The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1913-06-20
WHAT POLICE
DUTIES ARE
COMMISSIONERS COATES OF
SPOKANE HITS THE NAIL
SQUARELY ON THE HEAD
WHEN ASSUMING CHARGE
p OF POLICE DEPARTMENT.

commissioner of public works of Spo-
kane, was recently transferred to the
commissionership of the department
of public safety. Upon assuming Of
flee he called the entire police force
of the city before him and outlined his
ideas of the duties of police officials
and what he should expect from the
men. We would commend his words
to the careful consideration of every
police chief in the country.)
Thursday, Commissioner d. c.
Coates talked at MONDAY gathering
of all the police officers of the city.
1t was an unusual scene. Coates made
it plain just what was expected of
every man. He said that there would
be no machine methods under his ad-
ministration and that every man
would receive a square deal. His
talk seemed to have a good impression
on the men.
"In order that there shall be no
misunderstanding whatever, | want to
say that | do not know the politics of
a single man on the force. | don't
care to know and shall never ask,
said Coates as he began his talk after
roll of the 10S men on the force. "Re
Gently there were charges brought that
| had a political machine in the de-
partment of public works. | want to
settle any possibility of such a recur-
renee in the department of public
safety There isn't a single one of
you that owes me any political duty
whatever. | want it distinctly under
stood that | shall never ask any cap
tain, sergeant or patrolman or any
officer whatsoever to render me po-
litical aid. You are under no political
obligation to me whatever | mean it
and want you to act accordingly.
Same Deal to All.
"This department must be put in the
best possible condition to render real
public service to the citizens who are
paying our salaries. The laws are to
be enforced with no favors to rich or
poor If there are violations of the
law committed on an officers beat we
intend to find it out, and if there are
violations with the knowledge of Of
fcers on the beats we intend to know
why.
But we intend to enforce the law
with courtesy. If you see any one in
the commission of some petty offense
warn him of the fact and don't treat
him as criminal. If he persists in
the deed his place is at the station,
and he should be brought in. | am
particularly concerned in the convic-
ton of the crook, the murderer and
the hold-up.
Don't Use a Club.
81 want you to realize that the citi-
zens are paying our salaries for pro-
lection and not for persecution. In
your handling of crowds act so as to
avoid friction and don't club citizens
over the head. In using courtesy de-
mand it from others. If a citizen acts
imprudent and fails to obey warning
he should be brought in. | believe we
can change the sentiment of the pub
lie toward the department. | am salts
fled you can win their confidence,
oil
tempt or their esteem. By courtesy
do not mean any sickly, namby pamby
stuff You must use firmness in your
dealing with all
Not Conviction, But Service.
Everybody must obey the law, and
we do not intend to lay down to any
body But understand that we are not
seeking a record of convictions, but
record of service. Use your best judg-
ment in your work, and do not feel
badly if the captain happens to dis
agree with you in matter of judg-
ment. If you have any grievance
against another man or higher Off
C6T VI lllt ClllSls SOliiC w IlO anu yOb
will get hearing. But you must face
the man you wish to complain
against"
This remark brought a concerted
cheer from the men.
"And if you have any complaint
against the commissioner there is a
proper time to act accordingly.
81 intend to see that the interests
of every man are protected. | shall
see to it that no man will get in bad
if he comes to me with a just COM
plant. | want you to know your
beats and we intend to know them
with you. Under our new system each
officer will report each day to his SER
geant, who will in turn report to the