The 1829 fallacy: A re-examination of the popular myth surrounding the existence of ‘professional policing’ in Britain

This work seeks to re-examine the idea that 'professional' policing in Britain began with the foundation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829. Instead it looks at the nature of law enforcement prior to that time, focussing on the county of Nottinghamshire, with a view to questioning this narrative. Combining a mix of archival research, contemporaneous works and later secondary material, it considers the role and functions of 'petty' or 'parish' constables, and especially the 'substitute system' of paying others to undertake the role. In particular it examines the popular notion of a perceived level of incompetence on the part of these locally co-opted temporary officials, and questions that agenda by looking at the concept of professionalism. Examining the idea of professionalism in both modern and historic contexts, it concludes that in many regards parish constables exemplified a higher degree of traits assoiated with being a professional than officers from the 'new police' established by Peel. Evidence of widespread literacy, discretion, respect and autonomy are noted in support of this, along with commentary on the duration and frequency many constables actually served in the post and the implied importance that frequency can convey. Parish constables and associated roles can therefore demonstrate a significant level of 'professional policing' existed in Britain long before Peel's 'new police'.