Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-31

Inc major and superintendent of police,
Richard Sylvester, in his annual report
submitted to the District Commissioners
today. renews his request for additional
policemen to patrol the District and for
new regulations governing street traffic
In discussing the need for additional po-
lcemen Maj. Sylvester says that, al
though there are $50 individuals on the
police force. there are available for actual
patrol service at one time only 400 officers.
Inadequacy of the Police Force.
1T is to be regretted" he says, that
despite the frequent recommendations of
the major and superintendent that guards
be provided for the workhouse and house
Of detention watchmen for the District
building, inspectors for special work,
clerks for headquarters and employees for
other special lines. large contingent
of the force must be assigned to places
not technically in keeping with Legislative
provisions and TO the detriment OF the
general police supervision. The various
villages and towns in the District do not
get adequate attention for want OF an or
ganization strong enough numerically.
For instance, Benning has two privateS on
duty for sixteen hours when there should
be three; for twenty-four hours, and these
are deducted from the regular patrol. The
same holds good as TO DeanWood. Eck-
ln2tOD ana Harlem, anu poStS ia Z
details which reduce the patrol force
proper.
After discussing the demands on the
force for special work, Maj. Sylvester
continues:
I'm the face OF the facts presented as
an argument for an increase Of the force
IN number-a mixed population OF about
$4,000 people. segregated III the cities OF
Washington and Georgetown and eighty
odd villages besides many of which would
hax and notice Or2anlZa-
ton in any state or other territory, with
a police jurisdiction of nearly seventy
square miles and force making by lar
the greatest showing of any, according to
conditions; the most eminent men, cost
Hest buildings. most vital interests of all
kinds to watch over and care for-is not
this an unfortunate commentary for the
richest proudest. most beautiful and
courageous country in the world as repre-
sentei at the seat of government
Discussing the discipline, Maj SylVes-
ter says that the attention to duty and
general demeanor of the force have been
of a high character.
Need Of New Buildings.
Concerning the need of new buildings,
Mai. Sylvester says:
Several of the buildings now utilized
as station houses were constructed years
ago. one of them before the civil war,
and while a rigid inspection reveals that
every effort is made to keep them free
from insanitary conditions. these efforts
are in a measure only availing. The
health authorities, the police surgeons
and citizens committees have condemned
three OF these houses in support of the
continued contention of the head of the
department and it Is to be hoped that
within the next year or two the situation
may undergo a change for the better.
There should be constructed a central
police station in lieu of the present first
precinct affair. where could be located
the police headquarters. with all branches
of the service concentrated which would
add much to the expedition of all mat
ters pertaining to the organization. The
placing of prisoners in the present lilly
adapted stations and subsequent taking of
them to court partakes of the imposing
of duplicate penalty. a modern build
ing with latest improved places for con-
finernent of prisoners, with armory.
baths and detention room for women. and
ample and sufficient Office quarters, should
be erected.
1.-THE fourth precinct station is more an
-belium prison than latter-day po-
lice station, and should be demolished and
replaced.
THE third precinct is not only an In
sanitary house. but the walls of the
building are not of that character which
would make the building secure under
all conditions. The rear lot. on which is
located the stable. is above grade, and q
decided menace. This building Is located
in growing and improved section. and 1t
should be in keeping with surroundings"
Favors an Inebriate Asvlum