What is the definition of 'policing by consent'?

Answer 1

'Policing by consent' doesn't have a precise technical definition, as seen by the asking of this question. But I will attempt to define the term using the its inferred meaning, which is of course larger than the composite words.

'Policing by consent' is very much what it sounds like; the public consenting, or agreeing, to be policed. Public agreement - it sounds very democratic, does it not? And that is very much the meaning of the term; it conveys a philosophical ideal. That ideal is the democratic agreement to be policed and the understanding of the need for the rule of law. The term most importantly conveys an agreement to the way the public is policed; one could understand the need to be policed, but not agree to an abusive and violent way of policing. Thus, 'policing by consent' means the the respect, approval, and willing co-operation of the public towards policing. This respect and approval is something the police must earn and maintain.

The origin of term itself dates back to the 1950s and Charles Reith's A New Study of Police History (London: Oliver and Boyd, 1956). While the philosophy dates back to at least the 1820s with Sir Robert Peel's 'Bill for Improving the Police in and near the Metropolis'. The principles outlined in the bill itself probably came from police commissioners of the time. More info and the 'Nine Principles of Policing' can be found at the related link.