Why were state police successful according to the segment? -Because they effectively ended strikes -Because they were unable to be corrupted by the mafia -Because they were able to track criminals across city jurisdictions -Because they were responding to specific problems with smuggling

State police were successful according to the segment because they were able to track criminals across city jurisdictions and were responding to specific problems with smuggling. This multi-jurisdictional capability allowed state police forces to pursue criminals who moved from one city or area to another, bypassing the restrictions that local city or town police might face. This was particularly important as criminals could otherwise exploit these jurisdictional limitations to evade law enforcement. Additionally, state police were able to focus on specific issues such as smuggling, which might span across multiple areas, requiring a coordinated response that local police departments may not have been able to provide.

Extra: The concept of state police refers to a law enforcement body that operates at the state level, different from local or municipal police departments that have authority within smaller geographic areas like cities or towns. The establishment of state police forces allowed for more effective law enforcement over wider areas and in tackling crimes that were not confined to single municipalities.

One key reason behind the creation of state police was the recognition that criminals were exploiting the inability of local police to operate beyond their own jurisdictions. For instance, if a criminal committed a crime in one town and then fled to another, the local police from the first town lacked the authority to pursue the criminal into another jurisdiction.

Furthermore, state police were thought to be less susceptible to local corruption, which was common in the early 20th century, especially in some urban centers where criminal organizations could have influence over city or town officials and police. For example, the mafia might bribe local police to turn a blind eye to their activities; however, state police, being outside the immediate local political and economic influences, were seen as less likely to be corrupted.

Additionally, state police agencies often have special units tasked with addressing specific types of crime, such as smuggling, drug trafficking, and organized crime. These units can operate across the whole state, coordinating with other law enforcement bodies, to effectively target and dismantle criminal networks, which can be more challenging for local police departments that may not have the resources or legal authority to take on such broad-ranging investigations.

Understanding the role and success of state police helps students appreciate how law enforcement strategies evolve to counteract criminal activities that change and expand, necessitating a more flexible and encompassing approach to policing and public safety.