1-150-590 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Great Boon to Our Household Guards', 1870. This cartoon refers specifically to the Metropolitan force, set up originally in 1829. John Bull, the representative of the British people, is depicted opening his purse to give Policeman A1 an extra shilling per week in wages. The country's police service by now numbered 26,000 officers, from 15,000 in 1856. The force had a significant effect on the reduction of crime and its status had risen as it became more efficient. However, it was now believed that further improvements in the force's performance would follow the recruitment of officers with better education and administration skills. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 25, 1870.