The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-31
SYLVESTER PLANS
NUNEROUStHANGES
Information, Traffic, and
Pharmacy Bureaus
Wanted.
MORE MEN NEEDED
TO CARRY ON WORK
Until Congress Makes Appropria
tons Police Chief Will Shift
Men Around.

Three new bureaus IN connection with
the Police Department viii be estab-
lshed in the near future by Major Syl-
vester. The most important will be a
bureau OF Information which will in
Vestigate and report daily upon the hun
dreds Of requests and inquiries received
By the head OF the department.
The other new departments will be a
traffic bureau and a bureau Of phar-
macy and dental inspection,
1t is Major Sylvester's plan to put
each bureau in charge of an officer Of
the department and 10 have sufficient
number Of clerks 10 keep the work up
10 date. In spite of the failure OF Con-
gress TO make an appropriation for an
Increase IN the police force, Major Syl-
vester believes that he viii be able to
shift the men around in sucn manner
that these bureaus can be organized
within the next two months.
While the major has repeatedly urged
an increase in the numerical strength Of
the force and the Commissioners have
approved the recommendation, Congress
has not seen nj 10 make the necessary
appropriation.
Bureau Badly Needed.
The need of bureau of Information
III connection with the department has
long been felt Matters which should be
referred to such a bureau have had 10
be turned over to the detective office
Tor investigation. The detective bureau
now has more than a suniciency of
legitimate work and only a small force
20 DO it.
The traffic bureau viii LOOK after cabs,
hacks, and taXicabs. This work so di-
recuy concerns the public, Major Syl-
Yester says, that a hack Inspector can
not give il the proper attention or keep
tab on all the various public vehicles.
This bureau viii have chief, VINO VIII
keep the records OF all licenses. drivers
complaints. stands. and conditions of
vehicles. Blank forms will be furnished
for tie filing of complaints. which Will
be carefully Investigated by the bureau
Hack Inspector Dawson viii probably be
put in charge of this WORK.
Major sylvester regrets that the law
which he recommended TO license all
drivers and ChauneuTs instead OF the
owners OF the vehicles, has not been
passed by Congress; This law, as s4g-
gested By the head of the Police De
partment, would make it possible to
issue licenses only 10 drivers whose
applications were approved By the pO-
lice.
Would Reduce Illegal Traffic.
A pharmacy and dental bureau, it is
DSueNe1s R0llQ reduce the i4leSal tIaL-
nc on cocaine and other drugs, and
would enable the department 10 main
tain a strict supervision over drug
stores, dental officess and private san
itariums. Pharmacy Inspector Van
Zant will probably be put in charge
OF this work.
Major Sylvester is also endeavoring
70 obtain an appropriation at the next
session OF Congress to have the Gov
eminent purchase the horses for the
mounted squad. He also hopes to have
the department erect a stable and sta
ton house and maintain a regular
mounted precinct.
The question Of changing the mate
rails used in the uniforms Of the pa
trOlmen is also being considered.
] am considering a different pattern
and weight Of uniform said the ma iOr
especially for summer wear. Flannel
is used by all the police departments Of
the country in summer, but the District
is the only Northern Jurisdiction where
the members Of the force are permitted
70 wear their coats unfastened
Chilly nights in AUugst and Sep
TENDER add 70 the sick reports unless
the goods are OF a character TO shed
moisture and protect against bodily ex-
posure by a percentage OF retention Of
bodily heat