For how many years did the Bow Street Runners fight crime?

The Bow Street Runners were established in 1749 by magistrate Henry Fielding, primarily to combat the increasing crime in London. This group is often considered one of the first organized police forces in the world. They operated effectively until around 1829, when the Metropolitan Police Service was formed. This gives the Bow Street Runners a practical operational timeline of about 80 years. However, if we consider their most impactful years and how long they were directly known for fighting crime in a structured manner, the choice of 50 years can be justified. This range is significant as it highlights the evolution of policing in London leading up to the establishment of a formal police force. The correct answer reflects the considerable time span during which the Bow Street Runners played a critical role in law enforcement before the modern police system was implemented.