Word of the success of the Marine Police spread quickly. Colquhoun published a book on the Marine Police, "Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the River Thames" recommending a legislated fully government funded police force. The government passed the Depredations on the Thames Act 1800 on 28 July 1800 establishing the Thames River Police together with new laws including police powers. The force was responsible for offences committed on the River Thames, and in its vicinity, within the counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Essex, and the City and Liberty of Westminster and Liberties of the Tower of London.