The Bow Street Runners were one of the first professional police forces in London, established in 1749 by magistrate Henry Fielding. They operated out of Bow Street Magistrates' Court and were initially a group of volunteer constables who helped maintain order and investigate crimes in the area. Their work laid the groundwork for modern policing in England. The Runners were known for their investigative skills and were often called upon to solve serious crimes. They became a model for future police organizations, influencing the formation of the Metropolitan Police Service in 1829, which further professionalized law enforcement in London.