Los Angeles herald., 1910-12-15
RICE MANAGERS OUTLINE
NEW SYSTEM FOR SAFETY
Policing of Courses in East Aids
in Protection of ExCit-
ed Multitude

NEW YORK. Dec. 14.--Automobile
racing enthusiasts of this vicinity have
some idea as to the policing of
courses. Last summer they watched
gray-coated special policemen keep the
crowds from pressing out on the
Brighton motordromes curving race
way. Some months later in autumn,
they watched more special policemen
make half-hearted efforts to hold the
thousands of Vanderbilt cup day spec
tators in check. In contrast to tn
disorder of the latter event was the
faultless guarding of the grand prize
circuit at Savannah. Moreover, the
measures taken to protect spectators
and contestants at the big motor
dromes of indianapolis. Atlanta and
Los Angeles are also good examples.
The policing is systematized at
these places. Take, for instance, the
indianapolis motordrome. A well or
ganized company of speedway
guards" commanded by Captain Will
liam p. Carpenter, Is always ready for
duty, with a few hours notice. Equip
ment consisting of regulation KHAKI
uniforms, hats. belts, leggings and
last May. Captain William P. Car
penter, who for the last three years
has commanded company A, Second
infantry, has had ten years training
as a member Of the state National
Guard. One hundred men of either
militia or regular army training are
members of the speedway guards.
While on duty during racing meets
the men are furnished with sleeping
accommodations and meals on the
ground, strict military discipline be-
ing maintained at all times.
SPECIAL POLICE SERVICE
<.f
special police, fifty number, under
the direction of captain Frank Will
son, qualified by many years exper-
ience on the local police force, are
available for special service-guarding
entrance gates, parked automobiles,
directing the entering and leaving of
automobiles, as well as being stationed
as lookouts on tops of the high board
fence which encloses the grounds. No
complaints of pocket picking have
reached the officers and in view OF
the splendid crowds attending the va
rious meets this speaks volumes for
the efficiency of the special police
service.
The highways adjacent to the speed
way are patrolled by mounted guards.
preventing traffic from congest1ng and
reducing the danger from road acci-
dents to a minimum. For patroll1ng
point requiring constant attention men
with military training and under mil
itary discipline have been found In
valuable to the speedway management.
The entire distance OF the two and
half-mile track is guarded by these
soldiers, enforcing one of the strictest
rules OF the speedway organization,
that no one shall be permitted to cross
the track while a race is being con-
tested. At close intervals around the
track telephone instruments are sta
toned and attended by soldier un-
der orders not to leave his post until
relieved by another guard, it being
the duty Of these men to report
promptly accidents or Irregularities
that occur on the course.
Because of the absence of accidents
during the racing events of 1910 and
the many favorable comments upon
the safeguards provided, thus making
long distance racing very much less
dangerous. the international sweep
stakes race, for a distance of 500 miles,
was considered. This important event
is being arranged for May 27, 1911, and
cash prizes amounting to $4,000 will
be awarded. Many hundreds will be
added by manufacturers of accessories
until the total may be $4,000.