The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1882-05-03
The Police Force

EDITOR GAZErTE s-MAny complaints have been
made Of the ineiiciency of the police force Of th'
Of the Kingdom, some Of which doubtless hay,
been exaggerated, but there is sufficient OF trutt
and force IN them 10 demand thoughtful attention
In the pass there has been a degree OF peace, ans
security Of life and property in this country which
has conduced much TO the safety and pleasure Of
living here. But the character Of the population
D. undergoing radical change, and already ther,
arr elements which threaten seriously to disturb
our peace.
The Chinese male adults are now nearly if not
fully equal in numbers 90 the adult male Ha'
WaIIans Besides these there are large and steadily
increasing number OF foreigners OF other natlpnGil
iles. With the influx of such large numbers Of
foreigners u DE- inevitable that some of bad Charac
ter should come. And tits % fact that many such
have come.
Although Cinnamon as class are industrious
and pcaceable, they people who do not regard
principles Sd much as force. They fear men and
the authority OF the law but not principles. They
ara peculiarly controlled by pecuniary interests
They have not the fear OF DEATH OF the respect iol
the rights Of others TO the degree that those have
who have been born and brought up IN civilized
countries.
From many and various causes the nature Of Tho
police work has become Of q much more grave and
responsible nature than heretofore.
The police nov, and for some time 10 come, VIII
have 20 be made mp largely Of native policemen
they need the constant supervision Of active and
capable officers. In every department Of business
III which they have been employed, experience has
taught that they require the immediate supervision
Of their employers. And 10 a great degree, then
efficiency depends on the efficiency Of those who
direct their work All classes of workmeu are
mole or less influenced by the character Of then
EMPLOYERS or thuss who direct their labor and with
the lmprcssihc and tractable Hawaiian this Is pre-
einIuentlv SO. There must be some white police
men, but the large body of the men who compose
the force should be Hawaiiaus. Now, in this SER
vice as m other work II the Hawaiian. when left
30 himself, without the watchful eye Of the en-
pover over him, errs and fails or proves inefficient
more blame should attach to the negligent superior
officer than 90 him. And So, also If the Overseer OF
officer placed over him Is incompetent or negligent
hold HIM. and not the Hawaiian accountable for
unsatisfactory results.
The fact that the most of the officers IN charge
~ tie police force OF the country are unsuitable
men for the service required of them very serl-
Gus matter. However much we may esteem them
individuals, with very few exceptions they are
not men who would be entrusted with the charge Of
any other work requiring executive ability
The sherifts. and most of the deputy sherltis,
have constantly much responsibility. They are
separated from competent advisers, and often have
work 10 do which demands prompt, fearless and
discreet action.
When fault Is found with tile Marshal or any Of
his subordinate officers for not detecting criminals
n h frequently not much from the fact that the
offenders are not secured Us on account OF the
u
been shown m this country thata deputy sheriff who
was prompt, fearless aud possessed Of fair Judg-
meut, has done more 70 preserve order and pre-
vent crime m large district than the whole force
OF cuustabes of the district who before that time
had been without good leader.
Some peculiar qualifications are required for a
good officer who has the direction Of Others. but
perhaps there are none mote imperative than con-
hdence IN himself, and the faculty Of organization.
lie should. OF course, be courageous and active,
But without confidence in himself and the ability
to organize and direct the efforts Of others, he Is
Of little use as an officer
There has been much stress laid the import
ance Of persons being able 10 speak the Hawaiian
language, and Of knowing how to prosecute cases
IN court before they could be appointed as officers
These are not essential prerequisites, they can be
acquired. II men can be found. possessing all Of
the desired qualities to fill the offices before enter
ing upon the duties, II would be very satisfactory
but such men are few.
Il is fair 10 certain extent, 30 Judge Of an en-
puver by the class Of men whom he has under him
10 direct his work. II he Is a man of good ludg-
meut, De will have efficient men.
The public has a right 10 watch lie officers and
weigh them. And tins matter of the quality OF the
officers who have charge Of the police force. Is one
which directly concerns every citizen. impossible
ties not asked of any one, but more efficient and
intelligent service Is demanded than Is now rem
dered.
Much has been attempted to be made of the fact
that the Marshal and shentis have not the power
20 appoint constatles. Bv law. the Governors APP
point constables. but if the facts are ascertained
n VIII be found that It rarely If ever occurs thar
the Governors refuse TO appoint persons nominated
by the Marshal and sherihs In many instances
blank commissions, signed by the Governors, have
been left with them TO I'LL mp al their discretion
The Marshal and sherifs have the power todismiss
incompetent men. Moreover. the appointment OF
the deputy sherifts Is exclusively IN the power OF
the Marshal and sherIfis. If the heads of police
IN the several Islands and districts were competent
men, there would be but little ground OF complaint
of theCunstables. The statement frequently made
that suitable men not be found for officers, Is
puerile. They can be found. lnevery other branch
Of business IN the country they are found, and j
earnest desire existed. and proper efforts madt
70 obtain them, they would be secured.
The appnehensions felt 10y many on account OF
the present condition of the police force of the
country have been increased by the number of out
RACES recently Committed forihese acts of violence
indicate a condition Of affairs which lmperlls th'
safety OF life and property.
There Is a contagious influence which follow
the commission OF crime. which Is Tar reaching II
crimes are committed almost with mpunity' OF ]
the manner in which the perpetrators Is pursued L
weak and laundering, or ignorant and stupid, thu
force OF Law and the regard for ITS majesty IAN
into contempt.
The manner also. IN which the most Of the cor
uners inquests are conducted demands the public
attention with the other police work. FOR th'
Marshal. his deputy the sheriffs and their DEPUTIES
are coroners. The duties Of coroner, If intelh
gently and wisely executed. are very impoftan
factor III preventing crime. But If esteemed By
the coruners as an unlmportant duty, one 10 ,,
avoided II possible, and when impossible 20 avoid
20 be got through with as little effort as pos
sihle, the great value of such official Investigations
fails.
repeat. impossibilitios are expected OF no one
but the public has a right TO. and does and vii
demand more intelligence and ability from the
heads Of the police Of the country than is nov
displayed. CITIZEN.
HoSouuI.u, April =, 1852.