Biography of Alan Pinkerton

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Biography of Allan Pinkerton Sheryl Howard CJS/250 Jerry Maloon Biography of Allan Pinkerton Allan Pinkerton was born on August 25, 1819, in Glasgow, Scotland. Pinkerton founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Pinkerton was an established author and detective during his time. Pinkerton’s detective agency stopped a plot aimed at President Abraham Lincoln while working for the Union during the Civil War. (Pinkerton, 2012) At the age of thirty-five Pinkerton was deputy to the Cook County, Chicago sheriff. During this time Pinkerton was asked by six Midwestern railroad company representatives to aid in the establishment of the North West Police Agency. In addition to Pinkerton’s work with the railroad police, Pinkerton was under contract with the federal government. (Clifford, 2004) Pinkerton left his job with the Chicago Police force to start his own detective agency. One of the first contracts included investigation of counterfeiting and protecting the Post Office from robbery. (The Library of Congress, 2012) Allan Pinkerton formed the Pinkerton Protective Patrol in 1858. The small group consisted of uniformed night watchmen who offered night protection through contracts with businesses. During this time Pinkerton patrols were used by the mayor of Chicago to supplement existing police efforts. (Clifford, 2004) As the United States expanded its business, so did the private security industry. Allan Pinkerton’s sons carried on the family business after his death. This time frame caused a noticeable shift from detection to prevention. The problems with labor produce hostile riots leaving the leaders to rely on agencies like the Pinkerton Detective Agency to protect property and the industry itself. During the Great Riots of 1877, ‘Pinkerton men’ became a household word. A word of comfort for the wealthy that lived in mansions; a

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