Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-08-08
THE POLICEMAN.S LOT.
Some Of the Things Which the New
Manual Requires Of EIim-ORenSive
Partisanshfp Not to be Tolerated
Qualifications for Appointment and
Causes for Dismissal.

Qualifications for Appointments and
Causes for Dismissal.
The new "Manual of the Metropolitan Police
has been carefully revised by the police and
District authorities, and pocket editions of il
have been distributed among the members OF
the force. The policeman who lives up to his
manual will be very good policeman. Many
alterations have been made in the text of the
Old manual, some having been made necessary
by the change in the form of government of the
police, and others having been introduced as
reforms or improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT.
The qualifications for appointment on the
force are set out as follows: "Any person ap-
pointed by the Board of Commissioners to serve
on the police force muSt-1st. Be able to read
and write the English language I'd Be a citi.
zen of the United States. 3D.. Have been a resi-
gent OF the District for two years next preced-
ing his appointment 4th. Never have been in
dicted and convicted of crime 5th. Be at least
hve feet eight inches in height. 9th. Be be-
tween % and 3s years of age. 18th. OF physi-
cal health and vigor. Sth. OF good moral char
acter. 9th. OF unquestioned energy and cour-
teous manners. 10th. Must have been honor
apIy discharged from the army or navy"
CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL.
A member of the force may be removed from
office, in addition to any penalty to which he
may be subject by law. against whom any of
Isl. 1ntoXication or the use of liquor while on
duty. I'd. Willful disobedence of orders or in
subordination. Sd. Showing disrespect for or
or insolent language or behavior. 4th. Receiv-
ing money or other valuable consideration con.
1rary 10 the rules and regulations or the laws.
9TH. Williul Noncompliance with any rules and
regulations adopted by the Board OF Commits
sioners. 9th. Inefficiency by reason of physical
Disability or otherwise, or neglect of duty. 9TH.
Wilfully maltreating or using unnecessary vio-
ience toward a prisoner or other person. Sth.
Neglect or refusal to pay a just debt contracted
during time of service; provided said debt un-
admitted. pNindanct.d Inv al
Judgme mt of a court of competent jurisdiction.
9TH Conduct unbecoming an officer
In addition to this it is provided that "Any
officer or member of the force may be dismissed
by the Commissioners whenever i'm their judg-
action
There are great many general rules for the
guidance of the force. each member" the
manual SAYS, must be quiet, civil and orderly
in his conduct and department, and in the per-
Torrance OF his duty he must maintain de-
corum and attention. full command of temper.
refrain from harsh, violent, profane or insolent
language, yet at the same time act with sutfi-
cient energy and firmness to perform his duty"
NO SMOKING OR DRINKING.
Another rule is that mo member of the de-
partment shall, while Off duty, smoke i'm the
Office or bedrooms OF the station-house; nor
shall he, in the station-house or elsewhere.
while on duty, drink any kind of liquor or
ance of his duty enter, when in uniform any
place in which any kind Of intoxicating drink
may De sold or furnished. No liquor or any in
toxicating drink shall, upon any pretext, be in
troduced into the station-houses except advised
by physician"
Another rule provides that "no member shall
directly, or Indirectly, be concerned in making
any compromise or arrangement between sus-
pected criminals and persons alleged to have
from communicating information respecting
orders they may have received. or about the
limits Of their posts. The rule on these points
through the public press by name is forbidden.
and the frequent mention of particular names
!as it is believed to be obtained by the solicita-
ton OF the officers themSelveS) will subject the
officer named to investigation by the trial
committee
Another rule is that "no member of the police
force shall be member of any fire or military
corps, nor be allowed to go on pleasure or target
excursions, except by order OF the MAJOR
OFFENSIVE PARTIzANsHIp.
"The right of every member of the police de-
partment, says the manual, 'to entertain politi-
cal opinions not disloyal to the government OF
the United States, and to express the same freely
when not engaged upon duty, shall be deemed
sacred and inviOlate. But no member OF the
police force will be permitted to belong 10 any
political club Or organi zation, or be a delegate
or representative to or member of any political
or partisan convention, whose purpose is the
any political Office. He shall take no part In
any such convention, nor in the choice OF dele
gates thereto.
"No member of the police force shall be per-
mitted TO solicit or be allowed to make any con.
tribution in money or other thing, on any pre-
text, to any person, committee, or association
for any political purpose whatever"
The manual contains digest ofthe laws as to
the duties and powers of officers, list of crimes
and misdeneanOrS and Il summary of offenses
against the local laws of the District. minute
instructions as to the duties of an officer his
beat, advice as to how to act in emergencies OF
various kinds aud large amount of informa.
ton which the model officer is expected to have
at his fingers or tongues end.
--------->O>---