Evening star., 1901-06-19
IMPROVED POLICE SERVICE
THE FIRST STEP IN REoRGANIzA-
TTON TAKEN TO-DAY.

The first step in the matter of reorganiz-
ing the police force was taken today by
Maj. Sylvester in reference to the bicycle
corps The superintendent issued to the
leutenants of the several precincts an or
der informing them that on and after the
1st day of July, 1901, the members of the
several commands who may be detailed to
the bicycle squad will be required to pur-
chase and keep in thorough repair the BIZ
cycles which they ride, and for the pur-
chase and maintenance Of the wheels each
member thereof will be allowed extra COM
pensation monthly at the rate of $50 per
annum.
The lieutenants are also informed of
amendments to the rules of the manual re-
specting the bicycle corps, which rules are
as follows:
Bicycles shall be Of the latest improved
pattern, dark blue in color. and all times
be maintained in good condition to enable
the members mounted thereon to meet de-
mands in any emergency where speed and
security are especially requisite; they shall
at all times be kept clean and shall be in
spected daily by the lieutenant Or other Of
ficer in command Of precinct; the make
and number of each to be registered at the
station house where the same may be in
use.
In case of destruction or damage to any
bicycle employed In the police service the
owner thereof shall be required to replace
or repair the same. without cost to the de-
partment.
Members of the bicycle squad shall be
detailed to service Of eight hours each
beginning at o'clock am. daily, and alter
mating, as the lieutenant of the precinct
may direct Members so detailed shall give
their entire time while on duty to the busi-
ness OF the department, completing a tour
OF the precinct as often and thoroughly as
possible giving special attention to prin-
clpal thoroughfares in the enforcement of
the laws and police regulations
Fast and Reckless Driving.
The attention of members of the bicycle
squad Is especially directed to the regula-
tions which provide against fast and reck-
less driving and riding. for the speed of
street cars, automobiles locomobiles BIZ
cycles and vehicles of all kinds, and
against the sweeping and casting of debris
in the streets
squad shall not stop to engage In conyersa-
tion with members Of the force or Others
on subjects other than those concerning
the work In hand. and. in riding. shall
themselves observe the rules Of the road
as far as consistent with duty
Frequent dtsmounting and continued foot
patrol shall not be countenanced without
good and suffieiehtsexcuse therefor. except
| in the execution of special or general or
| ders. ot uw,
Members orahe bicycle detail having ex-
tended time OFF, shall be expected to be
unusually prompte Energetic and Intelligent
| in the perforHancejo of duty
| Wheels. when not in service by the
| owner, shall he carefully stalled at the sta
| tion, and notAto be used by any other per
| son than the 6wnergwhen he is on duty
Repeated violations Of the rules govern
| Ing the bicycle squad by any member
| thereof shall be promptly reported to the
| major and superintendent
Two bicycles owned by the department
| shall be kept 6t each precinct station house
! for use where there is a hurry call. but
| shall not be) nsed,sfor general service or
personal convenience. The lieutenants will
| observe that the same are well and nron-
| erly cared for.e and kept under lock when
not IN usa II iool
Improved Service Expected.
| Under the new order, Major Sylvester
hopes to secure an improved service on the
| part of the officers mounted on wheels.
| At present only one bicycle man is on duty
| at time in each precinct, and each works
| with platoon and section, the same as the
| footmen. Members of the new bicycle
| corps will do eight hours of duty daily.
| changing at 8 o'clock am, pm. and
| midnight.
Experience had taught the chief of police
| that the duty Of a bicycle officers REQUIRES
him to be on the streets during the day
more than at night. Complaints are con-
| tinually made about the playing of ball
| and the scattering of debris on the public
| thoroughfares, and 1t is said officers afoot
experience trouble In apprehending such
offenders. With two bicycle policemen on
| duty In each precinct all the time Major
Sylvester hopes to secure better results.