Policing
The commissioners were empowered to appoint watchmen, but had insufficient funds. In 1783, the commissioners were supervising private watchmen who looked after specific properties. In December 1789, thirty winter night watchmen were appointed, this number being increased in 1797, 1798, and 1801. By 1830, the watchmen covered the day as well.
Read more about this topic: Birmingham Street Commissioners
Famous quotes containing the word policing:
“Some days your hat’s off to the full-time mothers for being able to endure the relentless routine and incessant policing seven days a week instead of two. But on other days, merely the image of this woman crafting a brontosaurus out of sugar paste and sheet cake for her two-year-old’s birthday drives a stake through your heart.”
—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)