Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-05-09
A YEAR OF CRIME.
As Existing Under Chief Sex
toms Administration.
VERY FEW ESCAPE PUNISHMENT.

the Retiring Exexcutive-Some Valuable
Suggestions Worthy Of the Few City Leg
islstors' Consideration.
In the retirement of NJ. H. Sexton
as chief executive of the police de-
partment, the city parts with one Of
the foremost, most cautious and con-
scientious disciplinarians which ever
welded the reigns as a prosecutor of
the unlawful. As an officer he
displayed, much to the edification of
our people and his superiors. his ca
pability and faithfulness to duty,
and as chief he exercised his exper-
fence and enhanced judgment as to
the proper fortification of q commu-
nifty against the evildoer to good ad-
vantage, as will be observed by q
reference to the citv's criminal
record during his administration
While the termination of his official
duties will be received with much
pleasure by the ordinance violators.
who have in every instance suffered
the penalty, much greater will his
loss be felt by the community in
in general which has learned to ap-
preciate his worth.
Tho Annual Criminal Record.
The past year has been one of ex-
ceptional quietude among the unlaw-
full of our city, which is principal y
due to the protection rendered, and
in almost each instance the trans
gressor has received punishment.
Chief Sections report shows 2S9 ar
rests during the year made under the
city ordinances, and 1874 as state
cases. This makes total Of 423 ar
rests, which will stand a favorable
comparison with preceding annual
records. Compared with cities OF
less Importance. Rock Island can
boast of a very small number Of cases
for criminal prosecution.
Valuable Suggestions.
The retiring chief further eviden.
ces his desire for good government,
sanitary as well as morally. in his
recommendation to the incoming
administration. His suggestions are
invaluable. and are the result Of
close application as to the necessi-
ties of the department which he con-
trolled, and are worthy of the careful
consideration of the new city legis-
lators who. it is hoped, will profit
by them. Here is what he says: 81
desire to call your attention to the
need of an increase in the number
of men in the department.. and would
suggest that at as early date as pos
sible there be at least five additional
officers appointed. Our city covers
considerable territory, and with only
six patrolmen for night duty the ser.
vice is entirely inadequate. and
would further suggest that the office
of patrol sergeant be created, his
duty to have control Of and be re
sponsible for the general conduct o.
the night patrolmen while or
their beats, make the round!
of the city and report eacl
case of neglect of duty. incompetent
cy or misconduct of any officer to thu
head of the department as soon a.
possible after an offense has beer
committed. l desire also to cal
your attention to the deplorable con
dition of our police headquarters and
city Jail. The sanitary and ventilat
ing arrangements are very bad. Thu
Jail is fast becoming unsafe and {
menace to the health of anyone con
fined therein, and under the present
arrangement it is almost an impos
sibility to keep it clean and free from
vermin. especially in cold weather
when we are obliged to house on al
average of 300 tram2s month.
Female Department Needed.
Your further attention is called
to the fact that there is absolutely
no apartment for the confinement o
female prisoners, which ! think viii
claim your immediate consideration
from the fact that there has been {
bill passed by the last state genera
assembly providing for police ma
irons and separate apartments TO
female prisoners in all cities of 10,
900 or more inhabitants"
| Mr.. Sexton also recommends tina
immediate attention be directed t.
the fire and police alarm system, tn
working condition of which is yer,
poor and unsatisfactory.