The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-07-29
NO IDLE ORDINANCES.
The New Chief Of Police An
nounces His Policy.
Ne WILL ENFORCE ALL THE LAWS
Chief Monroe Says He viii Make No
Removals From the Present Force
Except for Cause.

George G. Monroe assumed the duties of
the Office of chief OF police yesterday morn
ing, and Chief III. g. Thornton is now ex-
Chief Thornton. The transfer of the of
ice was made very quietly. The new
chief was at the Office bright and early, at
tired in splendid new uniform. When
the retiring chief came in the two shook
hands pleasantly. Chief Thornton then
showed bis successor the property of the
city in the Office, and committed it to his
charge. The two remained to-
gether until noon. when the
afternoon patrol formed at headquarters.
Chief Monroe was then introduced to the
men and made happy little speech to
them about their duty, what he would ex-
pect from them. and the relations which
should exist between chief of police and
his men. Chief Thornton also introduced
him TO the men in the morning patrol,
who reported off duty after the afternoon
watch had gone out. He spoke to them
for few moments in the same strain. The
retiring chief then left him in full control
OF the Office and force.
Chief Monroe was seen later in the day by
Posr-INTELLIGENcER reporter and asked
him what changes he intended making in the
personnel OF the officers and men compos-
ing the force, and concerning his policy in
office. He said: There will be no changes
at all for the present. want to wait and
see the men, and see how they are working,
and how they will work with me. I will
be just with them all. They know their
duty and every member of the department
will be expected to do it ct all times.
There may be some changes made by me,
but if there are any you can rest assured
that they will be necessary. shall know
by Friday night whether l am satisfied
with the present force or not.
I'm regard to my policy you can say that
every city ordinance will be maintained
and enforced. Every offender or violator
of any ordinance or law shall hear from
us. always had to obey the laws. and
did not find it very troublesome either, and
intend to do all in my power to have the
laws obeyed.
Another matter that it would be well to
mention. Intend to try and induce the
city council to purchase a patrol wagon
and ambulance. For the latter there is
great need. Accidents are constantly hap
pening and the police usually
have to attend to the injured. Peo-
pie manned and bruised are
placed on rough express wagons and jolted
almost to death before the hospital is
reached. The need for patrol wagon is
very great, not only because of the reasons
have mentioned, but because the city is
SO scattered. For instance, if policeman
arrests drunk in North Seattle, he loses
two hours getting him to Jail, when if we
had patrol wagon it would only take fif-
teen minutes to get the man down, and the
officer need not even leave his beat"
Members of the force appeared to be well
pleased last night at the manner in which
their new chief took hold of the Office and
are of the opinion that he will make an ex-
cellent chief They also express the high
est regard and kindly feeling toward Mr..
Thornton, whose administration has been
the most successful the Office has known
since Seattle has had police force of any
size.
Ex-Chief Thornton will resume his old
Office of constable in Justice Rivers court,
the emoluments of which are far in excess
of the salary of the Office he has just
vacated.