A policeman models a new bulletproof waistcoat made of linked metal plates. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1930

“Smokey” Buchanan from the West Palm Beach police force, measuring the bathing suit of Betty Fringle on Palm Beach, to ensure that it conforms with regulations introduced by the beach censors. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). USA, 1925

A young boy plays a practical joke on a policeman with a rick-rack firework attached to his jacket. (Photo by Kirby/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 5th November 1925

A scene from “In the Clutches of the Gang”, a Keystone Cops silent comedy directed by George Nichols and Mack Sennett. Left to right: Ford Sterling (on phone), Edgar Kennedy, George Jeskey, Al St John, Hank Mann, Rube Miller, and Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle (1887–1933). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 1914

Spanish standard bearers at the Lord Mayor's Show. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 10th November 1913

A Chinese procession, with the executioner and his assistant, both of whom are bare-chested, escorted through the British settlement of Shanghai by a policeman. Drawn by W T Maud for The Graphic (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 8th December 1900

Ben Turpin (1874–1940) in a scene from the film “Ten Dollars Or Ten Days”. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). 1924

A policeman and Women Land Workers accompany a laden, haywain in the Lord Mayor's Show, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). November 1917

Baroness Roshicrantz and Miss Butt walk with their pet dogs in Hyde Park, London. (Photo by W. G. Phillips/Phillips/Getty Images). April 1912

A policeman holding a baseball bat with a horseshoe attached to the end. It is one of the exhibits in the crime museum at New York's Police College. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). 1925

Two retired police constables before taking part in the Police Parade, which marched past Buckingham Palace, London, to celebrate the centenary of the Metropolitan Police Force. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 1929

Men of the Royal Irish Constabulary under inspection at Derry city during the by-election. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 1st February 1913

A workman produces a batch of policeman's helmets at a workshop in Tooley Street, London. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 7th April 1930

A member of the German wireless police picks up signals on the radio equipment he carries on his back, while his colleague takes notes. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1925

The funeral cortage of a young City of London policeman from Snow Hill station who was killed in a motorcycle accident is taking place at his hometown in Portsmouth. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). March 1930

English comic actor, director, producer and composer Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977, left) taking a stroll on London's Embankment, watched by two policemen. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 21st September 1931

London police hold back crowds straining to view a parade at the London Peace Pageant. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). July 1919

Police officers checking the aerial on a French Police wireless van. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). Circa 1930

A poloiceman helping a group of racegoers crossing the road as they arrive at Goodwood. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 27th July 1926

British policemen are issued with new helmets. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 29th May 1930

German visitors in traditional costume at Trafalgar Square. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 12th April 1931

A big-headed policeman at the Rhyl Carnival and Fete. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1929