Did You Know... (PI Historical Trivia 6)

The federal government recognized the need for private detectives in the 1860's during the Civil War when President Lincoln knew that there were spies running between the Union and Confederate armies. To address the problem, Lincoln authorized the use of detectives to infiltrate the Confederate army. Allen Pinkerton created this covert organization of spies for the president. This covert service later became known as the United States Secret Service.

Did You Know... (PI Historical Trivia 5)

New York City established its first formal police department in 1853 replacing the "constable and watch" system. Chicago soon followed in 1855, Philadelphia in 1856, and Boston in 1859. Early police agencies had limited jurisdiction and were only able to address crimes within the limits of their own cities. Accordingly smaller towns and communities were left without any police services or were limited to a county sheriff. In the absence of any local, state, or federal investigative units, people who wanted the return of their stolen goods or to be reunited with missing loved ones utilized private detective agencies for assistance. Detective agencies were employed by bank transport companies and the railroad to protect valuable cargo and passengers. Allen Pinkerton, who established the first private detective agency in the United States, was able to capitalize on this growing need for security and investigative services.

Did You Know... (PI Historical Trivia 4)

In the United States during the early 19th century, the "constable and watch" system was brought over from England. A constable, who served the courts, was the daytime authority figure while groups of volunteer community members would take turns patrolling the streets at night. They served under the guidance of the constable and their authority was limited under the notion of "Posse Comitatus" which essentially required all adult males to be responsible for capturing felons. Those individuals willing to work the night watch were usually men who were unemployable elsewhere. They frequently slept or drank on the job; and when confronted by criminals, often looked the other way or accepted bribes. Many men who were unwilling to work the night watch paid others to work in their place.