In 1829, a new law was made: the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829. There were several reasons why this act was created. “Early 19th century London, with a population of nearly a million and a half people, was policed by 450 constables and 4,500 night watchmen. Their effectiveness was weakened because they belonged to different organisations, all jealous of their own powers” (“Crime and Punishment”). Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary in charge of the act, “secured a select committee to enquire into the state of the police and the increase of crime in the metropolis. Its report (July 1828) for the first time officially recommended a radical reform and extension of the police. The main recommendations were the creation of a central police office under two magistrates freed from all other duties…” (Bloy). This change in the setup of the police force could have had an impact upon Oliver. For example, after robbing the Maylie’s house, Sikes and his associate end up abandoning Oliver after he was shot, all to avoid getting caught by the police. We see in the novel how people around Oliver are affected by the police, or rather, the threat of them.
Works Cited:
Bloy, Majorie. “The Peel Web.” The Metropolitan Police Act, 1829, 4 Mar. 2016, www.historyhome.co.uk/peel/laworder/metact.htm. Accessed 14 February 2021.
“Crime and Punishment.” The National Archives, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/candp/prevention/g08/g08cs2.htm#:…. Accessed 14 February 2021.
Image Citation:
“Metropolitan Police Act 1829”. 1829. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metropolitan_Police_Act_1829_(UKPGA_Geo4-10-44).pdf. Accessed 14 February 2021.