In 1749 in Philadelphia, what change occurred to watchmen?

• A. Watchmen are disbanded
• B. Watchmen are restructured into a paid position with increased powers; Set new standard for other cities
• C. Watchmen move to daytime patrol only
• D. Watchmen lose authority

Answer: (B)

The shift being tested is the move toward professionalizing urban policing by paying the night watch and expanding its authority. In 1749 Philadelphia restructured the watch into a paid position, giving it more official duties and powers to enforce laws and maintain order at night. This paid, formalized arrangement improved recruitment, accountability, and consistency in patrols, and it served as a model for other cities developing their own policing systems. The other options imply a reduction or elimination of the watch, which doesn’t fit the historical move toward a more formal, empowered force.