The more things change… March 31, 1830

Failure to Obey, old school.

The Commissioners direct, that in future the Inspectors on Duty shall not take into custody any person brought in by a Police Constable on the vague charge of “obstructingthe Constable in the execution of his duty.” If such a charge is to be made, it must be accompanied by a specification of particulars.

Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons.

[This is the last of these, which were a series of the very first police regulations ever, in real time, 182 years later. Thanks to the NPIA and the library staff at Bramshill, UK.]