What policing duties did magistrates and Scythian slaves perform in ancient Athens?

In ancient Athens, policing duties were divided between magistrates and a specialized corps of slaves. Because magistrates were often occupied with administrative and judicial oversight, they relied on a force of 300 Scythian slaves to maintain public order.1

Duties of Magistrates

Magistrates were responsible for various aspects of municipal management and criminal justice. Specific roles included:
* Astynomoi: Ten officials tasked with municipal upkeep and city cleanliness in Athens and the port of Piraeus.1
* Agoranomoi: Ten officials responsible for maintaining order in the marketplace.1
* Metronomoi: Ten officials who ensured that honest measuring standards were upheld.1
* The Eleven: A group of magistrates who managed prisons, courts, and general criminal justice matters.1

Duties of Scythian Slaves

Purchased by the city following the Greco-Persian Wars, the Scythian slaves served as a vital enforcement arm for the magistrates. They were lightly armed and tasked with:1
* Maintaining peace and order in public gatherings and various public spaces.1
* Occasionally assisting the "Eleven" with their criminal justice responsibilities.1