Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-11
FORCE IS TOO SMALL
Why Police Are Unable to
Catch Purse Grabber.
MAJ. SYLVESTER EXPLAINS
Fewer Patrolmen Here Than Area
Guarded Demands.
OTHER CITIES FARE BETTER
More Men in Proportion to Popula-
ton and These Have Fewer
Duties to Perform.

While Maj. Sylvester. superintendent Of
police. feels netled over the failure of
the police to capture the footpad who
snatched five pocketbooks from as many
ladies' on the streets during three nights
recently, he at the same time excuses the
police by explaining that the force Is
too small to properly patrol the city Last
night he gave out an interview on the
subject and commenting on the police
forces Of other cities as compared with
Washington. In the statement he says:
Year after year the District police de-
-artment has urged an increase OF It's
force not only for the reason that 1t might
present an organization in keeping with
the surroundings and interests OF the
Capital city and its environments. but
hat the numerical strength might be
efficient to maintain at all times and In
every locality that peace and quiet which
should obtain here above all ether places
It should be remembered that while ex-
tensive changes have been effected In the
conduct of affairs in this jurisdiction
within the past ten years. thousands OF
houses constructed railways extended and
imposing government structures created
the police institution his not been added
to. but surroundings and conditions have
outgrown 1t. That beautiful parade
ground, Pennsylvania avenue. should al
ways have upon 1t a detail sufficient in
numbers to admit Of the calling OF an Of
ficer without delay. The business thor
oughfare-F street-and other like streets
should be thoroughly and continually
closely polced Connecticut avenue and
kindred highways should have uniformed
men at frequent intervals. while every
road leading within and without the Dis
trict should be patrolled by mounted
member of the force at all times.
Extra Territory to Protect.
.It should not be forgotten that the
District Of Columbia Is territory and
that the police jurisdiction is co-extensive
with it-nearly seventy miles in extent
Included therein is the. city of Washing
ton and over eighty villages and towns
with populations ranging FROM 5000 to 200
all connected by a network Of roadways.
In any other territory these smaller
places would each have its distinct mayor
and police authority. Many of the lead
ing institutions of the country are located
within the suburban territory. There Is
tound the Catholic University Of America.
Cathedral School. bureau of standards.
Geological and Rock Creek parks and
other valuable properties. Within the
city of Washington is the Executive Man.
sion. department buildings. legations.
vast railway and governmental interests
all to receive police protection. Bridges
readily lead to other jurisdictions. making
escape thereto an easy matter. Aside
from the protecting of property. preserva-
ton of the peace and the apprehension
of criminals the police must enforce
hundreds of regulations designed to sys-
tematize traffic and other movements, to
insure health and comfort. An increase
Of ninety-four members o. the force is a
modest reduest-tnere should be twice
that number. but estimate is made on
actual necessities.