A Policeman’s Lot, by Metropolitan Police Commissioners

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THIS [‘the prevention of crime’] should constantly be kept in mind by every member of the Police Force, as the guide for his own conduct. The Police should endeavour to distinguish themselves by such vigilance and activity as may render it extremely difficult for any one to commit a crime within that portion of the town under their charge.*

When in any Division offences are frequently committed, there must be reason to suspect that the Police is not, in that Division, properly conducted. The absence of crime will be considered the best proof of the complete efficiency of the Police. The Police belonging to Divisions where this security and good order have been effected may feel assured that such good conduct will be noticed by rewards and promotion.

by Metropolitan Police Commissioners 1862

From ‘General Regulations, Instructions, and Orders, for the Government and Guidance of the Metropolitan Police Force’ (1862).

* The key to this strategy was the now (sadly) discontinued ‘beat.’ See Heartbeat.

Précis

The Commissioners told officers that as the prevention of crime was policing’s main aim, they would measure performance in any Division by the absence of crime, and not by a high rate of detection or successful prosecution. Again, they emphasised that well-run Divisions would be rewarded, whereas high crime rates would be laid at the door of senior officers.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

The Commissioners wanted to prevent crime. They assigned each constable a beat. They demanded vigilance.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IPatrol. IIResponsible. IIIWatch.

Précis

Questions for Critics

Jigsaws

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