New-York tribune., 1902-02-25
PHILBIN ONPOLICE REFORM
FAYoRS LIFE TENURE FOR THE CON-
MISSIONER AND EQUALITY
WITH THE MAYOR.

ICx- District Attorney Eugene a. Philbin, who
returned on the Campana on Sunday, after a
six weeks "trip through Europe, made thor
ouzh investigation Of the criminal procedure
and police systems in London and Paris. The
system IN London interested MIN greatly. lie
says. and there he found many points which he
thinks could be adopted here with advantage.
He expects shortly 10 offer a number of sugges-
tions for special legislation concerning the Po-
lice Department. To a Tribune reporter yes
terday ne said:
From my observations in London l thor
oughly believe that the Police Commissioner
should be elected for life, and should not be
subordinate 70 the Mayor but rather on an
equality with him. The Office is vastly more
important than that Of the Mayor in my
opinion, IL is utterly impossible to ever get a
well disciplined, efficient police force unless the
head Of the department Is removed entirely from
political influences. There would be danger,
In my judgment, Of an official so elected using
his powers for political purposes. as any neglect
Of duty his part could be reached in the
Penal Code. which is very ample in its pro-
visions in that regard.
in London the Police Department is entirely
removed from politics. because the head is ap-
pointed by the Crown. and holds office during
the pleasure of the King. l don't think that the
person so elected to the head of the department
been an experienced policeman. On the con-
trary, one who had not become accustomed to
the precedence and usages in the Police De
partment would find less difficulty in applying
remedies where he found defects, and would
not feel discouraged by the fact that a defect
was the result of long usage and therefore
must be forever submitted to.
The power of removal might be given to the
Governor. but. in order to avoid political in
fuence actuatng the Governor unjustly. his
action should be made revlewable by the court
of last resort, that If his decision was not sus-
tained by proper evidence IL could be set aside.
To produce good government. it is first of all
necessary to create honest and efficient police
force New-York, like all municipalities, is
ruled by its police. If ii is corrupt, eXecu-
tive administration can purify the city. Virtue
may be maintained in theory by those who
speak for II, but to maintain IL in fact, to pre-
vent organized vice to keep crime and de-
bauchery from an open parade, is impossible
without q police force competent to do these
things and organized and operated TO do them.
] believe that this condition can only be brought
about by the election of a police commissioner
for life. There can be only one objection to this
that such independent power might lead to
tyranny or TO the INSCRIPTIONS or selfish use
OF IL. This would be remedied by the power of
removal. 1 have said.
in LONDON 1 made 1t point TO visit Scotland
Yard and Investigate the police methods there.
] hope before long to present measure TO the
legislature affecting our police system. L was
able to observe in London certain customs and
regulations that resemble those l have had in
mind for some time. and which believe are
necessary here"
Mr. Philbin was asked what ne thought of the
work already accomplished by the reform ad-
ministration. He said
81 think that the reform administration Is
meeting the expectations OF every reasonable
man. and that the people Of New-Hork feel
satisfied that they will receive an honest, eff
cient government They cannot, Of course, eX-
pect that there Will not be ground from time TO
time for criticism. These, however, will only
relate to matters of minor Importance, and Will
not affect the substantial welfare OF the city,
which / feel. is safe for the next two years.
Mr. Philbin declined TO discuss his audience
with the Pope. While in London he dined with
Ambassador Choate.