The development of the police force through the nineteenth century occurred as efforts to curb drunkenness, rowdyism, and petty crime through less formal methods proved no longer satisfactory. The challenges facing the police were the quest for both external and internal control. One part of this process was the imposition of discipline on individual constables. During a period of reorganization, the "guardians" served in the department. Routinely, the guardians encountered physical challenges to their authority. Physical assault was a constant threat and periodically led to charges of police brutality. The most common infractions registered against members of the force included neglect of duty, drunk while on duty, and unauthorized absence from the beat. The private life of the guardians could also be subject to review if moral misconduct was suspected. Despite efforts at structural reform, the department still had to contend with the challenge of disciplining the guardians. 12 references