The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-04-29
How Police May Help to Preserve
 Health Of The CitV

Health Officer Edward A. Mcclellan, M.D., to-day issued through the Far mer the following statement bearing on the part the police may play in the contemplated concerted action of the police and health departments to- wards keeping the city clean and en- forcing the various health ordinances:
 The relation which the police officer may hold toward the community is not perhaps fully appreciated. His function is only half fulfilled in the arresting of persons who have broken a city or state law. His more impor- tant work is in the prevention of crime. In the carrying out of a plan for the prevention of infractions of the law, it may be necessary occasion ally to arrest a man, but the more inn portant function is the education of the community in the requiren1 ents of the laws of the city. This is espec- tally true in reference to laws pertain ing to health and cleanliness. The majority who now break these laws do so because they are ignorant of the law and perhaps are following out habits and customs acquired under different conditions of living.
 In certain parts of this city, the residents are accustomed to throw re- fuse, tin cans, broken bottles, decayed fruit, banana peels, wrapping paper, dirty water, etc, on the sidewalk or into the street. Now, if a person ob- served doing any of these things was warned by ali officer that such action was a violation of the law and if re- peated it would be his duty to arrest him, such instruction and warning would, in the majority of instances, be sufficient to stop the practice.
 The traffic regulations of the city are being enforced by the police cas- fly and with little friction and it is only necessary that their attention K of sanitation and health to greatly inn prove the appearance and healthfu1 ness of our city.
 The officer with a knowledge of the law in these every day concerns, be- comes. if he uses that Knowledge, an active factor in the mo1ding of socie- ty in the interests of law and order.
 Speaking yesterday to prominent citizen in reference to this matter, he said that 8 policeman should be as familiar with the laws relating to health and cleanliness and the proper as is a judge of the city court
 As instances in which the officers services would be required; if he ob- serves a person dumping ashes and other refuse on premises where dump ing is forbidden, he may arrest the person or may cause him to remove the rubbish and threaten him with ar rest if the act is repeated.
 The n1ilkman without a number on his wagon may be asked to explain it's omission. If noticed filling bot ties on his wagon, he may be warned not to repeat the offence.
 The loading of dry ashes into carts on Main street is frequent1y a source of annoyance to persons in the vicin- ity. A warning to the ash man from an officer that such work must be done in manner and at such time as to prevent this nuisance, would soon stop the practice.
 If the law printed upon a card is handed to a householder or storekeep- CT, 1t is put away and forgotten, but by method suggested, Q policeman fan11- jar with the laws, going his daily rounds Is constant reminder of the necessity of obeying the law.
 The househo1ders in some parts of the city are greatly annoyed by the waste papers blown from dumping grounds. These dstract from the ap- pearauce of the city and in some To- calities are a constant nuisance. An eye to these dumping places by the officer on his rounds, would soon les- sen this evil
 The ordinances and bylaws refer ring to these and similar matters have been made for the benefit of all our citizens. As stated. very fey are fa- milfar with these laws. If the police officer will famiIiarize himself with these and as opportunity offers while upon his beat, instruct and warn per sons breaking the law, he will be per- Forming a very valuable service to the greatly to his influence for good in the city and that will add nothing to his hours Of service.