Who invented the wanted poster?

The concept of the wanted poster can be traced back to the early 17th century, but one of the most notable early examples was created in 1701 in England. It was used to capture criminals and inform the public about wanted individuals. The format gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly with the notorious case of Jesse James and other outlaws. While it’s difficult to attribute the invention to a single individual, the practice evolved as law enforcement sought to engage the public in crime prevention.