ABSTRACT
The police of Iași (originally called Agia) emerged as the second most important urban institution during the modern period after the town hall. This study highlights the origin of this institution, which was of Ottoman inspiration, and its functions in the Romanian Principalities prior to the mid-nineteenth century. The main analysis examines its evolution into a modern urban institution, with responsibilities similar to those of police services in other European capitals. A key moment in this transformation was the implementation of the Organic Regulations in both Moldavia and Wallachia, followed by the first detailed police regulations in 1832. These regulations defined the primary duties of the police in Iași beyond merely ensuring public order and peace, also covering broader economic, administrative, urban, and social issues.
