Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
PLATOONS OF POLICE
PROPOSED CHANGES IN TILE DIS
TRICT METHODS.
Continuous Service Tends to Physical
Failure-Work Of Patrolmen and
Detectives Contrasted.

Major Richard Sylvester, the superintend-
ent OF police, has devised what he believes
to be a practical and thoroughly satisfac-
tory scheme for the disposition of the
police force of the capital into platoons, or
tours OF duty. He has reported the matter
to the Commissioners of the District. and
has requested their permission to give the
new system test. For several years.
Major Sylvester says, the leading police.
ofHc1als of the country have given much
study to the question how to work their
commands 80 as to afford the best possible
protection to the lives and property of citt.
Gems. Many propositions have been evolved
only to be found defective when presented
Tor adoption owing to impracticable fea-
lures.
II has been determined" continued the
superintendent, that man possessing
physical qualifications for policeman can.
unoer ordinary conditions endure eight
hours continuous patrol duty without detri-
ment to his health. provided he is allowed
time !or rest and recuperation. Under the
prevailing local system, which has been
adopted In New York and other municipaH-
ties, members of the force patrol the street
six hours, are on reserve six hours, patrol
again for six hours and repeat, obtaining
for themselves about one day out of forty
eight hours. The practice involves irregu-
larity in meals and sleep, to say nothing of
the inability of the officers to associate
with their families.
Conduce to Early Failure.
These continuous demands conduce to
early physical failure fistula, ca tarrh of
the stomach and other diseases being the
oufgroWth More regular hours attach to
the work done by detectives than to that
OF the uniform men; they obtain their meals
and rest as general thing more regularly,
ana, as consequence, enjoy far better
health"
Major Sylvester submits a plan whereby
the interests Of the community will be
equally as well protected, he says, without
considering the improved mental and phys
fcal condition Of the members of the force
which 1t Is believed would ensue, and which
should be given a trial. If within period
OF SIX months the scheme is found deficient,
there is no reason why it could not be aban-
doned. 1t contemplates utilizing the men SO
as to retain the greatest number on duty in
the night time, and secures for them regu-
lar hours FOR meals, and few more hours
TOT rest at home with their families, which
should result in more efficient force in
every way.
Four Sections Each.
In order to secure persons and property
IN the District the same, IL not superior,
protection from a numerical standpoint in
the disposition of the force, the several
precinct commands will be composed of four
sections of privates, sections to be desig-
mated and employed as follows:
section A, street duty from O clock a. m.
to o clock p. M; section B, street duty from
O'Clock pm. to IL o CLOCK p.m.; section C,
street duty from u o'clock m. to 3 o. clock
am; section d, shifting section between
such hours as the emergencies or conditions
may require.
Inc order illustrates the weekly variations
OF the several sections
A departure, such as has been indicat-
ed, Major Sylvester concludes, would not
only be an advantage from a health and
eHect1Ve service standpoint, but would place
every member Of the force on an equal
footing as to hours. avoiding apparent dis
elimination in special assignments, which
tend t. dissatisfaction and oiscord.