The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-10
WHY THE POLICE ARE INEFFICIENT.
New York, April 0. 1870

NEW YORK, April Q. 1870
To THE EDITOR OF THE HRRALD:-
To what better use can the columns Of an influential
newspaper be put than that Of advocating ustice It
is certainly highly gratifying phase OF modern jour
nasm that the press 10 ready cry down fraud
and the afflicted. Apropos to this sentiment il
your agitation Of two important themos-'Cheap Cab
Hire" and the proposed Reduction In Pocemen'a
Pay"
Concerning tho latter, have read with infinite
pleasure and relish the communications published by
you to-day. am thoroughly convinced that tho whole
affair Is but another infamous political trick, and
quite concur with .Justice" that f this bill passes
city be without protection and disgrace 10 the
try" II the police did their duty body there
be no doubt in tho most prcJudccd mind that ST. zoo
rccompcnse for the services rendered. or late much
OF dcrogatory nature has been said about moral
status Of the police and not whhouta shadow Of rea-
have, however taken some pains to interview ON.
GERS and men aud have adduced from them the follow
Firs-rhe men are not encouraged or protected in
the discharge OF their duties by their superior officers
As an instance or this otto tho following authort
ty-A lew weeks sincs = friends house was entered
In broad daylight, IN much frequcnted street, and
was requested to attend 10 s6e case and smmoSaiey
upon the discovery OF tho robbery went in search Of
an officer After having walked half mile 10 the
nearest police station without any signs OF guardian
Of the peace, stated my mission TO the sergeant
the desk, who referred mo TO the ward detective u
shecpish looking, ignorant individual sitting drowsily
near the stove, and to him connded my errand This
follow, though lacking IN that acutencss which
fiction has ever been attributed w tho fraternity
good enough 70 inform mo that II the thief
was apprehended there the matter would end
To vlndicate this assertion he drew from
the OF his pockets sjimmy'' and
Offering II Tor my inspection. said:-sThe otncr day
arrested the owner OF this whic the o prying
open window with Il, and because the had NOS
taken anything the magistrate refused commit nimi
without further examination Of my companion !
learned that the larger thieves receivers OF stolen
goods, &c, WELD enormous political power al Police
Headquarters, and consequently escape the penalty
OF Their crimes. THIS | DO not relate without good
cause, AZ all the members Of the force whom have
talked corroboratc with similar experiences Of their
own.
.Second-Thors arc individually men wearing the uni
form to-day IN the service who should 10 sing Sing
Auburn Prison.
Third--rhe ''beats' OF many officers are so lonely
and extensive that thieves have ony to wait TIL the
patrolman's back Is turned 10 them in order 10 ply
their nefarious calling successfully; and
FSnaity-The honest ofhccrs who have been retained
for ycars-and lew OF this class remain-aro
slant terror OF dismissal.
simple Ergo, say IInsial honest aud capable heads
OF the departments lot that Of the bill which
recommends thorough investigation into the moral
crease The force, and whom good, efficient men are OBJ
ainod, keep them the position 20 long as they Oil
the with trust and houor but let there be no grad
Ing OF salaries " limo the purscs Of avaricious pot
clans, and tho contagion OF the latter as
from tho force possible We do not want incompc-
tent tor the sake oil saving few paltry dollars
nj glance that there Is no economy such course.
The scheme gauxy aud knavish as any yet offered
TO the public
rccc affairs viii JUSTIFY IN your eyes my trespsss
your time and space and that ~ least you will present
the true aspect or the your subscribers my.
sell includsd). remain worry respectfully yours