The bow street runners

• What was the bow street runners?

  It was a crime fighting team established in London in 1748 by the chief magistrate (Henry Fielding) who had his offices in bow street
• Who were the 'bow runners'?

  They were thief takers which were 'principal officers'
• Who and when did he take over the runners?

  In 1754, John Fielding took over
• Who had paid for their services overtime?

  At first they charged a fee for their services from the victims of the crime which meant that only rich people could afford their service. But by 1785, they were officially paid by the government which makes them the first modern detective force
• What techniques did they use?

  They had organised a regular foot and horse patrol along major roads and shared information to other law enforcers which made them increasingly professional
• Where else do they start to set up these runners?

  In Middlesex and Westminister
• What was set up in 1792?


  The Middlesex Justice act set up further offices