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Period: Jun 1, 1100 to
The English Heritage
American policing has its roots in English law enforcement traditions, such as the constable, the sheriff, and the watch system. These roles emphasized community responsibility and localized control, which heavily influenced the decentralized structure of policing in the U.S. today. -
Period: to
Law Enforcement in Colonial America
Policing in colonial America was largely informal, relying on citizens to take part in law enforcement duties. The North used the constable-watch system, while the South was dominated by sheriffs who often handled both civil and criminal matters.