"The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence"
- Robert Peel
About this Quote
Robert Peel’s statement articulates a foundational philosophy of modern policing: the seamless integration between police forces and the communities they serve. By asserting that the police are fundamentally indistinguishable from the wider public, Peel emphasizes that law enforcement officers do not derive their authority from an external or elevated status but from their role within the community itself. They are, essentially, ordinary citizens entrusted with specific responsibilities for the greater good.
Peel’s concept draws clear lines of accountability and shared responsibility. The distinction between police and public, according to his vision, is technical rather than moral or ethical. Officers are members of the community who have chosen, or been delegated, to devote their full working time to upholding standards, maintaining peace, and protecting welfare. Their authority is not inherent, but conferred by the collective trust and necessity of the society they serve. The duties of police officers—enforcing laws, deterring crime, fostering safety—are described as “incumbent on every citizen.” This suggests that the core responsibilities of maintaining social order and mutual welfare are not exclusive to law enforcement but are obligations shared by all citizens.
This perspective fosters a collaborative ethos in which policing is not an outside force imposing order but a cooperative endeavor rooted in mutual trust and collective action. It envisions police officers as guardians rather than rulers, serving as both representatives and protectors of the people’s welfare. By reaffirming the police's integral position within society, Peel’s vision seeks to preclude any notion of authoritarianism or separation, instead advocating for a participatory partnership. Ultimately, this model advocates for policing by consent, with legitimacy stemming not from coercion but from enduring communal trust, shared ethics, and common purpose. It champions a community-centric approach that remains relevant and aspirational in today’s discussions about the role of law enforcement in society.
This quote is written / told by Robert Peel between February 5, 1778 and July 2, 1850. He/she was a famous Leader from England.
The author also have 7 other quotes.
"A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living"
"To separate children from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone"
"Creating the kind of connections between people that lead to collective civic action, political expression, community dialogue, shared cultural experiences"
"If the Police could do a reunion... One of the biggest jerks I ever met was Sting. If he can do it, then anyone can do it. It's not that big a deal. And the Eagles! They did it! They severely hated each other. It's just rock and roll"
