The night watch system refers to an organized group of men that are mostly authorized by a city, state or government towards curbing criminal activities and provision of law as well. In other words, these are selected individuals with the aim of fostering public safety, fire watch, and crime prevention. Moreover, the night watch system took into account safety matters such as crime detection and recovery of stolen property.
Sir Robert Peel denotes that to prevent crime and disorder, it is essential to enact military force and severe punishment as an alternative. Therefore, he implies that adverse consequences must follow any form of a criminal act. Secondly, he proposes that maintaining at all times a relationship with the public that depicts reality to the policies established, it is essential that the police are well versed with the traditions of the community. Thirdly, it is essential to recognize, secure, and maintain respect with the public in order to achieve cooperation towards securing observance of laws. Forth, Peel denotes that it is eminent to always recognize the power of the police towards fulfilling their functions and roles is based on public approval. Fifth, to seek and preserve public favor cannot be achieved through undermining public opinion, but by regularly enacting absolute impartial service of the law.
The problems that the Wickersham Commission uncovered include violations of national alcohol prohibition. It established that police practices were unlawful in fostering laws on national alcohol prohibition. In addition, the commission established that police interrogation tactics inflicted pain, both mentally and physically. This implies that the techniques used by the police to extract information from suspects were unlawful and led to the infliction of pain.
The Knapp Commission entailed a committee of five citizens that achieved various prospects in policing. The commission investigated police misconduct and corruption. The Knapp Commission established that most serious police misconducts entailed the enforcement of prostitution. Other crimes included gambling and narcotics. Following this report, New York City was able to foster various strategies for addressing the issue.