Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-14
THE NEW POLICE LAW
REORGANIZATION ACT TENDS To
STRENGTHEN DEPARTMENT..
Features of the Bill Recently Passed
by C0ngress-OmissiOn of Civil
Service Clause.

Under what is called the reorganization
act, which recently became a law, there are
included several features which. in the
opinion of the authorities, will materially
strengthen the police department and at
the same time add to its efficiency. The
bill as originally drawn by Major sylves-
ter included civil service clause providing
for appointments and promotions, which
was eliminated in the Senate, leaving mat
tiers in that respect they now stand.
The superintendent of police, for whose
individual efforts the force has reason to
be thankful for the many benefits which
will be derived from the new measure.
while reluctant to forego the loss of any
of the clauses included in the original text,
derives much satisfaction from the law as
enacted.
Instead of providing appropriations in
the next bill for the support of the depart
ment, for superintendent, captain, three
lieutenant inspectors, lieutenants, ser
geants privateS and station keepers, the
new law will call for major and super
intendent, captain and assistant superln-
tendent, four captains, ten lieutenants.
thirty-five sergeants, privates to such num-
Der as Congress may authorize and the
present station keepers will become desk
sergeants. The latter will have charge
Of the stations and records now, but
with the authority of sergeants. Very often
the lieutenant or sergeant Is absent from
the station and the desk sergeant will
have authority to direct, receive collateral
and avoid delaying persons who would 9TH
erwise have to await the return Of the SER
geant or lieutenant.
These several changes in titles will in
volve the production of new rules and regu-
lations by the Commissioners prescribing
the various duties of the several officers
named. It is expected that the assistant
superintendent will relieve the major and
superintendent of much detail and routine
work in Office, so that he can give more at
tention to outside matters and devote some
time at least to the study of criminal and
other problems which should have his at
tenton. 1t is also proposed that the duties
Of the captains who are now designated
lieutenant inspectors shall be prescribed.
Under present conditions as lieutenantS
their authority correspondent 1t is said,
with that of the lieutenants in charge of
precincts. 60
Duties of Captains.
One of the captains will likely have
charge of the detective bureau, and one
each supervise the precincts included in the
territory east and west of 7th street, which
will leave fourth captain to perform the
duties now incumbent on the only captain
connected with the department. embracing
the inspection of uniforms. wagons, horses
and property of the department, and the
carrying out of details and assignments
generally. By the new law members of
the force can only be removed after trial
on written charges. That Is. they can only
be removed for cause. and any Injustice
done could be remedied in the courts. This
security in position. 1t Is claimed, will add
much to the efficiency of the force, en-
aiding a performance Of duty without fear
or favor.
Such prfvates as may be detailed from
time to time as detectives will during Iucn
service have the rank Of sergeants. Very
often it is necessary for detective to all
into reuuisition for assistance private in
the force, and the change in the law will
leave no room for dispute as to his author
ity in such matters.
The law settles the oft-disputed question
as to whether the superintendent Is mem
Der of the force by making him such, and
eligible to pension, as are others connected
Herewith. The change in the pension lew
chief of the fire department, superintendent
of police, captains lieutenants, sergeants
and privates on scale commensurate with
their pay at the time of such retirement,
1t being within the scope of the Com mis-
sioners, in case of injury to members OF
as a maximum for relief an amount equal
to half pay, except that the superintendent
of police could not receive an amount no
portionate to the others. The relief fund,
which Is now somewhat depleted. will be
increased by the collections for dog licen les
July 1 next, which will put 1t on good
basis.
No person can practice hereafter as a
private detective without giving bond to
the Commissioners and making reports
of their work to the police depart
ment. This will have a tendency to break
up a growing evil. the penalty for such
violation being very heavy. The special
subject to the regulations governing the
met rODO1itan notice force.