In the development of modern policing, what was a significant achievement in 1865 in Massachusetts?

The significant achievement in 1865 in Massachusetts was indeed the formation of a state investigative agency. This initiative marked a pivotal development in the evolution of modern policing by establishing a formal body tasked with investigating crimes at a state level, which was essential for addressing issues that transcended local jurisdictions. The formation of a state investigative agency allowed for a more organized and effective approach to addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and providing law enforcement with the resources and authority necessary to tackle serious offenses.

This initiative laid the groundwork for the professionalization of police work, enabling a transition from informal, community-based law enforcement to a more structured and accountable system. It set the stage for the establishment of other investigative units and agencies across the country, contributing to a unified approach to criminal investigation that would evolve in the years to come.