Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-27
CHIEFS INSTRUCTIONS
Major Sylvester Gives Rules tbr Government
Of Bicycle Squad.
The Members Expected tn FamiiiarIse
to Exercise Diligence.

The eighteen policemen selected as mem
bers Of the bicycle squad under the new
arrangement of Major Sylvester as here
tofore published in The Star, will tomor-
row morning at roll call hear the sugges-
tons of their chief read. These fnstruc-
ticns were prepared by Major Sylvester
yesterday. and copies were sent to the
lieutenants today.
The instructions read as follows.
At this time, when the bicycle is about
to be put into more extensive service in
the several precincts, 1T might be well 10
info rnl the men detailed to that duty con-
corning some matters which have occurred
to ME and others as of the greatest i'm
poTtance to the public and the department.
Must Set Example
First. Because a man is on a wheel IT
Is not to be understood that he is to patrol
the precinct other than at a moderate pace
unless circumstances require haste, and
much OF the time, no doubt, the officer will
be Off his wheel
second 1t is especially desirable that
the ofncers should keep up their acauaint-
ance with citizens throughout their respec-
i've precincts, to be civil and polite on all
occasions, promptly stop when hailed to do
30, ana 10 Keep their eyes open so as to be
aoie TO make response to any calls that
may De MADE upon them. 1t is the practice
10. one r1oing to generally look directly
ant ad II Will be necessary for the officers
10 keep their eyes open on all sides.
Third. While complaints of this kind
are not as numerous as formerly head
quarters, L regret to state are frequently
informed of the practice of throwing bot
ties and other glassware on the naved
streets to the detriment of bicycle riders
ihese conditions. where they exist, should
be observed, and means taken to have the
dangerous and expensive obstruction re-
moved.
Fourth. 1t is important that specIaI at
tention be given all houses known to be
temporarily unoccupied- Citizens are re-
Quested to notify headquarters when they
ieaVe their premises uncared for. This In
formation Will be in turn furnished the
precinct station houses and the police gen
orally, and bicycle officers in particular
should familiarize themselves with such
lcca tions.
Hobberies of Unoccuplcd Houses
Fifth. Unoccupied houses, for sale or
rent, which yield the owners no revenue.
have frequently been robbed of lead pipe
and other furnishings, not only to the dis
gust, but to the expense of the owners.
While too much is not expected of the bi-
cycle officers they should try the doors
and windows Of such premises, front and
rear, and take the precaution to have any
the owner or agent.
Sixth. AS the bicycle affords the best
facility for experimenting fast and reckless
drivers the bicycle officers should make 1t
their endeavor to put a stop to such prac-
tees.
Seventh. Especial attention should be
given to riders of bicycles who are dis
posed to violate the regulations.
General Instructions
Eighth. Bicycle men should thoroughly
famiiarize themselves with the manual.
should be The first at fires, should promptly
respond in pursuing all fugitves and to
carry alarms. when necessary, to different
parts of their precinct, or to other pre-
circts than their own, and in every way
strictly perform the duties enjoined upon
fcotmen by the regulations. They should
map out their course, not only through the
streets, but through alleys and in and
about reservations where violations of law
are likely to occur.
THE same facilities for calling I'D the
station houses from the signal boxes are
afforded the mounted men as are enjoyed
by the footmen. The ueutenants will util-
ize the new facilities afforded them to the
best advantage, holding those to whom
these duties are confided to the proper con-
Duct of all their undertakings. Ordinary
wear and tear Of the wheel is expected
Care should be taken to avoid accidents
and TO keep the machine in good ORDER