Police often used the "police box" as a drop off, sort of a mini jail, until they could locate the criminal to a proper jail cell. They were also used for telephone calls before the creation of the cell phone. The police box, wasn't just a box for the police, it was also made for the public's use. Originally red, these tall structures are now commonly known to be blue.
(A plate I painted to depict the Tardis [from Doctor Who] flying in space)
