The Police and Vagrants in France and England during the Nineteenth Century

Lawrence, Paul (2011). The Police and Vagrants in France and England during the Nineteenth Century. In: Antonielli, Livio ed. Polizia, ordine pubblico e crimine tra città e campagna: un confronto comparative. Stato, esercito controllo del territorio. Manelli: Rubbettino, pp. 49–60.

URL: http://www.rubbettino.it/rubbettino/public/dettagl...

Abstract

This chapter considers the policing of vagrancy during the nineteenth century, drawing on archival material from both France and England. The chapter first considers the fears around vagrants and vagrancy, as well as the legislative position, and argues that vagrancy was a national concern in both countries during the period. It also considers the relationships between police officers and vagrants in detail, assessing both what police officers thought about vagrants, and how they acted against them.