The first state

The first state to have its own police force was Texas. This police force was called the Texas Rangers. They were organized in 1835. The name «cop» is an American slang word for a police officer. No one knows the exact origin of «cop». Perhaps this word came from the letters C. O. P.: «Constable of Patrol». Or perhaps «cop» is the short form of copper. The star-shaped badges policemen wore were made of copper.