The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-15
SAYS COUNTY NEEDS DETECTIVE FORCE Too Many Criminals Are Get
 ting Away SOLICITOR HEFLIN TALKS He Thinks the Small Expenditure Re- qulred Would Be of Great Benefit In Securing Evidence In
 Criminal Cases.
SOLICITOR HEFLIN TALKS

Jefferson county's need of a detective force has been live topic of conversa- ton during the past few days. There have been several murders throughout the county recently in which the murderers were not known, and all efforts on the part of the coroner and sheriffs depart ment to locate them proved futile.
 There have been three killings during the past 10 days for which no one has been arrested Irwin J. Marvin was found dead with his throat cut near Idlewild park Sunday a week ago. Last Sunday Dallas Campbell was run over by a Powderly car, indications pointing strongly toward his having been murdered and placed on the track, while on last Tuesday w. H. Rhea was assassinated near Arcadia. There have also been other instances of this nature.
 It is strongly believed that good detec- tive force could have unearthed these murderers. As it is the coroner and so- licitor cannot afford to delve down into their pocket for money with which to hire detectives to investigate these cases.
 Solicitor H. P Hef1in has been endeavor- ing for some time to secure detective force for his department. Regarding this he said:
 "The absolute need of a detective force for my department is plainly apparent to any one. Cases arise every day which am unable to prosecute because of lack of information which could readily be se- cured by a well established detective force. As it is If make any attempt to secure evidence all the expense must be borne by me This I cannot well afford to do, and if should make any attempt to do so 1t would not only consume my salary, but would finish up large sum to the bad.
 "The solicitors office of Jefferson is allowed a fund of 900 for the prosecu- tion of its work. It requires about sS000 to run 1t now this includes salaries for solicitor, as- sistant solicitors, stenographers and all other expenses-leaving about $24,ooo to go back into the fine and forfeiture fund. This s24O0o through the fine and forfeit ure fund is going into the hands of the sheriff. scrip buyers and other county officers receiving fees.
 Not only would the services of detec- lives be of use in the capture of the crim- inals committing murder who leave no clues, but their services would be of great help In the locating of witnesses. Take. for instance, the case of witness who happens to move. The subpoena for his appearance is turned over to the sheriff. The deputy goes to the address given but finds that the person has moved. He may try another address with the same result, and then turns the paper back with the information that the party can't be found. In an instance Of this kind the solicitor could turn the subpoena over to the detective and have the per son traced down, and thus be able to secure convictions in many cases which would otherwise result in acouittals.
 Jefferson county would benefit inn mensely by the operation of a detective force. Too many criminals are being turned loose, when little detective work at small expense would result in convic- tion