Which state had the earliest example of state police?

The state of Massachusetts is recognized for having established the earliest example of state police in the United States. In 1865, it created a state police force, known as the Massachusetts State Police, which was established to maintain law and order, particularly in the face of civil unrest and crime following the Civil War. This formation was significant in the evolution of law enforcement, setting a precedent for the creation of state police agencies in other states over the following century.

Understanding the historical context, while Pennsylvania also has a rich law enforcement history, particularly with the formation of the Pennsylvania State Police in 1905, it does not predate Massachusetts. Texas and Arizona, though they have established state police agencies, did so later compared to Massachusetts. Therefore, Massachusetts stands as the correct answer when discussing the earliest example of state police in the United States.