HQ at Scotland Yard
5. Standardised training for all new officers
6. 2,000 new recruits

Question 8

Features of nightwatchmen:

Answer 8

1. Lighted lamps in the street
2. Public services like administering street cleaning
3. Called out the time
4. Patrolling the streets
5. Expected to catch the criminals in the act

Question 9

What were some criticisms of the new police force?

Answer 9

1. Faced hostility from the press and the public
2. Cartoons portrayed them as poorly-trained and recruited
3. Early on 2,800 recruits were signed up but only 600 were retained for a year
4. People were concerned about their freedom
5. Worried about French-style policing in the UK notoriously repressive
6. Tax costs

Question 10

How did Peel attempt to reduce opposition to the police?

Answer 10

1. The commissioners drew up and issued clear guidelines
2. Basic mission is to prevent crime
3. Can use physical force to the extent necessary
4. Must always demonstrate impartial service to the law.