New-York tribune., 1895-10-15
PREPARING FOR A SHAKE UP.
THE POLICE BOARD DECIDES TO MAKE
RADICAL CHANGES.
MR.. ROOSEVELT SAYS THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE
KNOWLEDGE OF A CORRUPTION FUND
RAISED RY THE MEN TO DEFEAT
POSSIBLE LEGISLATION.

POSSIBLE LEGISLATION
A shake-up Of the entire police force is near at
hand. 1t will be more extensive than the shake
up which followed the promotion OF Thomas
Byrnes to the Office of Superintendent of Police
a few years ago, and 1t will be made for a diff
ferent reason. The Police Commissioners de-
termined to put stop to the raising Of fund
to be used at Albany to defeat reorganization
BILL and they are also determined 10 prevent
policemen from using their places TO influence
votes In the coming election Theodore Roose-
velt president Of the Police Board, yesterday
afternoon said TO a Tribune reporter: There
has undoubtedly been an organized effort to raise
a corruption fund among some men ir the Police
Department. The Commissioners have been
aware of this effort for some time. We cannot
say how many men have contributed. but we
find one now and then and here and there on
the force.
This fund suppose. may be used to in
nuence legislators at Albany and defeat the
passage of a Police Reorganization bill. Where
a man on the force has been found to be con-
nected. as contributor or collector. with TINS
fund. we have removed him In most cases to an
other district, changed his environment so
that his influence on others. or Of others on
him. would be at least partly eliminated
Have you not punished such men by break
ing them or reducing them in rank where pos
sible Mr. Roosevelt" was asked.
NO" answered tne Commissioner. we nave
not 1t is very hard. you know. 10 get evidence
in such cases against parties who are undouot-
edly guilty We hope and expect TO break up the
system of contributions In the end
Has this fund and the part certain ofiicers
have taken in its creation anything to do with
the contemplated 'shake-up' Of the police force?
asked.
Not particularly" said Mr.. Roosevelt. The
'shake-up viii be for the general benefit of the
force. 1t will affect good mer as well as bad
men; cannot say how many II will affect The
changes and transfers will be extensive ana VIII
affect all ranks of the force. ] cannot say now
soon the transfers will be announced Inc
'shake-up might take place IN rev days or
next week, but | shall not say exactly when II
will take place, because :he Police Board might
decide to announce the changes sooner or later
than the time have in mind. They are likely,
however to be announced soon, and before cleo
ton
IF il be discovered that men are working Tor
political tickets, those men will be transferred 10
other precincts That Is all there is TO IT. There
is about per cent of truth IL. the sensational story
OF an $50 600 corruption fund.
From captain down to patrolman the police IN
the various precincts of the city are exerclseu
over the expected "shake-up.' II is reported that
some OF the uptown captains will be among those
transferred.
Certain roundsmen, however. are the men at
whom the finger Of rumor points with speciai
menace 1t is said that they have shown offensive
activity In collecting money 10 defeat any re-
organization of the police force. 1t is even de-
clared that they have used their authority to IN
timidate.
on account Of the coming changes the patrol
men have not been in happy frame of mild Tor
some time.
The Commissioners are determined 10 continue
the reorganization of the Department and the
coming "shake-up'' is in line with their past ef-
forts to increase the efficiency OF the police force