The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-16
new CHIEF is INSTALLED
GEORGE A. TAFFE ASSUMES THE
DUTIES OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Mayor BOOkwaIter, of the
Safety Board and Others mt
The Police Station.

George A. Taffe, the new superintendent
of the Indianapolis police force. was for
mally presented to the members of the
department and invested with the badge
of authority last night at the Z o'clock roll
call, at which time the Mayor, members of
the Board of Safety, members of both day
and night forces, the detective department
and many visitors were assembled.
Acting Superintendent Martin Hyland,
who was made a captain, spoke briefly,
thanking the members of the department
for their assistance during his incumbency
of the office and closed by presenting Mr..
Taffe. The latter was greeted with ap-
plause. He said he appreciated the honor
of the appointment, but was not so taken
up with the honorary part of it as to for
get there were many responsibilities to
the position, and that in the administra-
ton of the affairs of the office he would
endeavor to do what he thought was the
right thing for the interests of the people,
for whom he said he and each member of
the department were acting as servants.
He asked the cooperation of the men to
the end that departmental work might be
done by them jointly "as one man." and
that only by doing it in such a manner
could the primary object of the police de-
partment be brought about.
He said the suggestion of Mayor Book
walter several weeks ago relative to patrol
men visiting saloons was one which he
wanted to impress again upon the minds
of each. He wanted the men to visit sa-
looms, houses known as gambling houses,
and resorts of all kinds for the purpose of
seeing the people who frequented them and
apprehending the criminals for whom they
sought, who made their headquarters in
such places.
Mayor followed Superinten-
dent Taffe, saying the Board of Safety had
selected Mr.. Tafe as the man who. il was
thought, would best serve the interests of
the city in that position. He emphasized
the point that the selection of Mr.. Taffe,
although highly complimentary to him, in
no manner reflected upon the men who had
also been considered in connection with the
position and not appointed. Mayor Book
walter paid glowing compliments to the
men who had been considered as possible
occupants of the position. Particularly ad-
dressing his remarks to the patrolmen he
said superintendent Tafe would be super
intendent in fact as well as in name" and
to the administration he would be held
responsible for the government of the de-
partment. He also stated with emphasis
that contrary TO the statements of certain
newspapers the department was not now
considering and had not considered the
question of wholesale" discharges and that
any changes made would be because they
were necessary for the good Of the DEPART
ment and the service which is demanded by
the people.
Following Mayor Bookwalter Messrs.
Keller and Sch~oppenhorst. of the Board of
Safety, spoke about a dozen words each.
being followed by Captain Gerber, of the
detective department. who ~nowled
the call for a speech on account Of his pro-
motion with a bow and a smile. Prosecutor
j. r. collins. during the distribution Of
cigars furnished by superintendent Taffe.
amused the members of the department
with a few really humorous stories. Super
intendent Hyland took up his duties as
captain last night, but the other changes
in the force. the turkeys office and the
desk sergeants, will be made to-day.