Prior to creation of a professional career police force, like mail carriers, police forces were filled with campaign get-out-the-vote volunteers and precinct poll watchers who stuffed the ballot box for their candidate. In the case of police, their job for the new mayor was often to beat up and harass volunteers for the loosing side. | Prior to creation of a professional career police force, like mail carriers, police forces were filled with campaign get-out-the-vote volunteers and precinct poll watchers who stuffed the ballot box for their candidate. In the case of police, their job for the new mayor was often to beat up and harass volunteers for the loosing side. |