The St. Louis Republic., 1904-06-10
GENERAL, POLICE AFFAIRS.

The important subjects which have engaged close
attention at the convention of the International AS
sociation Of Chiefs of Police well worthy of scru
tiny from practical municipalities and those citizens
OF different large cities who would have the police
systems thorough and efficient. At every session
suggestions for betterment submitted by the
chiefs and debated with that regard for ethics which
is manifested in all gatherings of techncists.
Police officials subject to criticism everywhere
and their peculiar business SO often leaves them
open to attack and rdicule that they lose credit to
which they are entitled. The enthusiasm of this
convention in advancing and recommending reforms
ought to give the masses a higher opinion Of their
ability integrity earnestness and courage, Illus
trating concusively that the public is not de
srous than the chiefs to establish good departments
With the initiative for betterment coming In all sin
cerity, from the directors Of large organizations,
there is certainty that results will be achieved
quicker and in accordance with the philosophy Of
perlence
Chief Francis O'Neil Of Chicago addressed the
convection the necessity of eliminating politics
from police affairs and the advisabity Of organic
ing departments a civiIservice basis. Chief Rich
ard Sylvester of Washington spoke Of general i'm
provements in police systems and methods Of the in
ternational bureau of Identification and of the well
fare of patrolmen, advocating increases in salaries
upon lne 1eSurance tnat adequate compensation pro-
notes discipline and the best service. Chief Patrick
Kiely of ST. Louis and others discussed the merits
of the Bertilon and daktyoscopc systems for iden-
abeth explained the New Jersey system Of paroling
prisoners upon first offense, thus affording oppor
runity for moral amendment. Other subjects but Of
more technical character, were considered.
Opinion differs decidedly concerning an interop-
e:atye system OF Identification. Most departments
nave the Bertillon system only. whereas a few re-
cently have given preference to daktyoscopy almost
dispensing with the former: few cities, however,
have adopted the best features Of the Berton sys-
TEN and the method Of taking imprints of ngertips
which is known as daktyloscopy. The new system is
not an innovation by any means, although it has
been introduced in London as more less of nov
city for 1t has been in use in India and other remote
countries for many 1t appears to be satisfac
tory. Nevertheless the more experienced chiefs are
right in urging retention of the Bertillon system or
at least of its best features although there canuot
be strenuous objection to including daktyloscopy
an additional precautiou and for special purposes
The recommendations Of Chiefs O'NeE Sylvester
and Tenney are particularly suggestive. As Chief
ONeil states 1t Is desirable that politics ana exter
nal influences be eliminated altogether from police
aars and the departments be conducted strictly on
business principles. The pernicous effects Of out
side Influences have been observed In every large
city, and the necessity for change in the direction
of system and independence is recognized generally
Major Sylvester's suggestion that patrolmen be
raid better saaries and given shorter hours strikes
against popular sentiment. But 1t is a good sugges
tion. substantially at least. Adequate salaries
move temptation, justify discipline and require faith
fa& work s-,s.lss s.af,.
The New Jersey system Of paroling prisoners who
are guilty Of first offensc expounded by Chief
Tenney. is in line with advancement in corrective
policies. AL suggestions Of this kind beneficial.
It heiongs,in in class with the juvenile court.
The subjects and recommendations brought for