Chapter 7 Reorganizing the Police Force (Seeking Investment)

Joseph flipped through the remaining documents, only to discover that over 180 police officers had not received their full salaries for the last four months.

Their salaries were composed of 20% from City Hall and the remaining 80% from the Chamber of Commerce. However, the Chamber of Commerce often failed to collect enough funds due to uncooperative merchants. As a result, police officers were paid less.

*Joseph frowned and shook his head. Sixty officers managing an entire district of 80,000 people—and all this while being underpaid... No wonder there were 28 murders in a single month. No wonder that, at the start of the French Revolution, when citizens looted the Hôtel des Invalides for muskets, no one intervened.*

*Everything revolves around people. It seems the most urgent issue is addressing the manpower shortage.*

*Joseph pondered for a long time, recalling various advanced policing concepts from later generations. After writing four to five pages, he had finally outlined a framework for reforming the police force and let out a long breath of relief.*

He set down the pen, glanced at the first item he had written: "Incorporate private patrol teams," and called his assistant Police Commissioner, Bono. Then he instructed:

"Please gather all police officers and private patrol teams in the Saint Antoine District here tomorrow morning."

Bono froze at the words: "Your Highness, you mean everyone?"

"That's right, everyone. I'll have Viscount Gizo dispatch officers from other districts to assist with patrols. You don't need to worry."

"Yes."

Joseph then turned to Eman: "Please send someone to withdraw 20,000 Leva from my private estate."

...

When the sun rose again, nearly 400 police officers and private patrol members had gathered in the open space in front of the Paris Police Headquarters, forming two somewhat disorganized formations.

Although they had been informed that they would meet the Crown Prince—who was now their superior—they could not help but feel a mix of nervousness and astonishment upon seeing the dashing young man wearing a red double-breasted uniform and a tricorn hat on the wooden platform before them.

At precisely 9 a.m., as a drumroll sounded, Joseph raised his hand to signal silence and spoke loudly:

"Gentlemen, good morning. I'm not one for wasting words. I have only three points. Please listen carefully."

His voice, though young, carried a commanding presence: "First, from now on, all private patrol teams in the Saint Antoine District will be integrated into the Police Department and become official police officers. Of course, those unwilling are not forced to join."

The private patrol members erupted in chaos!

To buy a police position in Paris typically cost 500 Leva. And now, with a mere sentence from the Crown Prince, they were all official police officers?!

In Paris, police didn't have the best reputation, but still, it was a formal government position with status and authority! For those who had self-organized out of necessity, it was like reaching the heavens in one leap—something they could never have dared to dream of before.

Joseph motioned for silence and continued: "Second, all personnel will undergo evaluations going forward. The criteria will include moral character, physical fitness, and professional skills. Based on the scores, police ranks will be assigned—similar to military ranks—categorized into Police Officer, Police Inspector, and Police Chief, with three levels for each. Going forward, rank promotions will correspond to salary increases.

"For Police Officers, salaries will start at 18 Leva per month for trainees. Salaries for Level 1 to Level 3 Police Officers will be 22, 25, and 30 Leva, respectively. Police Inspectors will start at 40 Leva."

He gestured toward several wooden boxes nearby: "Here are 20,000 Leva. After rank evaluations, you'll receive this month's salaries immediately. From now on, salaries will be paid in cash here without delay—never a day late."

Another uproar erupted! Thirty Leva was comparable to the income of City Hall officials, while 22 Leva could already provide a comfortable life—and still it was paid in cash! Previously, Paris Police officers only earned 16 Leva, often with deductions, leaving them with barely more than half that amount.

Their eyes gleamed brightly, reflecting the silver coins within.

*Everyone was driven to fight tooth and nail during the evaluations! Being rated as a Level 3 Police Officer could save someone ten—or even twenty—years of struggle!*

*As for the portly individuals, they were already growing anxious while glancing at their physiques.*

"Third," Joseph's voice interrupted everyone's thoughts, "a performance evaluation system will be implemented moving forward. Metrics such as case-solving rates, response rates, and complaint levels will be evaluated monthly. Those who perform well will receive bonuses; those who perform poorly will see salary deductions. Promotions and rank advancements will also heavily depend on evaluation results."

He surveyed the crowd: "That's all I have to say. I trust everyone supports these changes.

"Now, begin the reorganization and evaluations immediately. The consolidation work must be completed within ten days!"

"Yes!" A thunderous reply rose from the crowd.

The former private patrol members were visibly flushed with excitement, their hands trembling. Cries of "Long live the Crown Prince!" echoed one after another.

*Their lives had undergone a monumental shift due to a single unexpected gathering. It was clear their futures would now be brimming with hope!*

*In their hearts, the Crown Prince had become a savior, radiating divine brilliance. Hundreds silently vowed to devote themselves entirely to their work to repay his immense kindness!*

Soon, several guards of the Crown Prince arrived, each selecting dozens of police officers and leading them off in groups for reorganization.

*Joseph's reforms might seem routine to later generations, but within the context of the eighteenth century, they were groundbreaking—standardized organization, job specialization, performance evaluation, and merit-based rewards—all were transformative innovations.*

In the original historical trajectory, decades later, it was the brilliant Napoleon who began police reforms, yet even his efforts were less ambitious than Joseph's—and still became a model for all of Europe.

Two days later, residents of the Saint Antoine District began noticing many new features.

At the entrance of every street, wooden boxes were installed with slots at the top, marked in large painted letters: "Police Complaint Box," accompanied by smaller text explaining that any dissatisfaction with the police could be written down and deposited here. The Police Commissioner would review and resolve cases personally, with the results promptly publicized.

In areas with large populations, numerous wooden structures were under construction. According to the carpenters, these were security stations mandated by the Police Headquarters, where officers would be stationed all day to assist patrolling officers whenever needed.