What was the first police agency created to maintain peace and apprehend criminals?

The London Metropolitan Police is recognized as the first organized police agency created specifically to maintain peace and apprehend criminals. Established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, it marked a significant shift in law enforcement, moving away from informal and volunteer-based systems to a structured and professional police force. This model emphasized the prevention of crime, the maintenance of order, and the importance of community cooperation, establishing protocols that many modern police departments still follow today.

The other options, such as the New York City Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department, were all established later, influenced by the principles introduced by the Metropolitan Police. Each of these agencies adapted the organizational and operational models originally developed by the London Metropolitan Police, focusing on policing in their respective urban contexts. Therefore, recognizing the London Metropolitan Police as the first formal police organization is significant in understanding the evolution of law enforcement around the world.