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| law enforcement in the united kingdom | |
| 1749 establishments | |
| defunct police forces of the united kingdom | |
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Similar to the unofficial 'thieftakers' (men who would solve petty crime for a fee), they represented a formalisation and regularisation of existing policing methods. What made them different from the thieftakers was their formal attachment to the Bow Street magistrates office, and that they were paid by the magistrate with funds from central government. They worked out of Fielding's office and court at No.4 Bow Street , and did not patrol but served Writ s and Arrest ed offenders on the authority of the magistrates, travelling nationwide to apprehend criminals. At first they were nicknamed Robin Redbreasts, because their uniform included a scarlet Waistcoat . When Henry Fielding retired as 'court' or Chief Magistrate in 1754 he was succeeded by his brother John Fielding , who had previously been his assistant for four years. Known as the "Blind Beak of Bow Street", John Fielding refined the patrol into first truly effective Police force for the capital, later adding officers mounted on horse-back. |
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