The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-12-25
TOLD TO MOVE ON
Criminals with Records Do Not Tary
In Canton.
PLENTY OF work AT WoRKHoUsE
For Vagrants Who Loiter In This
City...Worklngs of the Local
Police Force.

Duringsthe hours Of night, when most
good people in Canton are at their
| homes, and especially during the late
hours of the evening and early hours
of morning when they are In their beds,
wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, Can
| tons little band of IL, all told, is pro-
tecting the interests of the city.
For 12 hours when thieves are suppos-
ed to ply their trade and dangers of all
kinds exist, this little squad of brave
policemen patrol the territory assigned
to them. They endeavor to prevent
crime and bring the perpetrators of it
to justice.
This little force has accomplished
wonders in ridding the city of the tough
element, and in keeping crime down to
minimum.
THE TERRITORY COVERED.
The city of Canton covers over six
square miles. Twelve policemen are sup
posed to cover this territory. This is
less than two men to every square
mile. 1t is impossible for each man
to walk over every mile of street in his
beat. As result, much of the terri
tory Is not patroled, but the beats"
are divided in manner that place each
patrolman where the demand for his
services is heaviest The business
and wealthy resident districts are con-
sidered enticing to the night providers
and porch climbers.
There are in the department 26 men,
as follows: Sergeants 2, turnkeys 2,
wagon men 6, patrolmen 16. This force
is divided into day and night shifts. One
man is on duty at all times at the sta
tion. Three men are in the patrol
house, one sergeant is on duty at nights
and the other during the day.
LARGE FORCE AT NIGHT.
Four men patrol the streets during the
day and the others watch for peace
breakers while the sun is shining in
the orient.
Before going to their posts each man
reports at headquarters. The day men
are informed of all deeds of a criminal
nature reported at headquarters during
the night and are expected to keep on
the lookout for suspected persons. The
night men are all lined up before going
out to their beats at o'clock, and re-
ceive any instructions or information
that is intended for them. These in
structions are varied and frequently are
important. If a complaint is made DUR
Ing the day the night force is informed
OF 1t. II there is a criminal in the city
that the department wishes to have ar
rested the night men are told to keep
a watchful eye for him. Many times,
lost children are reported at the station
and the night men are instructed to
search for them. Every minor detail Is
looked after at this time and when the
force goes on the street there is moth
ing for the men to do but reach their
respective beats as quickly as possible |
and begin their twelve hour trick.
FEW CRIMINALS HERE.
Owing to the efficiency of the Canton
police force, very few expert or old time |
criminals care to come here. AS soon |
as crook with a record arrives in |
the city the police usually spot him. He |
ls given the preference of going to the |
works or getting out of town before the |
sun sets. Mr.. Crook usually tells the |
police he prefers to travel.
Hobos have no use for Canton. The |
very thought Of the workhouse causes
a "vag" to see visions of soap, water
and the last straw, work. When Nc
E<inley town is mentioned down the lin. |
the hobo says, "Cut it out" and when
ne visits Canton he goes straight
through.