Criminal Justice Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Criminal Justice Test with our study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

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What was the first American city to establish a paid and unified municipal police force?

Chicago
Boston
Philadelphia
New York

The correct answer is: New York

The first American city to establish a paid and unified municipal police force was New York City. This significant development occurred in the early 19th century, specifically in 1845, when the New York Police Department (NYPD) was created. This was a pivotal moment in the history of law enforcement in the United States as it marked the transition from volunteer or night watch systems to a structured, salaried police organization designed to maintain order and provide safety to the community. New York's model of policing influenced many other cities across the nation as they began to adopt similar systems aimed at professionalizing law enforcement and improving public safety. This foundational development in policing has had a long-lasting impact on the evolution of police departments throughout the country.