New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-12-31
POLICY OF TIE COMMISSIONERS.

RADICAL REFORM PROPOSED by COMMISSIONER
voORIIIs-EyILs OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM
DECENTRALIZATION OF THE DETECTIVE OFFICE.
Commissioner VOorhis was called upon by q
TTBUSE reporter alter tho meeting and asked what he
had 10 say about tho reorganization OF the detective
force. He said that the Commissioners had taken up
the matter IN secret session yesterday Many plans
presented for considerations and arc expected to
he sent IN. 1t is not matter 20 DO set
tied hastily, and until plan shall have been
decided upon, Commissioner YOOrhis said that lie
must decline to say what the Commissioners
favored. What the Commissioners wish to effect Is such
reorganization as will make the detective department
the effective branch OF the police that should be- This
cannot be done hastily aud done we'll Commissioner
yoorhs said that while he did think 1t wise to make
public plans which we're not perfected and which might
not be adopted, he was willing TO give his views gen.
orally as the service in his opinion should be
and could DO made. Detectives have two methods
Of working when property is stolen or q
crime Of any kind committed. Ono Is TO
gain information aud bring the criminal to justice by
being intimate and friendly with thieves. fences and
criminals Always ready to shake hands with them ut
the any other public place. ready to drink at
bars with them, aud by being Intimate with them to
learn their plans. This Ia tho plan OF action with most
OF those IN the Detective Office. He who Is Intimate
with the criminals Is accounted tho most yalua
BILE ocerILarge amounts stolen, and by compound
detective acting as the agent In the negotiation and re-
ceiying percentage Of the booty This plan OF opera
lions cannot fail to be pernioous aud can only bring
corruption and trouble.
The which can be pursued, and which Is
by far the best Is for the detectives TO consider an
criminals as their natural enemies TO be hunted down
everywhere aud where The detective ought to he
above low associations for often matters OF great
mcnt must be entrusted his charge The whole sys
TEN OF compOunding crime TO recover property is
utterly wrong and honest mau will lend himself to
tho work. The salary Of patroman Is not suf
fcent TO pay O good, capable detective for the
time and trouble that he gives TO his work. Cases often
come I'D when "a faithful officer with the greatet
patience works day after day and even night after
night taking little rest getting his meals at irregular
times and places and yet ID unsuccessfu In addition
10 this as is often case he have to pay out con-
siderable suus OF money for expenses. This money tho
detective has no chance OF getting back, unless being
successu he may the offered reward II tho case
money paid for expenses. and $500 will not
stand very heavy drain for expenses 10 working up
cases Que Of the most common complaints has been
that detectives willing 20 undertake case unless
they are guaranteed certain for expenses. There
Is 10 other way OF reimbursng tho officer. most OF
corruption Is thus formed that has no limit or end ex
cept the greed and ambition OF tho officer.
Commissioner VOOrhis continued: Now believe In
the dsteetye being properly PAID bus do not believe