Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-05
Police Department.

4
The police department of the District
Of Columbia continues to deserve and en-
joy the confidence Of the community and
the respect Of the authorities throughout
the country.
1t has not materially changed in nu-
merical strength during the past several
years, although the legitimate demands
upon it's services for the adequate pro-
lection Of all parts of the community
are continually increasing, incident to the
growth OF the city in population. homes
and business. and the enactment of addi-
donal laws involving the enforcement of
| an ever-expanding aggregate of police
regulations.
Not the least of these is the ever in
creasfng necessity of the enforcement of
| the laws and regulations pertaining to
tranc, as seen, for example. on Pennsyl-
vania avenue at 7th. 9th and 14th streets
| northwest, on New York avenue, at 14th
and 18th streets. and at other we'll known
intersections. where traffic requirements
| must be enforced by SINCE policeman
owing to the limited number at command.
The distances are such as would necessi-
tate the assignment OF at least two men
during those hours when the thorough
fares are fully patronized
| rms condition is more distinctly en-
phasized and the difficulties more pro-
nounced when it IL considered that street
the interstate commerce commission and
may not be disturbed by the District DO
lice authorities under the schedules
adopted for the running of cars, even
organization of other vehicular traffic.
This discrimination under the law and
dangerous procedure can only be rene-
died by placing the conduct Of street
railway cars at interesting streets with
/. in and under the authority of the Dis
trict government. and until such advance
ment liz made the application Of traffic
regulations, elsewhere efficient, will not
avail.
| The Police Court is held by rulings Of
the courts to be without Jurisdiction in
cases against disorderly houses and those
involving threats to do bodily harm, and
the police. therefore. are largely deprived
i of power to proceed therein. To correct
this very discouraging situation from an
efficient police viewpoint requires the
enactment Of a law giving the Police
Court concurrent jurisdiction with the SUI
preme Court of the District Of Columbia
in such cases.
The Police and Juvenile courts should
be provided with collectors to collect judy
ments against husbands found delinquent
In support OF their families and the po-
| lice relieved OF this Oneroue task for the
power to assume the responsibility, of
which there is not now any authority of
| law.
In conformity with the action Of the
last Congress, the work of removing the
! closed and ill-ventilated cells in several
/ of the station houses is being proceeded
with and it is hoped that the recommen-
dation to have all Of these obliterated will
meet with favorable consideration at the
coming session, so that the old-time
vaults may give place to modern cage
cells with light, ventilation and proper
restraint.
The police badge and other insignia de-
/ mand the protection Of a law preventive
I of
selling, or other utilization Of the same
/ by unauthorized persons. and its enact
ment. heretofore recommended. is ur.
! gently renewed.
Looking to the improvement of the pub
| lie cab and hack service, a renewal Of the
suggestion that all drivers or chauffeurs
Of such vehicles be licensed is made at
this time. 1t stands to reason that with
proper Endorsement upon application for
such licenses. and with the approval OF
! the police before issuance. many of the
annOyances and impositiOns which occur
will be prevented. and a public service
be had which would become the Capital
city.
diction is far behind that Of many cities
of the country. both large and small. But
one motor patrol wagon is In operation
here. The experiment has proved a valu-
able one from an economic standpoint
that OF comfort Of prisoners, and as q
matter of expedition as compared to the
j horse-drawn vehicle. The rapid convey
ance OF detectives in response to emer-
gency calls has resulted in the appre.
hension OF the criminal before escape
could be accomplished. The local depart
ment should be fully equipped I'm this re-
gard.
The District has been free from crimes
of greater magnitude during the year
The professional criminal seldom makes
this Jurisdiction q visit. and. while there
| have been several instances Of homicide
a vtgtlant force has promptly apprehend-
ed the culprit in all instances. The crime
preventive measures adopted have been
successfully carried into execution and
with command numerically small. con.
sidering the valuable and important In
terests to be guarded and the extensive
area to be patrolled.
As to misdemeanors. the several hum
dred regulations applicable thereto have
been carefully and judiciously enforced
assuring good. clean government 70,
those who reside In the District.
Changes have been effected in the per.
sonnet Of the force In a manner looking
to excellent discipline, and the attire oil
the members OF the force has been and
vs. undergoing changes which will add
greatly to its appearance and comfort.
The greatest incentive according t.
we'll known authority. for the perform
ance Of efficient police service is q pen
sion and retirement fund for those in1ur.
ed In the service or who have grown ole
N their extra hazardous undertakings
There are few members Of the force wht
In the pursuit Of their profession have
not been either threatened or assatled bs
the hardened element. or who have no
undertaken life risks in the performance
Of their duties. The records abound will
heroic acts. and As q matter OF justice Il
the metropolitan police force Of the Di*
trict OF Columbia the passage of thu
4 pendfncs policv3 and fire retiremcnt anf