It must be remembered that at that epoch the police was not precisely at its ease; the free press embarrassed it; several arbitrary arrests denounced by the newspapers, had echoed even as far as the Chambers, and had rendered the Prefecture timid. Interference with individual liberty was a grave matter. The police agents were afraid of making a mistake; the prefect laid the blame on them; a mistake meant dismissal.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the challenges faced by the police during a particular period are highlighted. The presence of a free press was a significant obstacle for law enforcement, as it often exposed arbitrary arrests that stirred public outrage and drew attention from higher authorities. This scrutiny made the police feel vulnerable and hesitant in their actions, fearing their decisions could be criticized.
The police officers operated in an environment of fear, as any mistake could lead to severe consequences, including job loss. The higher-ups, particularly the prefect, were quick to shift blame onto the agents for any missteps. This atmosphere created a sense of caution and paranoia among the police, illustrating the tension between maintaining order and respecting individual rights during that time.
