Waterbury Democrat., 1902-07-16
FROM THE OUTSIDE.

PNAJ NA9 la S'tfJ tlA9lA iCt' " -N~
 Want Police and Fire Protection.
 The complications arising out of the republican idea of municipal consol- idation are still coming to the surface. They began with the schools and they have extended themselves to the fire and police departments At the meet ing held last evening of the board of safety the following letter was re- ceived
 "Gentlemen:-The writer is resi- dent of what is known as the annexed portion of the city of Waterbury, for merly the old center school district. I have noted several times in regard to police matters that the chief of police has replied that he has no Jurisdiction outside of the old city limits, and an other high official in the police depart ment remarked a short time since. when the question came up in regard to this matter, that if a call should come from the Highland park district for police assistance, that they had no authority to honor it, and woIAd prob ably not do so as they had never re- ceived instructions from your board to attend to such matters. l have no complaint to make. The presentation of this matter to you is simply that We of the Highland park district, and those of other parts of the annexed portions of the city; or in other words, the No ? district outside. the old city limits, will know whether in the case of a burglary or assault, or any other matter requiring the aid of the police, that they will be obliged to hunt up constable, or whether they have the right to call upon the police depart ment for such protection when need ed? Fortunately we have not had any occasion so far i'll our vicinity for any such call. and I hope we will not, but we would like to be informed whether if an emergency arises we are to be protected Also can we call the fire department if the need arises, either by telephone or from the near est box for assistance. As the people of the annexed portion pay half of the city taxes we would like to know if we are not entitled to, such services as outlined above when we have need of them. We do not ask any regular police patrol, only to know what our rights are in emergencies. Therefore I request that both police and fire Ge- partments be given such instruction that there shall be no question, but that our needs will be attended to without any circumlocution.
 '.Yours truly,
 "CHARLES s. CHAPMAN.
 s.Also, can we not call upon the po- lice department, if the sidewalks III the winter time are not kept clear Of ice and snow in these annexed dis tricts, to oblige delinquent house hold ers to do their duty2'
 This letter aroused considerable dis cussion. Commissioners Taylor acted as chairman All the other members were present. The letter was referred to the city attorny for his opinion. This question has long been pending solution and the answer of the city at torney will be awaited by every tax payer. in the city with great interest. Commissioner Beach asked if the po- lice or the fire departments had map of their jurisdictions and to the su1'- nl.ise of everybody it was aScertalned they had not Chief Egan was asked for information and he said that un- der the old regime he knew his lines nretty we'll but at present he does not and in this he is not alone for no one seems to know exactly where the nresent city lines run. There are tax ation districts and three rates of tax ation. So far as the police department is cbncerned, the chief said, 1t has jurisdiction all over the town of Wa terbury and warrant can be served in any part of the state. He never knew of a crime being committed in any part of the town of Waterbury where the residents did not apply to the police department for protection or information and he never knew of case in which the police did not do their duty. He said he had not map of his jurisdiction and Chief Snagg was asked and he said the same. On motion of Commissioner Beach it was decided to have maps for the police and fire departments. It seems the city engineer is at present engaged on work of this character.
 The complaint against James T, Salker and William T. Keenan of the l Leavenworth street engine house were heard and action deferred. The resig- nation of supernumerary James I, Raleigh was accepted and Eugene Sullivan and Patrick F. Roach were elected supernumeraries.
 Captain Heitman Of the Scovill street engine house reported Richard 1 Mccarthy to have been absent from duty and the usual course was taken. James Hayes was elected callman The usual bills and payrolls were ap- proved.
 The Instructions on the streets were discussed in d casual manner and it was thought to have an Inspection or the supernumerary police force, but 1 Chief Fgan said the newly elected men would not be ready for inspection i'll two weeks. A supernumerary's out 1 fit in this city consists of a blouse, trousers and black helmet, while in l other places, Hartford for instance, he must have full wardrobe the same as q regular policeman
 The Colonial Trust company applied for permission to run a wire from their building to the police station and the matter was referred to com mittee.
 Adjournment was taken to Saturdey evening, July 26.