The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-17
A YEAR WITH THE POLICE.
Chief McDermOtt's Men Made 500
Arrests in 1898.

Chief McDermott's Men Made 1921
Arrests in 1898.
Chief McDermott filed with the Mayor
yesterday the annual report of the doings
of the police department last year, which
is strong evidence in support of the claims
made for the advancement of this impor-
tant branch of the public service. Detail
ed information is boiled down and sue
cinctly stated in the report, making it one
that will be read with interest.
It is stated that the department has had
one of the busiest years in it's history. But
for the good discipline under which it is
operated, 1t would have been impossible,
the report states, to have accomplished
the excellent results it did. The encamp-
ment Of the Seventh Army Corps in Sa-
vannah gave the department much addi-
tional work Chief McDermott pays his
compliments TO the army officers who act
ed as provost marshals for their co-opera-
ton with the police department in the sup
preston of lawlessness.
Much was also accomplished by the de-
has succeeded by efficient service in max
ing an enviable record. Though young in
years. this department has worked its
way to tho front in this branch of the SER
vice, and thereby adds to the efficiency of
both the police and detective branches.
They are separate and distinct, yet CO.
operate in the work the department as
whole, is expected to do That city the
size of Savannah could not do well with
out a thoroughly organized detective
force is shown by what the three In the
service accomplished last year. The big
gest catch was that of Mabry the alb
sconding express agent from Brunswick,
who was captured on the Ogeechee
road with over $4,000 of the company's
money bucked under his shirt. Property
amounting to over $4,000 was recovered
during the year, of which over $4,000 was
cash.
chief NcDermott calls attention in the
ranort to the heroic act of Policeman
Cronin in Colinsville, when the gallant
officer ran to the rescue of a woman in
burning house, gathered her and small
bahe safely in his arms and took them
ont of the danger Cronns brave con-
duct was recognized by the Police Com
nissioners. who presented him with a
handsome gold medal.
1--WE had less murders this year than
,oet - the report says, land I am proud
20 cav not one of those who did commit
r,urder escaped. All the officers and pa
troInen have been vigilant in the dis
oborga of their duties, and ] take great
Measure in expressing my appreciation of
their good work.
GDeaking of the Berullon system LOT the
Identification of criminals, which was
adonted last year, ii is stated IL has gwen
nerfect satisfaction. Without this system
he department is handicapped in the iden-
tihcation of professional criminals WIN
This Improvement l am saushed the de-
nartnert is strictly up-to-date."
co,,erar Dages are next devoted TO a list
20 oaicare and patrolmen of the depart
,nanr with the date on which each was
onnointed Policemen Farr and Clayton
,aI,o baen retired A list is also given of
10 ocean Steamship Company's force,
which IS under the supervision of Chiet
McDsrmott. The usual inventory of de-
nartment property is also given.
ToIIowing are few dots from the num-
nor and causes Of arrests: Drunk and dis
orderly. 742. fighting in streets, 4Sl; firing
INNS and pistols promiscuously, 80; gamb-
Itng IN streets. rs; interfering with and
sIrIlstng officers. 158; larceny 39l; murder,
=. noncy shops, .; reckless drAlng. 60; rob
herv Is; suspicious characters, 1875; va
erancy. 155; violating bicycle ordinance,
30. violating sanitary ordinance, 119; vio-
lating Sunday closing law, 10. The total
r1,n,ber of arrests for the year were 5921.
or this number the detectives arrested
$50.
Superintendent Of Police Telegraph Clai-
horne includes his report with that Of the
department 1t shows that 49, $50 reports
were received over the Gamewell system
during the year. 1t also shows the cost
of maintaining this part Of the service to
be S6SLQ3.