Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-05-01
Investigation of the Police.


The investigation of the official con-
duct of the members of the police force
is drawing to close, and within a few
da,s time the public will be made ac-
quainted with the findings of the Board
of Police Commissioners. The board
held another meeting last night at
which plans were perfected for taking
action in accordance with the evidence
which has from time to time been given
before it. A few weeks ago Mayor Pan
made the following recommendations TO
the board
To the Police Commissioners, Alexsn-
dria, Va:
Gentlemen-YOu will call To mind
the occasion Of our visit to police head
quarters a short time since at which
time it was agreed that there was very
little or no system in the department
During the investigation of the Curtin
murder there was again developed
lack of proper police Discipline, as a mat
Ter of fact for some years our police de-
partment has been the source OF adverse
criticism by the citizenso this commu-
nifty, and my experience in Office has
thoroughly demonstrated to me that
these criticisms are in a great meas
ure iustifable. 1t is now. up TO us TO
relieve this long suffering people OF
this terrible condition and bring about
decided change which cannot help but
rebound to the interest of the entire CITY.
CITY laws and ordinances are being con-
stsntly violated and absolutely no notice
of it taken by the police. In the recent
Investigation previously referred to 1t
was thoroughly demonstrated that law
lessness was rampant in our community
and might add that it looks as though
some people are licensed by some pol ce-
men To carry on their unlawful business.
Rules and regulations are being con-
stsntlv violated in the department, and
| feel that the conditions warrant me IN
recommending thorough investigation
of the department, the results OF which
| feel sure will be beneficial and will be
the means OF giving to our city police
department which will be credit in-
stead of subject of criticism, as the de-
partmeDt has been for years.
In this recommendation | am sincere
aud am carrying out my ideas as ex-
pressed when first indicted into office.
In conclusion | will state tina. | have
confidence in this board that they will
proceed diligently and fearlessly into
this matter and their conclusion will be
beneficial to the administration, and
satisfaction 70 the citizens who are
justified in expecting service OF the de-
partment for which they are taxed to
maintain. FRED J. PAFF, Mayor
The Mayor in conversation with
reprf sentative Ofthe Gazette this morning
in referring to the above said his action
had. been taken in the interest OF the
public good, aud with no prejudices TO-
ward anv member of the lOrce. 1t was
simply matter of duty to the COM
munily TO institute proceedings which
would either prove or disprOve the num-
erous elections which have from time to
time been urged against certain members
of the force. There had been general
complaint that officers we're not rendering
satisfactory service to the city, and II
had. therefore become incumbent upon
those who have control of them to
bring about another order OF things by
effecting reorganization of the force:
The investigation has been thorough aud
unbiased and it has been conducted
quietly through earnestly. Ia cases 1t
has been shown that certain officers have
been guilty of dereliction OF duty and IN
fraction of rules governing the force,
while against others more serious ale
cations have been made. There have
been no voluntary witnesses, hat The
commissioners have summoned such rs
they thought could give material les'l-
mony, and in some instances witnesses
have been 10th to testify. There will be
another meeting of the board tonight