Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Who is known as the father of modern policing?

1. August Vollmer

2. Sir Robert Peel

3. John Edgar Hoover

4. O. W. Wilson

The correct answer is: Sir Robert Peel

The title of "father of modern policing" is widely attributed to Sir Robert Peel due to his significant contributions to the establishment and organization of police forces in Britain during the 19th century. He was pivotal in the creation of the Metropolitan Police Service in London in 1829, which marked a shift towards a more organized and professional approach to law enforcement. Peel's principles of policing, often referred to as the “Peelian Principles,” emphasized the importance of community cooperation, proactive crime prevention, and the ethical conduct of officers. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern policing practices, emphasizing that police should be a part of the community they serve, focused on public approval, and should aim to maintain order with minimal force. While other figures like August Vollmer, who introduced innovative practices and emphasized education and professionalism in policing in the early 20th century, also had notable impacts, it is Peel's foundational role in formalizing policing as an institution that earns him the title. John Edgar Hoover is known for his role in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and O. W. Wilson was known for advancements in police management, but neither contributed to the establishment of policing in the modern context to the extent that Peel did.