ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which individual is credited with establishing the first organized police department in the world?

1. Francis Galton

2. Juan Vucetich

3. Robert Peel

4. Alec Jeffreys

The correct answer is: Robert Peel

Robert Peel is credited with establishing the first organized police department in the world, founded in London in 1829. This innovative model is commonly referred to as the Metropolitan Police Service. Peel's establishment of this police department marked a significant shift in how law enforcement was structured, moving away from informal systems of justice to a more formalized and professional approach. He developed principles of policing that emphasized the importance of community cooperation and the need for the police to gain public trust. These principles, often known as the "Peelian Principles," laid the groundwork for modern policing around the world, influencing the formation of numerous other police departments in various countries. This significant contribution to law enforcement is why Peel is often referred to as the "father of modern policing." The other individuals mentioned, while notable in their own right, were influential in different fields. For example, Francis Galton is known for his work in statistics and forensic science, Juan Vucetich developed fingerprinting methods, and Alec Jeffreys is recognized for his discovery of DNA profiling. Their contributions do not relate directly to the establishment of an organized police department, which is why they are not credited with this particular milestone.