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.