The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1905-03-12
LITTLE RESPECT FOR AN UN
UNIFORMED OFFICER"

In it's report of the proceedings OF
the City Court, the Times in it's issue
of Friday, credits, after referring to the
Colgate-Webb case, to the Judge of the
City Court the words quoted:
He stated to those present. and es-
pecially to the complaining policeman,
that he had little respect for an ununi-
formed officer
This is singular statement and some
what startling! However, the ununi-
formed officer must play his part some
times, regardless ofthe unfavorable opin-
ions and the ungenerous criticisms OF
one having greater authority. The po-
lice need no defender or apologist, es-
pecially of the Caucasian, but, it should
be said in all sandor and fairness that
an officer should not be discredited, es-
pecially by judge, because, in his ef-
forts to catch the lawbreaker he must
lay aside his uniform which is always
conspicuous. Perhaps the Judge Of the
City Court is not aware that many of
the greatest criminals have been arrest
ed by officers in the garb of the citizen.
sometimes dressed in the most exquis-
ite style of the art. moving in high So
ciety. where the law-breaker sought the
shelter under some assumed name or
guise
Why should the Judge have little re-
spect for an ,ununiformed officer? Would
he have the officer go to the place where
the law is being violated and announce
his presence and his intention to inspect
the premises where he has from indica-
tions. every reason to believe that the
law-breakers are holding a gleeful levy,
especially on Sunday, behind some bar
screened?
/ There have been many instances, Of
recent date, when officers in full uni
form have attempted to go into certain
saloons, but were denied adnittance by
the guards stationed on the outside and
having communication through electric
connection with the inside where the
law has been violated with in1punity.
If the officer in full uniform cannot Sc
,cure entrance, as others who are known
to the guards stationed outside. how is
the officer to go in except he lay aside
his uniform?
The greatest and best detectives never
appear in the garb of their office and the
policeman or the officer who would ven-
t,1re to make the arrest of some men.
who are known law-breakers would be
ridiculed if he gave notice of his ap-
pearance in full uniform. Instead of be-
ing discredited such an officer should
be commended for his zeal and effort in
securing evidence sufficient to convict
the law-breakers. 1t will not be denied
that it is only the man who is breaking
the law who will resist, impede Or deny
admission to an officer, when all others
are given full and free access to his
place of business during the hours re-
stricted by law.
AS the statement credited by these
words, quoted, to the Judge of the City
Court appeared in the Times, this au-
thority cannot be questioned and must be
accepted as fact beyond all e1atra-
vention. These words, to say the least
are singular. somewhat startling tc
come form a judge, and may be con-
strued as license by the 1aw-breakers
to defy the law and the officer in uni
FORM After all, it should not be ques,
ton of uniform but of facts and of We
racity. including the connections and the
circumstances OF the case