ABSTRACT
The selection process for the Metropolitan Police in the early 19th century in England was described as easy and simple. The person wishing to become a policeman had only to “present a petition to the commissioners, accompanied with a certificate as to good character from two respectable householders in the parish in which he resides” (Grant, cited in Tobias, 1972, p. 114). Once inquiry was made of the “two respectable householders,” and the applicant found to be of good character, the person was then placed on a list of eligible candidates to be considered when a vacancy arose. Successful candidates had to be under the age of 35, at least 5’8” in height, and satisfactorily pass a medical examination. Candidates who wanted to expedite the usual 8-week wait between eligibility and appointment could be appointed in 10 or 12 days by getting a friend of a commissioner to use his influence. Fortunately, selection of police officers has progressed beyond these rudimentary requirements. Today, the choices law enforcement organizations make about who to select as employees play a major role in the effectiveness of those organizations.
