Lesson 24: 1900-present law with specialisation of police

• What was a key change in law enforcement after 1900?

  Increasing specialisation of the police force
• What early specialisation occurred in the police force in the 1800s?

  Creation of the Criminal Investigation Department
• Why did the police respond by training staff in specialist areas?

  Due to increasing amounts and types of crime
• When was the Bomb Squad established?

  1971
• What prompted the establishment of the Bomb Squad?

  IRA bombings at that time
• When was the Hi-tech Crime unit set up?

  2001
• What was the purpose of the Hi-tech Crime unit?

  To tackle increasing internet crime
• What factors lead to the increase in specialist police units?

  • Increase in specific types of crime (e.g., terrorism, drug dealing)
  • Media coverage of crime (radio, TV, newspapers)
  • Public concern and changing attitudes towards crime
  • Public pressure on government for law enforcement changes
  • Government response with new laws
  • Police develop specialist units to enforce these laws
• When was the Special Branch created?

  1883
• What is the aim of the Special Branch?

  To tackle threats to national security
• With which services does the Special Branch work?

  MI5 and MI6
• What was the aim of the Fraud Squad established in 1946?

  To investigate fraud and financial crimes
• What is a specialization of the Fraud Squad?

  Officers trained in financial fraud investigations
• When was the National Crime Agency established?

  1971
• What is the aim of the National Crime Agency?

  To reduce illegal drug use and trafficking
• What powers do the National Crime Agency and Drug Units have?

  To carry out drug raids and monitor gangs
• What act led to the creation of drug units in 1971?

  Misuse of Drug Act
• What is the aim of Dog Handling Units established in 1946?

  To deter crime and assist in catching criminals
• What is a specialization of Dog Handling Units?

  Using dogs to detect drugs and track criminals
• When were the first Dog Handling Units set up?

  1986
• What is the aim of Police Community Support Officers established in 2002?

  To reduce local anti-social behaviour
• What is a specialization of Police Community Support Officers?

  Trained to deal with local communities
• What is a limitation of Police Community Support Officers?

  Limited responsibility to arrest individuals
• How do Police Community Support Officers act as a deterrent?

  By being visible in uniform walking the beat
• What are the similarities and differences between the roles of Police Community Support Officers and traditional police officers?

  Similarities:

  • Visible in uniform walking the beat
  • Aim to deter crime

  
  

  Differences:

  • Limited arrest authority
  • Focus on local community issues