Chapter 7: Reorganizing the Police Force
Upon reviewing the subsequent documents, Joseph learned that these over 180 police officers hadn't received their full salaries for four months.
Their salaries were funded 20% by the City Hall and 80% by the Chamber of Commerce. However, the Chamber of Commerce often struggled to gather enough funds due to uncooperative merchants, consequently, the police officers' salaries would be short-changed.
Joseph frowned, shaking his head. Sixty-odd people managing a large district of 80,000 residents, and still being underpaid... No wonder there were 28 murders surfacing in a single month. It was also no surprise that at the beginning of the Great French Revolution, when a large number of citizens stormed Les Invalides to seize muskets, no one tried to stop them.
People are the foundation of everything. It seemed the immediate priority was to resolve the staffing issue.
Joseph pondered for a long time, recalling various advanced policing concepts from later eras one by one. He then wrote four or five pages of notes, laying out the framework for reorganizing the police force. Finally, he exhaled a long breath.
He put down his pen, glancing at the first item he'd written: "Reorganize Civilian Patrol Teams." He summoned Bono, the Assistant Police Commissioner, and instructed:
"Please gather all police officers and civilian patrol teams from the Saint-Antoine district. Have them assemble here tomorrow morning."
The latter was startled by this. "Your Royal Highness, did you say, everyone?"
"That's right, everyone. I will have Viscount Guizot transfer people from other districts to assist with patrols, so you needn't worry."
Joseph then turned to Eman and said, "Please send someone to fetch 20,000 livres. It will come from my private funds."
...
When the sun rose again, the empty grounds in front of the Paris Police Bureau were already filled with nearly 400 police officers and civilian patrol teams. They stood in two somewhat uneven formations.
Although they had been informed they would meet the Crown Prince today, their current superior, when they saw the handsome young man on the wooden platform before them, clad in a red double-breasted uniform and a tricorn hat, their hearts were still uncontrollably filled with tension and shock.
At precisely nine o'clock, accompanied by a roll of military drums, Joseph raised his hand to signal, and declared loudly:
"Gentlemen, good morning. I'm not one for idle talk. There are only three points. Please listen carefully."
Though his voice sounded somewhat youthful, his presence commanded authority. "First, all civilian patrol teams in the Saint-Antoine district will henceforth be integrated into the Police Bureau, becoming official police officers. Naturally, those unwilling to join will not be forced."
The civilian patrol teams exploded into a clamor!
To think, purchasing a police position cost 500 livres. With a single, casual sentence from the Crown Prince, they were all becoming official police officers?!
In Paris, while the reputation of the police wasn't the best, it was still a government position with status and standing! These poor souls who had organized themselves for self-preservation had never even dared to dream of becoming police officers before. This was truly an instant rise to prominence!
Joseph gestured for silence and continued, "Second, everyone will undergo an evaluation. This will include character, physical fitness, and professional skills. Based on your scores, you will be granted police ranks — similar to military ranks — divided into constable, sergeant, and inspector, with three levels within each rank. As your rank increases in the future, your salary will also rise accordingly.
"Constables will start as trainees, with a monthly salary of 18 livres. First to third-grade constables will receive 22, 25, and 30 livres respectively. Sergeants' salaries will start from 40 livres."
He pointed to several wooden chests nearby. "Here are 20,000 livres. After your ranks are determined, you will receive this month's salary. From now on, all salaries will be paid here in cash, without a single day's delay."
The crowd erupted once more! 30 livres was already close to the income of a City Hall official. Even 22 livres was enough for a comfortable life. And it was paid in actual cash! Before this, Paris police officers' salaries were only 16 livres, and they were often withheld, so they only received a little more than half of that.
Everyone's eyes sparkled, reflecting the glint of silver coins.
'We must fight tooth and nail in these evaluations! If we can make it to third-grade constable, that's at least ten years — no, twenty years — less struggle!'
As for those with portly bellies, they looked at their own physiques, and a sense of urgency began to well up within them.
"Third," Joseph's voice cut through the crowd's thoughts, "a performance review system will be implemented from now on. This means monthly evaluations based on indicators like case-solving rates, response times, and complaint volume. Perform well and you'll receive bonuses; perform poorly and your salary will be penalized. Promotions in rank and position will also heavily depend on evaluation results."
He scanned the assembly. "I have finished speaking, and I trust you all agree."
"Now, everyone will begin reorganization and evaluation on the spot. This reorganization must be completed within 10 days!"
"Yes, Your Royal Highness!" A resounding roar immediately rose from below the platform.
The former civilian patrol members were flushed with excitement, their hands trembling. Cheers of "Long live the Crown Prince!" rose one after another.
They had never imagined that an unexpected assembly today would lead to such a drastic change in their destinies. It was clear that their lives would be full of hope from this day forward!
In their hearts, the Crown Prince had become a savior, radiating a divine aura. Hundreds secretly vowed to dedicate their utmost effort to their duties, to repay the Crown Prince's great benevolence!
Immediately, several of the Crown Prince's guards rushed forward. Each selected dozens of police officers, and led them away to form new teams.
Joseph's measures might seem commonplace to later generations, but in the 18th century, they were undeniably cutting-edge concepts. Standardized organization, detailed job descriptions, performance reviews, and merit-based rewards — all were revolutionary improvements.
According to the original historical timeline, it would be decades later before the brilliant and ambitious Napoleon even began police reforms. What he accomplished was less than half of Joseph's efforts, yet it still became a model for all of Europe.
Two days later, the residents of the Saint-Antoine district began to notice many new things.
At the intersection of every street, a wooden box with a slot at the top was hung. On it, the words "Police Complaint Box" were painted in large letters. Below, smaller text explained: 'All grievances against the police can be written down and deposited here directly. The Police Commissioner will personally review and address them. The resolution will be publicly announced immediately.'
In many densely populated areas, numerous wooden frames were being constructed. According to the carpenters, these were security booths requested by the Police Bureau. Henceforth, police officers would be stationed inside them 24/7, ready to support patrolling officers at any moment.
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