By the 1200s, these law enforcement officials were given the title of Watchmen, later followed by Constables. These were governed by individual town authorities. Watchmen and Constables were unpaid roles and each man took the post for a period of one year. However, all subjects of the crown were still responsible for reporting crime. If someone witnessed a crime, it was their duty to advise the watchmen/constable of the offence and it was then the duty of all men to assist to catch the offender and bring them to justice, this was called ‘Hue and Cry’ which was later abolished in the 1800s.

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