The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-07-09

OF APPOINTMENTS, ETc-Nuch has been said, Of
late respecting the inefhciency Of Police Depart
nent We frankly admit that its discipline and
power cannot be compared with the London or
Paris police organizations; yet in many cases. tho
censure is somewhat misapplied. The question 10
asked by many. why is not our police effective as
the Euro peaD policel The reason is simply this-our
mode of government is altogether differently formed
and the system of appointment is defective. In
Europe the policemen do nothing more than to
obey the orders laid down; here they do good deal
more In many cases, where an order is issued,
they don't exactly place their thumb significantly
to their nose, but they do about much Of the
der as suits them-the balance is left to take care
of itself.
| In Europe, especially London and Paris the po-
lice are entirely Independent of all political in
fuepces. Here, the police are merely political ma
chimes, located in each ward, supported out Of the
pockets of the already over taxed community.
And for wbat9 Why, merely to secure the election
Of some political demagogue, whose favors they ex-
pect to derive should his election be secured 1t in
this manner that our police regulations are ruined
and become mere farce, as the very men who are
thus used in politics too often take advantage of
such connection, violate their duty, and then, of
course. when complained against, expect immunity
from the higher power, whom they have served on
the previous election. Thus it is that our police
department. is inefficient.
Again-the system of appointment must be al
tered before the necessary relief can DO obtained.
At present, the policemen are nominated by the
Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen Of thoir re-
srective wards. Such nominations are sent to the
Mayor, who, without some very glazing objection
exists, confirms the nomination. These appoint
ments made exclusively on political grounds,
according to the party in power-whether they be
wings or democrats it matters not-so that, in many
cases, rowdy, brawng, pot-house politician, who,
possibly, the year previous, had been terror to
the peaceable citizens would next be assigned
star and club, to protect property and put down
the very rowdyism which he had planted in the
ward.
1t will be seen by the orderloving portions Of So
cety that placing such the police, to arrest
rowdyism, is all folly OF course most Of the disor-
derlies known friends and acquaintance of the
pc:icemen and hence it is to be expected that when
rowdies commit aepredations, policeman arrives
on the spot, and then he beholds bosom friend,
with whom he has travelled in many similar spree
or fight prior to being made . policeman. Can it be
expected that he will take as efficient part in Sc
curing the arrest he would were he independent of
any such influences :? Certainy not. In many cases,
too the expiration of the term of office Of
the policeman may be near ut hand, and
he expects reappointment, and by doing
his duty to suppress rowdyism, may affect his inter-
est in the appointing power, and thus defeat his OBJ
ect and throw him out Unemployment Moreover it is
frequently said to the policeman by disorderly per-
sons, g dare you to arrest me-Il have you broke -
| or, 'fn 60 to the Alderman and defeat your re-
| appointment" All such remarks we know to be
facts which tend to prevent the honest discharge Of
| the policeman's duty. 1t is an old maxim, and
very true one, "that man will always look to the
| side his bread is buttered." And so it is with the
policemen, as 1t is in all other pursuits Of life, that
self interest will always be predominant 1t is hui
man nature, and cannot be disputed
Our police will never be effective unless Invested
of all itspolitica influences. There must be board
orappointing power equally divided in politics, and
this board to look only to the qualifications and fit
ness Of applicants for the police department. and, in
addition, make the appointments during good con-
duct and q faithful performance of their duty. In
this way more will be done to perfect the efficacy Of
the police than has ever been done before 1t must
come to this sooner later before the police Of this
city can be made what the people require; and the
sooner it is taken into consideration and put into
operation the better it will satisfy the payers
who ut present are called upon to pay enormous
sum annually for system Of police which in itself
is ineffective, and, in many instances, corrupt.
The Mayor has, within short time past, issued an
order to place on duty the day force of police
men in each ward as is required at night, alleged
to be for the suppression Of rowdyism. Now, this
is all nonsense. 1t only tends to weaken and des-
troy the watchfulness Of the men at night and ac-
tually does more harm than good. If the Mayor
had doubled, put thrice the number of policemen
on the densey crowded thoroughhres, some good
might accrue Broadway, for instance, is miserably
attended to. The rowdy omnibus drivers take full
possession Of the street, drive over pc eple and in
their conduct insolent and overbearingyet they
are allowed to 60 on with apparent impunty.
| There does not appear to be any check them.
| There ought to be men designated for such places
| who are not above their business. Men who po
licemen are expected to do their duty, else resign
if they are ashamed to wear the emblem Of office.
! In all public places the police must be known and
seen-as their presence frequently is enough to
| check disturbance-and not keep secluded until u
riot ARRAY takes place. SERGEANT of Police,
| Tor Inspector, or any other name you may call hm)
with dozen men, could keep Broadway in good
order, they to perform their duty.
| In large city like New York, with an influx Of
upwards Of hundred thousand emigrants arriving
annually, it is to be expected that the police must
| naturally have enough to do Ebutions arising
from many causes will always be the in mixed
population like that Of New York Fights will occur
murders, sabbing, and other acts Of violence, will
take place, as in all great cities, and could not be
prevented should we have an army Of five thousand
| policemen 1t is not so much the number Of police
it is the quality and discipline requisite to
| troll them in manner suitable for the government
Of the city, that is required We feel satisfied that
New York, take altogether, ispeaceably disposed
There is not one half the rowdysm now that exist
cd ton fifteen vnars ann not with landing thn