From its controversial start, the Metropolitan Police gradually became part of the London scene. Its numbers grew as London grew and as the government realised the usefulness of having a civilian force ready for all kinds of duties. Other police forces too gradually acquired public support once early reservations had been overcome. The Victorians were convinced that most crime was committed by recidivists. Just as the ordinary constables had to work out the best way of operating, winning the respect of the public, so did Chief Constables. They were aware that the public looked to them to get crime under control, and sometimes overstepped the law. The Acts of 1871 and 1879 put this supervision on a legal basis.