The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-16
PLANS CHANGES IN
 POLICE DEPART TMENT Bodeker Outlines Recommends
 tions He Will Make WANTS "GYM" FOR MEN Policemen In Downtown Section Will Not Be Allowed To Carry Clubs.
 Thinks Drillmaster Would Facilitate Work
WANTS "GYM" FOR MEr
BY JACK BETHEA

There will be a number of important changes in the police department after the new commission takes office in Octo- Der if the recommendations of Chief Bod eker are concurred in. It is the inten- tion of the chief to recommend that a drillmaster for the police department be employed; that a gymnasium for the men be established and an instructor put in charge; that the police department be calls, and that shop be established to keep the machines of the city in working order. In addition to this, the chief will make some changes In shifting the men from one beat to another
 ''It is my intention to make the police department of Birmingham as metropoli- tan as any in America,' said Chief Bod eker, last night in speaking of the changes. "I will recommend to the new commission that they employ a drillmas- ter for the police department and that the men be given thorough instruction in military maneuvers. I would recommend that some one outside of the police de-
 
 might create jealousy among the men.
 That the policemen be taught the drill regulations, how to carry themselves, and how to move as body is of the highest importance. In the event of a riot or big fire it would be necessary to have the men know what to do from single command. It would not be nec- aGe to oiu oh, ipe ir such an emergency, as is now the case. In addition to this, knowledge of drill would add a great deal to the appear ance of the department. It does not look well to see body of men moving and not in step. And, above all believe a drillmaster would greatly improve the efficiency of the corps.
 T shall also recommend that a gym nasium be established and that it be re- quired that each man take so much exer- else a week. The gymnasium would be fully equipped and In charge of a compe- tent instructor. The men would be taught boxing, wrestling and close fight ing They would be given setting up ex- ercses and other gymnastics that would benefit them. I think that gymnasium would do more for the force individually than any other thing that could be done.
 II believe that the commission is con- templating giving the police department an automobile for use in hurry calls and in going to the different precincts. We need one badly, as it Is necessary to get a taxicab every time a hurry call Is re- ceived at the office. By giving tho de- partment an automobile this would be done away with. The number of calls that come into headquarters each month for policemen in a hurry Is astonishing Frequently a telephone message is re- ceived saying that burglar Is in the house and they have him trapped. Men are rushed to the scene in a taxicab In addition to this, the machine would be of great benefit to me in visiting the suburban precincts.
 Tt Is probable that a shop will be es- tablished in the city hall, where the au- tomobiles of the city will be kept In re- pair. A full set of tools will be fur nished and each chauffeur will do his own repairing, instead of having it done at garage.
 'I am going to do away with clubs for the policemen in the business section of the city. Clubs are unnecessary and mostly in the way. l worked on the force twenty years and never struck three people with a club. Upon each of the downtown corners I will place a man without club and in white gloves. It will look much heater than the present, when every man has a piece of timber In his hands. Of course the clubs will be used when the men are on dress pa- rade and drilling, but not otherwise.
 ''I intend to double the number of men in the business district. At present there are just half enough. A man will be stationed on the corner of First avenue and Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty first streets; on the corner of Second avenue and Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-frst streets, and on the corner of Third avenue and Nineteenth, Twen- tieth and Twenty-first streets. I believe this will give ample protection.
 "The men chosen for this duty will be the tall men, All of them will be six footers. and when the new uniforms come, with the white gloves. they will make as fine a body of men as one cares to see. The smaller and lighter men will be put on scout duty on wheels and horses. It is necessary to have a me dium- sized man to ride wheel and the younger men on horses on the outside precincts.
 ''In the detective department there will be few changes. With the addition of four more men to work on the prohibit ton violators I feel more competent to handle the situation A crusade will be
 
 that are run in so-caled residences. I have instructed the men to keep close watch on these places and to pay espe- cial attention to this class of violators. The men have been doing good work in catching the tigers during the past few weeks With little time I believe that the sale of liquor in Birmingham can be greatly decreased
 Tn regard to the burglaries down town that have occurred lately. I would urge that the merchants see that their places are closed each night. It is astonishing the number of people who go home and leave their places of business unlocked. No less than six were reported last night"
 the undoing for upon 1t being pleaded In the federal court the case was stricken.