The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-25
The Proposed Police reform.

General Smiths first step toward reform in
the police force indicates that his services as
a Commissioner will be of practical value to
the city. The notorious Generalization Of
the force is due partly to the incapacity of the
Commissioners, but mainly to the fact that
improper persons are appointed as patrolmen,
and made officers and detectives, through po-
litical influence. An applicant is not success
full because he bears good character or Is
well qualified to perform the duties OF po-
Eceman, but because he brings recommended
tons from the political or personal friends OF
the Commissioners, or is backed by this or
that political organization. The patrolmen
are divided up between the Commissioners as
if the appointments were so many perquisites
of the office To-day it is the turn of Matsell's
man, tomorrow Voorhis man claims prece.
dence, and the next day Disbecker's man
has his chance If one Commissioner should
vote against the nominee of any
of his colleagues he would fail to
obtain their votes for his own
candidates. There is no question of the in
terests Of the city and the proper protection
Of the public The uniform and the shield
are dealt out as political pickings belonging
to the Board. Recently a patrolman was
about to be appointed, when it
was found that an important paper
the certificate Of the captain of the
district in which he resided as to his char.
acter-was wanting. The fact was, in con-
sequence, disclosed that the new guardian of
the lives and property of the people OF New
York was to receive his appointment as
favor to o country member Of Assembly, and
that he had no residence in the city. Never
theless, he was successful, for the Commits
sioners knew what effect his rejection would
have upon their own nominees. force thus
composed cannot be expected to be fit for
efficient service. The evil is founded In the
system which makes the Police Board po-
htical machine and in the selection Of I'M
desirable persons as Commissioners General
Smiths proposed reform promises to reach
the foundation of the evil, and his action
proves that if we can get gentlemen of char
acter and capacity on tho Police Commission
We shall speedily secure better force
The rules which General Smith proposes to
change are those relating to the manner Of
appointment on the force. The door is thrown
open to any applicant who can bring salts
factory evidence of his qualifications and
character and who can pass the medical ex-
animation. The standard necessary to the
members Of the force is to be height of five
feet seven and half inches, a weight Of one
hundred and thirty-fve pounds, good eye
sight, perfect hearing, freedom from func-
tiond disorders and sound constitution
The signature Of five reputable citizens and
the affidavit Of one are required to the petit
ZION. confidential inquiry by proper officers
into the character, habits and associates Of
the candidate is provided for, and if all is
satisfactory the accepted applicants names
are TO be placed on roll and taken in their
turn as vacancies occur. Under these regu
lations we should, no doubt, one day obtain a
good police force. They would prevent the
sudden appointment Of improper men for
political service, to oblige political or per-
sonal friends or to buy legislative or alder
manic support 1t may be too much to hope
for the adoption Of the new rules while the
Police Board is composed as it now is; but
this only proves the necessity Of such re
organization Of the commission az the Mayor
and the Governor have it in their power to
secure.