Paramilitarism Project - Essay Example

1997 pp 1-18) The first known paramilitary law enforcement unit dates back to the Roman Empire as early as the year 6 A.D. (Sommerfield 2006) Originally made up of freed slaves, the group was formed for the sole purpose of protecting the Roman cities from fire, the group’s number and powers grew. Eventually free civilians joined their ranks and this law enforcement group elevated to elite status. (Sommerfield 2006) One hundred years later, policing evolved into a ‘head of state’ function across Europe.

Lords and aristocratic figures often appointed representatives to maintain order. The English Saxons were similarly constructed. ‘Citizens were divided into groups often called tythings, each of which was headed by a tything man.’ (Sommerfield 2006) The tything groups were each part of a larger group that reported to a Shire-reeve from which the word sheriff originates. The Norman feudalism system witnessed a further revolution of the policy strategy. The tything man evolved into the parish constable who was accountable to the Sheriff who in turn evolved into the Justice of the Peace.

(Sommerfield) By the 17th century policing strategies were firmly established. The police system primarily consisted of guards who were appointed from among the general citizenry. They were employed without compensation to watch the city gates and patrolled the streets on foot. As times changed, populations and economic structures grew to a point where this form of policing was no longer practical. As a result the first modern day police force was formed. This notoriety belongs to the London Metropolitan Police.

Formed in 1829, the London Metropolitan Police became a model for which many commonwealth countries, inclusive of the United States of America would form their own police force. (Metropolitan Police) Paramilitary policing is not something that only came to fruition in recent years. Throughout history, there has always been a