Which era of policing relied heavily on patronage?

The Political Era of policing, which lasted from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, heavily relied on patronage. During this time, police departments were often influenced by political leaders and local politicians who appointed officers based on loyalty rather than merit. This led to corruption and inefficiencies, as police forces were used to maintain political power rather than to serve and protect the community. The era was characterized by close ties between law enforcement and political entities, undermining the integrity of policing.