Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-29
REPORTS OFF TRIALS.
Recommendation as to Omcers
Charged With DerelictiOns.

Maj. Sylvester the chief of police, has
forwarded to the Commissioners the papers
in number of cases recently before the
trial officer. In the case of Policeman T.
H. Hawkins, found guilty of neglect of
duty, Maj. Sylvester recommends that the
officer be dismissed. Sergt. Dunnigan in
formed the trial officer that he found
Hawkins In hack in an alley between 9Th
and It'll and E and F. streets southwest.
with lap robe held over him. The ac-
cused officer claimed that he was sick and
was merely searching the vehicle.
In the case of Policeman S. S. Fraser,
who pleaded guilty of entering premises
III H street and remaining therein twenty
five minutes, while on duty, Maj. Sylvester
explained that it was a case of an officer
entering lunch room for coffee on a cold
night, and remaining longer than necessary.
He recommended that the man be warned
and informed that future neglect of duty
will result more seriously.
In the case of Officer NJ. L. Raedy, who
was found guilty of entering a bar room
and drinking intoxicating liquor while on
duty, Maj. Sylvester recommended that a
fine of 50 be imposed, saying he was will
ing to give the accused man the benefit OF
the least doubt, but deplored the disrespect
evidenced when the officer cross-examined
his superior officer during the trial regard
ing a cigarette incident which was not ger
Robertson} IS commended for his vigilance.
In recommending that Officer J. A. Pear
son, who pleaded guilty of leaving his beat
and remaining in house thirty-seyen min
utes, be cautioned against loss of time in
The future Maj. sylvester explains that the
man was engaged in procuring lunch, but
remained in the house an unreasonable
length OF time talking upon business of a
police nature. During cold nights said
the major and In time Of emergency,
when members of the force are performing
extra duty. [ realize the propriety of their
securing a cup of coffee, if it may be had
without members leaving their beats. But
in SO doing. the least possible time should
be consumed and each must be governed
by the circumstances surrounding it. This
opinion should not be considered as an
order, but the inspectors and sergeants will
exercise reason during the extreme
weather.
officer John N Barry. jr., who pleaded
guilty of leaving his post and remaining IN
a lunch room fifteen minutes. did not fare
so well, n fine Of s. being recommended by
Major Sylvester in his case. Frequent
and emphatic orders stated the major,
garding attention to duty. Therefore any
such practice which may have been in
dulged in prior to that time was clearly re-
voked."
The recommendation of Major Sylvester
in each of the preceding cases has been APP
proved by Commissioner Wight, who has
immediate supervision of the police depart
ment, and it is expected that his asso-
ciates will take like action.
In the case of Sergeant McNeely. who
was recently before the trial officer of
charges of receiving a bribe and insubor-
dination. Major Sylvester has forwarded
the finding in the case to the Commission
ers 1t is not believed that the first charge
has been sustained, although it is alleged
that the sergeant was not so fortunate as
tc the other.