The times., 1899-03-29
POLICE FORCE MAY
Be REORGANIZED
Too Much Jealousy Between De-
tectiyes and Precinct Men.
Regarded as an Obstacle to the
ferreting of Crime.
Many Criminnis Who Are Not
Brought 10 Justice a. Speedily
They should Re.

It is understood that Major sylvester,
Chief OF Police, has under consideration
a proposed plan for changes in his depart
ment, or. at least. a change in the methods
of operation now in vogue. which, it is
said, viii virtually amount to a reorgani-
zation OF the police force. This has not
been officially announced, but the rumor
is given credence because recently the at
fention Of the major. has been called to
frequent laxities on the part of the men
under him. These lsxities. il is alleged
have assumed such proportions that Major
Sylvester must naturally feel ii incumbent
on him as Superintendent of Police to en-
ploy measures. drastic if necessary TO the
end OF lettering the facilities OF his de-
partment in its work of preventing and
detecting crime. In speaking of the matter
yesterday prominent police official said:
There are many changes that could be
made in the department which would op-
crate TO its material advantage. These are
apparent to 4 casual observer. and, of
course, cannot fail of recognition by Major
Sylvester. There are also many fragrant
mistakes made by the policemen of the
different precincts which have been called
to the attention of Major Sylvester. There
Is also an existing condition prevalent in
the department which may not have been
called 10 the attention OF the major. but
which is apparent enough and has been
frequently commented on by members of
the force. II would work disorganization
in any body Of men working for a common
good, and while il exists 1t will be next
10 Impossible TO obtain the best results
from any labor. no matter how assiduous
or jealous IL may be. The existing condi-
lion creates in the police force an aching
void. which should be filled with the one
theme Harmony
The condition referred to" he contin-
ued, is jealousy, and petty jealousy at
that. And that that condition certainly
exists has been remarked by more than one
detective or policeman who has been ap-
preached upon the subject. Why the jeal-
ousy is so extant is that the precinct police
and the headquarters detectives are like
two separate clans, and are continually
knocking each other. They do not con-
fine the knocking from one side TO the
other either. but knock among themselves
AS matter Of fact. man in this depart
Iheni never knows who his friends are or
how many enemies he has. Can you imag-
Inc anything that would be more disorgan-
izing than such condition OF affairs
Without harmony in the department we are
seriously Handicapped in our work, nor is
II surprising.
AoHlinulnEs lne oincial Sald- one can
have no idea OF the extent of the petty
Jealousy existing in the department until
he Is brought face TO face with il. Even
then he is 10th 10 believe what he secs
Imagine a squad OF policemen in a re-
ctnct working on case of murder, say.
where there is the greatest mystery sur
rounding the crime. They are working
hard TO ferret the mystery and are not
leaving a stone unturned in their efforts
10 clear up the case and bring the guilty
party or parties TO speedy justice Then
Imagine ono or two headquarters detectives
at work on the same case They have
been detailed by the inspector TO assist
The precinct men in solution of the mys-
tory. They are not interfering. but are do
ing what they are ordered to do and have
no choice in the matter. The result is each
side Is working against the other, and
the criminal generally goes free
Naturally enough, all who are work
Ing on the case are anxious TO get the
credit and glory which will rebound to the
one successful enough 10 secure the arrest
and conviction of the guilty party. De-
tectires and policemen are alike in that
casual observer would say that rivalry
exists. and that Is sufficient guarantee for
the fact that good work will be done Each
10 apparently trying 10 outstrip the other
End rivalry is a good thing ia that II
makes all parties concerned labor harder
IL their efforts 10 obtain the coveted glory
'on the surface the ching has the ap-
pcarance OF rivalry, but underneath ap-