Los Angeles herald., 1890-12-07

to secure favor, long time in office, or
promotion through political favoritism.
A political policeman is an unmitigated
nuisance-the worst and most danger
GUS type of demagogue. He reasons
from the false standpoint that the infu-
ence of the criminal classes is sufficient
to control his position and promotion.
Acting on this belief, he ignores every
legal requirement of his office, and be-
fore he is aware of the fact himself, he
becomes the sworn ally and partner of
those who profit by violating the laws
of the land. The duties of the police
are of such a character that it is abso-
lutely impossible for conscientious
officer to pander in the smallest degree
to the wishes of the disorderly element.
l respectfully call your attention to
exhibit G, detective department, which
shows property reported stolen and lost
to the value of $40, 800, and property re-
covered and restored to owners to the
amount OF $14,695. Exhibit II gives the
cost of meals to prisoners on restaurant
contracts, and the cost of having the
cooking done in the Jail by prisoners,
showing an actual saving of $1010.52
from May 1st, 1890, to November 30th,
1890, by the jail cooking plan. When
the meals were furnished by the restau-
rant there were many complaints; now
there are none.
/ take pleasure in mentioning the
work done by the detective department,
since the four men detailed in that SER
vice have been very efficient and ener-
getic. Their hours are long; their duties
require extra skill, and urge that their
pay be increased in proportion to the
work performed. The captain and the
secretary are poorly paid indeed their
responsibilities and duties demand a re-
spectacle salary.
We have rifle corps of sixteen
men, who voluntarily armed themselves
with the latest improved Winchester ri
! fes, at a cost of about $25 each. They
have spent much time in drill and tar
! get practice, and have attained COM
mendable degree CT efficiency in the use
of their weapons. l believe that in GER
tain emergencies the possession of these
weapons, and the knowledge of their
use, might be great service to the city,
while they add materially to the general
appearance OF the force on parade or
inspection. 1 think it would be wise
proceeding to furnish the department
with number of regulation bayonet
rifles.
1t has been the aim of this department,
with positive instructions from the hon
orable board of police commissioners, to
rigidly enforce the laws in regard to
gambling. / think the city is more free
from this vice than ever before. There
is now no open or notorious gambling in
Los Angeles. The evil of lottery gamb-
ling exists in degree that is not easily
eradicated. Arrests are made under
difficulties, and when convictions are
had the fine imposed too often has the
character of mere tax on the business,
rather than means of suppression.
The police work of the city during the
year has been performed alone by the
regular force. l have never asked for
any additional men for special occasions,
such as election days, legal holidays,
circuses, public parades, ETC., and at the
present time my quota of men is short
four officers. In conclusion, this de-
partment has done excellent and effec-
tive work, and reflects credit on the ad-
ministration; and L, as their Chief am
proud to be able to approve of their
ability as body, and call your atten-
tion to my tabulated report herewith at
tached. / desire to express my graft
tude to your honorable bodies and to
the board of police commissioners fol
many courtesies received during my
term of office. Respectfully submitted
j. M. GLASS,
| Chief of Police