Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-11
BENEFIT OF THE POLICE
REORGANIZATION AND AN IN
CREASE IN SALARIES.
Proposition Which Will Be Brought to
Attention Of Congress
Early In Session.

lice department with the long desired
increases in salary as one of the salient
points, is likely to be one Of the most
heartily advocated District measures be-
fore the next session of Congress. A bill
looking to the desired end, prepared by
Maj. Richard Sylvester. was submitted to
Commissioner West today, and 1t will go
before the House committee on the Dis
trict of Columbia in the early winter.
In speaking of the bill, Commissioner
West stated today that the Commission
ers would use every effort to secure It's
enactment. I'VE have a splendid police
force" said Mr.. West, "and I believe that
the men who render such excellent serv-
ice to the city ought to be paid COM
nlensurate salaries. I am particularly in
favor of the promotion of prfvates after
they have served satisfactory proba-
tionary period, because such promotion
is an inducement to honesty, industry and
careful attention to police duty"
Brought to Mr.. Babcock's Attention.
The matter, which has been much dis
cussed of recent years, again came up
several weeks ago. when Representative
Babcock, chairman of the House commit
tee on the District of Columbia, called
upon Commissioner West and talked over
municipal matters In the course of the
conversation the effort to improve the
condition of the police force was brought
to Mr.. Babcock's attention by Commits
sioner West, with especial reference to a
reorganization which would advance the
salaries of the police officers after a GER
tain term of meritorious service Com
missioner West stated that effort had
been made to secure an enactment of this
character in the District appropriation
bill, but that 1t had failed. Mr.. Babcoch
thereupon stated that he would be glad
as chairman of the District committee, to
favorably entertain any legislation which
looked toward the betterment of the po-
lice force, and that he felt sure that the
committee would also view the matter in
the same favorable light. He added, how
ever. that both he and the committee
would desire to have the proposed legis-
Iation originate with the Commissioners
and suggested that the matter be given
careful consideration. After this CONVEX
satfon Commissioner West repeated
Chairman Babcock's views to Maj Syl-
vester and suggested that the latter
frame a bill which would embody the de-
sired improvements in the condition of
the force.
In submitting the proposed measure
Maj Sylvester makes the following In
dorsement:
IF the bill is enacted into law 1t will
place the metropolitan police department
on an admirable footing and in keeping
with the requirements in the District of
Columbia, wherein is located the capital
of the United States
Provisions of the Bill.
The bill provides for one major and SUI
perintendent at salary Of $4,000 per an
mum; one assistant superintendent with
the rank of inspector at $500, three in
spectors at 81 1900, three surgeons at 81, 800
ten captains at s1,5G0. twelve lieutenants,
one of whom shall also be harbormaster
at 81, 800, and such number of sergeantS
and privateS as Congress may from time
to time authorize.
officers mounted on horses are to receive
an extra compensation OF $40 per annum
and officers mounted on bicycles an extra
compensation of $50 per annum.
Sergeants are to be paid $3.50 per an
mum and privates of class one, appointed
after such physical and mental eXamina-
ton as the Commissioners shall prescribe,
are to receive $500 per annum.
Privates of class two are to receive s1,OS0
and privates of class three 1920.
Provision is made that privates of class
one shall be promoted to be privates or
class two after a probationary period of
service of three years following the enact
ment of the new law, provided that by
, their records and intelligent attention to
duty they merit the same.
Privates of class two shall be promoted
to be privates of class three after service
of five years under similar conditions.
The bill also provides that desk sergeants
shall become -privates of class one and that
the police surgeons, who shall be appoint
ed after such examination as may be pre-
scribed, shall hold their appointments as
members of the force, being subject to dis
cipline and removal as provided for such
members.
The bill also provides that the police sur
geons shall devote their entire time and at
ton to the members of the police force ana
fire departments, examine applicants for
those departments, care for the dependent
sick and injured and examine such insane
persons as may be taken in charge by the
police from time to time.