The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-08-04
Chief Lees REPORT.
Suggestions as to the Improve
ments That Are Greatly
Needed.
The New Head of the Department
Eulogizes the One That Has
Retired.

Chief of Police Lees has filed his annual
report with the Board of Supervisors
showing the work done by the department
under his supervision during the past
twelve months.
After detailing the number of arrests
made, with the causes OF the same and
the amount paid into the city treasury
in fines, the Chief makes suggestions re-
garling The improvement of the depart
ment as follows:
The history of the police departments in
other cities, and particularly in the larger
and more progressive Eastern cities, fully JUS
titles the position which l am assuming in
this matter In these cities the police stations
are CITY property and are fitted up in sub
Stant1 al and adequate manner to accommo-
date all officers In the district in which the
ation is located. thus giving the force a
place OF rendezvous, where they can be
concentrated in cases OF riot or popular out
breaks. 1t is my duty 10 remind you that
ultimately IL IS the taxpayers who are obliged
to make good losses resulting from the con-
duct of riotous mobs and l urge seriously
upon your most careful attention the PROPOSE
ton that the reasonable precautionary meas
ures here suggested for the adequate equip
ment OF this department would be very
cheap insurance against the heavy losses
which may be incurred by neglecting to take
that care of the public interests which any
reasonable person would take in the manage
ment OF his private affairs.
AS soon as possible four patrol-wagons
should be constructed for the double purpose
not only OF replacing those worn out by long
service but also TO increase the efficiency of
the department by providing these wagons for
outlying districts.
There should be established police station
in The vicinity OF Steiner and Union or Green
witch streets, because that district, owing to
the topography OF that part of the City, the
pleasure resorts at Seaside Gardens, Harbor
View Park the Preside, Fulton Iron Works,
gas works, umber-yards. etc, and the isoia-
ton from the main lines OF street railways, re-
quires special police protection.
l recommend that police station should be
established in the vicinity of the Golden Gate
Park, but so situated as to command the park
and Ashbury Heights and Richmond districts
The esta Adjustment OF such a station is fast be-
coming matter of necessity, owing to the
large increase, both in building and in popu-
lauon, in the district mentioned.
The increase during the last year of the
mounted patrol for duty in the outlying dis
tricts has demonstrated the value and neces-
sity of this branch of the SERVICE a branch
which is highly commended by the residents
OF these districts would recommend fur
Their increase of this patrol, and that orses
and necessary equipments should be supplied
for that purpose.
Regarding Chief Crowley's retirement
Chief Lees says: "Chief Crowley has lett
the Police Department, but he has left be-
hind him in the department record that
any man might justly envy. For faithful
ness in the discharge of his duty, for sim
gleness and sincerity of purpose seldom
found among men, for steadfast friends ship
and kindness of heart, Chief Crowley
stands pre-eminent among the men who
have made history in this municipality !;
and while, in common with the other
mem bers of this department, l regretted
his retirement, still that regret was tenn
pereG by the knowledge al he was a bout
to enjoy the rest and release from official
care, toll and responsibility to which he
was jnstly entitled"