The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-10-11
Major Says Proper Protec-
ton Demands Ninety-four
Additional Men.
POLICE OF CAPITAL
HAVE HIGH RECORD
More Arrests Per 10000 Than Nine
Leading Cities-Crime
Waves Explained.

Asserting that the police force Of the
District of Columbia is wholly made
ouate to properly patrol the streets
OF washington, Major Sylvester last
night gave out a statement. in which
he SAYS an increase Of at least ninety
four members Of the force is an actual
necessity under presen. conditions.
Major Sylvester believes that the
failure Of the police to apprehend the
negro or negroes responsible for sew
eraI recent attacks on women in the
streets at night is due TO the fact that
the number Of patTOlmen is not large
enough TO cope with the situation.
To prevent such attacks. he says,
the principal streets Of the city should
be thoroughly and continually closely
policed."
IN explaining the present condition Of
affairs Major Sylvester says:
Year after year the District Police
Department has urged an increase Of its
force not only for the reason that it
might present an organization in keep
ing with the surroundings and interests
of the Capital City and It's environ
ments. but that the numerical strength
might be sufficient TO maintain at all
times and in every locality that peace
and quiet which should obtain here
above all other places.
Police Department Suffers.
1T should be remembered that while
extensive changes have been effected in
the conduct Of anairs in this jurisdiction
within the past ten years, thousands Of
houses constructed, railways extended
and imposing Government structures
created. the police institution has not
been added to, but surroundings and
conditions have outgrown il. That
beautiful parade ground-Pennsylvan
avenue-should always have upon it
detail sufficient IN numbers to admit of
the calling of an officer without delay
The business thOroughfare-F street
and other Ike streets, should be
thoroughly and continually closely
policed. Connecticut avenue and kim
dred highways should have uniformed
men at frequent intervals. while every
road leading within and without the
District should be patrolled by mount
ed member Of the force at all times.
1T should not be forgotten that the
District of Columbia is a Territory and
that the police jurisdiction is co-exten-
sive with it-nearly seventy miles in
extent. Included therein is the city Of
Washington and over eighty villages
and towns with populations ranging from
1900 to 200 all connected by net work
OF roadways. In any other territory
these smaller places each have its dis
tinct mayor and police authority. Many
OF the leading institutions Of the coun-
try are located within the suburban
territory. There IS found the Catholic
- HaH Ia NHaaN
School. Bureau of Standards, Geological
and Rock Creek Park and other valu-
able properties Within the city Of
Washington is the Executive Mansion,
department buildings. legations. beau
tifuI homes Of distinguished men and
vast railway and governmental inter
ests. all to receives police protection.
Bridges readily lead TO other jurisdic-
lions making escape thereto an easy
matter.
Aside from the protection Of prop
'erty. preservation Of the peace and the
apprehension Of criminals, the police
must enforce hundreds of regulations
designed 10 systematic traffic and
other movements Il insure health and
comfort. An increase Of ninety-fOur
members of the force Is a modest re-
quest, there should be twice that num-
Der. but estimate IS made on actual
necessities.
Comparisons Show Needs.
The Government statistics specially
prepared not only show by comparison
that the numerical force is small, but
that ii performs d far greater labor
than other organizations. The number
OF arrests for all offenses in Cleveland,
under report for 1905, were $500 for
every 1890 population; in Buffalo, 543.2;
IN Cincinnati. $40; in Milwaukee, 21T.4;
in Newark, 1862; in Minneapolis. 2S9.7;
in Providence. 557.5; in Baltimore. 613.4;
in NewOrleans, 1856. while in the Dis
trict of Columbia they numbered 1875
for every 10000 population. These are not
the department figures, but those Of
fcially furnished by the General Gov
eminent. Now take the number OF pa
trolmcn into consideration who must
perform these duties. and after except
ing the details It is shown that for
every 1000 acres of area to be
patroned Cleveland has 15.4 members Of
the force. Buffalo 207; Cincinnati. 1874;
Detroit, us; Jersey City. 1863; Balti-
mere, 36.3; New Orleans, 31.4, and the
District of Columbia only T.
These figures are the strongest argu-
ment that can be presented and the
proper support Of the contention for
an increased force, for a force that IS
worked more arduOusly than elsewhere
in the country"
0OT n n cnDM OVE