User:CaityJanelle/sandbox

Outline Ideas
slave patrols as the first organized policing institution

chronological history: how it began and ended; issues of the reform era.

The plantation system boomed after the American War of Independence and the invention of the cotton gin in 1793. This boom in the plantation system, especially on cotton plantations, called for more slaves.Slave patrols were needed too limit and deter any slave resistance which would cause a halt in production. AEsquibel23 (talk) 21:45, 9 October 2014 (UTC) (Websdal pg.17)

Slave patrolling began in Virginia in 1727 and lasted well beyond the American Revolution.Its development began when other means of slave control failed to instill slave control and obedience. At first, incentives such as tobacco and money were offered to urge whites to be more vigilant in the capture of runaway slaves. When this failed, use of slave patrols arose. (Bellesiles pg. 69-70)CaityJanelle (talk) 22:47, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

changes made to slave patrols strategies and tactics over time

Power held over slaves had brutalizing effects. Noted as becoming irresponsible power in the hands of patrols, masters, overseers, and white persons as a whole. (Douglass pg. 19)CaityJanelle (talk) 18:00, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

similarities between slave patrol and modern-day policing

tie in 'fugitive slave laws' into history section

differences in slave patrol in southern vs. northern states; urban vs. plantation slaves; Differences in treatment free blacks vs slaves.

To be a city slave is better than being a slave on a plantation. A slave in a city is almost a freeman. They are more privileged, clothed, and fed. Slaveholders were "anxious to have it known of him, that he feeds his slaves well." Overseers were harsh and many bloody transactions occurred. (Douglass pg. 21)CaityJanelle (talk) 18:00, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

edit 'fugitive slave act' and enter other slave laws

The Tennessee patrol act of 1793 required the courts to appoint "searchers". In the beginning searchers would survey and search slave quarters four time a year to look for contraband. By 1799 searchers had increased the search of slave quarters to every month. After 1806 these "searchers" had quickly evolved into an organized slave patrol. AEsquibel23 (talk) 21:45, 9 October 2014 (UTC) (Websdale pg.20)

'''methods, tactics, operations, organization of slave patrols; daily actions and duties. Did patrols have laws, regulations, and limitations? benefits and privileges?'''

In some areas, killing a slave is not considered a crime by the courts or community. Douglass also noted a comment made by one of his overseers stating that it is better a dozen slaves be whipped than an overseer be convicted for any wrongdoings. Perhaps the same could go for a slave patrolman.(Douglass pg.13 & 15)CaityJanelle (talk) 18:00, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

Duties of slave patrols began as breaking up slave meetings. Slave meetings occurred on holidays, where slaves would plan revolts. Eventually, patrol duties grew to become year-round, not just on holidays. They could visit and search slave quarters without a warrant. Eventually, whipping disobedient slaves became permitted. Breaking up religious meetings held by slaves was also included (Bellesiles pg. 70)CaityJanelle (talk) 22:47, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Benefits of being on slave patrol was that they were exempt from public, county, and parish taxes/fees during their term of service. As a result, some patrollers were paid additional sums. (Bellesiles pg. 70)CaityJanelle (talk) 22:47, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Slave patrols typically rode in groups of four or five, sometimes even in family groups. They often worked from sundown to sunup. They most frequently encountered runaway, male slaves. Patrols didn't carry any special equipment; their main tools were whips and intimidation. They usually rode on horseback.The only deterrent of whipping/beating a slave was the fact that, if whipped/beaten too severely, the slave was then of no use to their masters as laborers the next day. As a consequence, "too-brutal" patrollers could expect revenge from slave owners. Locations and times that patrols worked varied so that slaves couldn't avoid capture as easily (Bellesiles pg. 73-76)CaityJanelle (talk) 22:47, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

SLAVE PATROL REGULATIONS ROWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, 1825 1st. Patrols shall be appointed, at least four in each Captain's district. 2d. It shall be their duty, for two of their number, at least, to patrol their respective districts once in every week; in failure thereof, they shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law. 3d. They shall have power to inflict corporal punishment, if two be present agreeing thereto. 4th. One patroller shall have power to seize any negro slave who behaves insolently to a patroller, or otherwise unlawfully or suspiciously; and hold such slave in custody until he can bring together a requisite number of Patrollers to act in the business. 5th. Previous to entering on their duties, Patrols shall call on some acting magistrate, and take the following oath, to wit: "I, A. B. appointed one of the Patrol by the County Court of Rowan, for Captain B's company, do hereby swear, that I will faithfully execute the duties of a Patroller, to the best of my ability, according to law and the regulations of the County Court.” Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library AEsquibel23 (talk) 15:46, 17 October 2014 (UTC)

White men encouraged slaves to escape for the sake of being rewarded after the slave had been caught and returned to their masters. (Douglass pg. 25)CaityJanelle (talk) 18:00, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

There was "wonderful ease" in finding occasion to whip a slave. (Douglass pg. 47)CaityJanelle (talk) 18:00, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

discuss ideas of "community slave patrols"--every white man had the power over slaves

In South Carolina 1690 a legislation act was created that required all people, under consequence of forty shillings, to arrest and chastise any slave away from their home without proper verification. After slaves were arrested and chastised they were returned to their master. AEsquibel23 (talk) 21:45, 9 October 2014 (UTC) (Websdale pg.20)

'''how does an individual get a job as a slave patrol? their characteristics, family ties, economic/social status?'''

Most people in slave patrols came from working and lower middle-class conditions. In some southern states the militia and army served as slave patrols. In other southern states slave patrols came about from colonial or state government legislation.AEsquibel23 (talk) 21:45, 9 October 2014 (UTC)(Websdale pg.20)