What could be considered the first civil police force designed to protect citizens rather than those in power?

a. The lictors

b. The Praetorian Guard

c. The questors

d. The Vigiles

The correct answer is D. The first civil police force designed to protect citizens rather than those in power were the Vigiles.

Explanation:

The Vigiles were ancient Roman paramilitary forces that acted as firefighters and law enforcement officers in the city of Rome. The unit was established by Roman Emperor Augustus in 6 divisions. It consisted of seven thousand-man cohorts and was under the command of the Praefectus Vigilum. The task of the troops was to extinguish the fires and to patrol the streets at night and to ensure fire safety. They also captured thieves and escaped slaves. They played an important role in fire protection and law enforcement in imperial Rome.

Answer: D the vigiles