While the police during this period were inefficient in enforcing some forms of laws -- those concerned with less serious crimes in working class neighborhoods -- they were highly efficient in protecting the interests of the ruling class. Bribery played an important role in this dichotomous situation; police officers were paid by capitalists to disrupt strikes and protect their property. Police forces usually functioned as groups during strike actions under the direct supervision of the petty bourgeoise. Also, working class police officers were rewarded with high pay, and were indoctrinated in the importance of enforcing laws and protecting property. Finally, inefficiency in enforcing laws in working class communities was permitted by the ruling class as a method for gaining access to immigrant communities for socialization purposes. Response to strike and other class struggle activities was a major factor in expanding police forces, in introducing new technology, and in centralizing and bureaucratizing the police force, and creating the framework for the police forces of today. Notes and 59 references are provided.