Which year marked the introduction of a formal detective agency in Boston?

The introduction of a formal detective agency in Boston occurred in 1846, which represents a significant development in the evolution of law enforcement and criminal investigation practices in the United States. This year marked the establishment of the Boston Detective Police, one of the first organized detective units in the country. The formation of such a unit aimed to address the growing complexity of crimes and the need for more specialized investigative techniques, moving towards a more professional approach to crime-solving. This development set a precedent for the establishment of detective agencies in other major cities, influencing modern policing practices today.