In which cities did policing develop leading to the advent of corruption in the criminal justice system?

The development of policing in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia was significant in the context of the advent of corruption in the criminal justice system. These cities were among the first to establish formal police departments in the early 19th century, and as their policing systems evolved, so did the challenges associated with managing law enforcement and public safety.

In these urban centers, police were often seen as tools of political patronage, with connections to local political machines. This led to widespread corruption as officers engaged in bribery, graft, and other forms of misconduct, often prioritizing the interests of their political allies over impartial enforcement of the law. The close ties between law enforcement and politics created environments where corruption could thrive, undermining public trust and the integrity of the legal system.

Moreover, the socio-economic challenges of rapidly growing cities during that period, combined with a lack of professional oversight, contributed to the normalization of corrupt practices among police officers. The issues in these cities set the precedent for how policing could evolve under political influence, ultimately impacting practices in other metropolitan areas as policing methods spread. Thus, the early corruption observed in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia serves as a foundational context for understanding contemporary issues related to ethics and integrity within the criminal justice system.