Many different forms of punishments were used. ‘Tithing’ was a punishment that was a part of the Bloody Code. This required adults over the age of 12 to be grouped together in a tithing. Ten people were part of a tithing, and they had to look after the behaviour of all members' part of the tithing. If one of the members broke the law, then they all would have to compensate for the crime committed.
The new police force, the Metropolitan Police was set up in 1829 to catch the criminals. The death sentence and transportation were again abolished, and imprisonment became a very effective way of a punishment.
The most important change in the system of law and order was the development of a paid professional police force. Sir Robert Peel, who was appointed Home Secretary in 1822 and started the Metropolitan Police in 1829, this was the first professional paid police force in the country. He recruited 3200 members to the police force. Their job was to police a seven-mile circle, which started in the centre of London.
The earlier methods of policing were not effective enough, as a system of untrained constables was used to deal with crime. These constables had to do police, although they had a full-time job, so they were just not bothered enough to work as some police officers work today. Some of them were efficient, but many did not receive enough time or support to be effective.
The police forces set up were very effective, as they were able to deal with all sorts of crimes. This was because, they were offered a full-time job, so they had enough time to be effective and be able to deal with the crime. Also, as this was a proper job, they were financially supported this boosting their confidence and this encourages the officers to perform the job to the full potential.
By the late 19th century, the reputation of the police force had improved a lot. Before this the officers looked drunk, and didn’t bother about their work. They were thought to be very aggressive, as they were always ready to use the truncheon on a criminal. Many people thought that the police was set up to spy on the public, many thought, that the police was only there to protect the government and many did not appreciate the new Metropolitan police force, as they had preconceptions about the police force and didn’t like the idea of a police force patrolling the streets.
However this reputation had improved towards the late 19th century. The police officers had proved that they were reliable to deal with the crimes. They were also trained and were able to deal with a crimes a lot more efficiently. Due to these changes, the people realized that the police are trustworthy. At this time the police were being accepted into society and London streets were being policed making the streets safe.
The purpose of the punishment at the beginning of the 19th century was to eliminate the criminal activity completely, and also be a deterrent of crime to others. The development of the modern police force allowed the streets to become a safer place but there objectives still weren’t fulfilled as crime rates were still high.
