New-York tribune., 1902-12-21
poNTTE PEFORM,

Tho Navor's commission TO consider police re-
form iS unable to agree upon the most impor-
/ tant tonic before it for consideration MI
pbiIhin believes that three platoon system
somewhat similar to that in force under oolii-
missioner Murphy should be introduced, anu
gives some good reasons for his view ne
thinks that the present tours OF duty are 'oo
long TO secure good work from patrolmen' ahu
that the system discourages arrests at hight
because the time necessary TO take prisoners 10
court and testify against them comes out of the
period needed for rest.
On the other hand Colonel Partridge is firm
in his oppostion to the three platoon system,
holding that under 1t the city would have no
adeouate protection at night and not sufficient
reserves for an emergency, unless the 1orce
sbould be largely increased at an expense whlch
+be taxpayers can i'll afford. The Commissioner
Dromises at q later day TO file statement OF MS
views in detail proposing notifications OF the
two nIatoon system which will do away Win
most of the hardships about which the paToi-
men complain. without decreasing police protec-
ton TO the city. Mr. Philbn's views VIII nave
great influence with a community which hdS
had experience of his poise and good judgment
but before concluding that the three platoon
system is the proper thing we should examine
Colonel Partridge's promised report. founded
as it is on actual experience with both two and
three platoons.
Colonel Partridge and Mr.. Philbin join in all
the other recommendations. The most 1mpor-
tant of these is TO lengthen the term of the Police
Commissioner from five to fourteen years and
make him removable only after trial on charges.
This might be an excellent arrangement with
first class commissioner for it would remove
the force from politics and give time for the
of oJ1cvI jpy-n of rpfO
On the other hand, it might mean the intrench-
ment of mediocrity and the use of the force for
political purposes by a party machine 1t would
make the Police Department practically indie
pendent of the municipal administration.
whether the administrations influence was for
good or ill. Next to the creation Of State po-
lice to remove the force from local control
comes this putting it in the hands Of one man
for term as long as that of a Supreme Court
justice.
In view Of difficulty encountered in dismissing
notoriously unfaithful policemen, 1t might have
been expected that some change in the tenures
of the members of the uniformed force would
be proposed, but no attempt to deprive them
of their right Of appeal to the courts for rein
statement is made, though it is planned to force
retirements Of policemen, including veterans, at
an earlier age, and TO cut off some OF the abuses
Of the present pension system. Perhaps the
theory is that a commissioner with a long
term can so weed out undesirable subordinates
by retirements and dismissals charges as
soon TO get force in which he has confidence
After that there would be no need Of arbitrary
removals.
In addition to these recommendations many
minor changes in the system are proposed, most
of which would require legislation to become
effective. Such legislation should be passed
whether it is thought best to put commits
sioner In Office for fourteen years or not. The
detective bureau might well be reinforced by
outside talent, policemen under indictment
should be of necessity suspended, pensions 10
retired policemen drawing salaries from the city
for other work should cease. petty trials should
be conducted by an inspector, and the commits
sioner should have a general inspector as chief
of staff who is trained in the technical side OF
police duty. The Commissioner should neither
be forced nor tempted to spend his time fussing
over department routine.