New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-03-19
Based on Findings of Curran
Committees Investigations Of
Corruption in Department?
8 YEARS FOR COMMISSIONER
Abolish Three Platoon System
-Tammany Bill Fixes June 3
to Vote on Constitu.
tional Convention
lRy Telegraph 70 Thc Trlhnn, I

Albany. March lS.-Two bills drafted 70
meet the recommendations of the Curran
aldermanic committee. which has been
investigating New York CITY police condi-
tons. were introduced to-day by Senator
Iierrick. of New York. The bills were pre-
pared by tho Citizens Union of New
York. but We're submitted 10 Emory II.
Buckner counsel To the Curran com
niitce, and have his approval. so that
they arc regarded as the Official product
of the aldermauc committee.
senator fIeirick is a member of the
Wagner legislative committee which held
hearings on police conditions as result
II Tammany's desire to take part In the
police reform game. He consulted with
Senator Wagner before Introducing the
bills. and said in presenting them. that
he was not committed To- support them.
n Tammany forces any lineup on 'po-
lice reforms" Senator IIorrick probably
VIII have to vote against them
Tho IIorrick bills VIII have the support
Of the Citizens Union. and undoubtedly
of some of the other civic organizations
Of New York which arc interested in the
zens committee which co-operated with
the Curran committee.
Long Term for Comm ssioner.
"1f the legislative committee follows the
adsicc of most Of those who appeared
before it," said J. . Hammitt. score
tary of the Citizens Union. lit will concur
m the recommendations of the Curran
aideImanic committee for lonG term
and protected tenure in Office for the
Police Commissioner II is essential how
ever. that these provisions take effect. as
recommended by the aldermen. on Janu-
AIRY I. 1914. when new Mayor takes Of
fec. Otherwise. they would have the
ect OF permitting Mayor Gaynor TO APP
point for an cleht-year term with q pro-
tected tenure ~ office the present Com
missioner
~ larE- part ~ the legislation recon
meuded by thc Curran committee consists
iu the repeal OF mandatory provisions re-
gardiug the police that have been enacted
during the last twelve years. The repeal
OF these provisions. In accordance with the
home rule pledges Of the Democratic plat
form would unite the hands of the local
authorities and max" possible the carry
ing oui of further recommendations that
viii ue made by the aldcrmanic commit
toe for improving the Police Department
Yet these mandatory laws We're passed
800 most instances through the influence
exercised by the police force on the Leg
islature We hope no such influence Will
be- brought 10 bear 10 defeat any part 81
the bills introduced by senator HerricA.
Provision Against Perjury.
one 81 the bills makes q perjury FOR
any person having testified under oath TO
a certain state Of affairs 70 testify the
other Way in the same or any other az
ton This is intended To- make possible
az policemen who throw"
cases where they have made arrests on
sworn statements OF facts by testifying
jn court in contradiction Of their o1eina!
statements
The second the main bin. amends the
New York city charter IN many import
ant respects in its sections affecting the
police administration. n makes the term
of the Police Commi ssioner eight years.
and makes him removable only on
charges after a public hearing In his de-
fence The Board OF Aldermen or the
Board OF Estimate may recommend to
fne Mayor the removal OF the Police
Comm soncr giving reasons therefor.
and the Mayor must thereupon serve
these reasons ON the COMMISSIONS ana
give him hearing. thereafter removing
him. or giving the board recommending
the removal the reason FOR his refusal
10 remove him.
The Board Of Estimate is empowered.
on recommendation OF the Mayor and Po-
lice Commissioner. 10 adopt a resolution
providing for the composition of the po
lice force and It's division into platoons
and tours OF duty. and specifying the
hours Of service OF the members. This is
to supcrsede the three platoon law. 80 far
as New York city is concerned The
Board OF Estimate NAV prescribe the
maximum number of captains who NAV
be detailed as inspectors, and the Civil
Service Commission Is TO prescribe the
period of service required before SER
gcant may he promoted 10 lieutenant. and
before Il Lieutenant may b" promoted tn
captain. Tho Police Commissioner may
suspend without pay at any time any
member Of tho force. If written charges
arc not preferred against the suspended
within thirty days, or he is not
convicted on charges. he IS to he entitled
To full pay from the date OF suspension |
Tho mandatory provisions regarding pay
Of police officers arc struck out. and the |
matter of pay is left 10 the BOARD Of Al |
dcrmen. on recommendation Of tho Board |
of Estimate. Intil new salaries are fixed |
and new ranks and grades established |
are to remain as 10 pay. rank |
and grade. as they existed on March /. |
1918
For Constitutional Convention.
The organization" bill designed 10 |
carry out the Democratic platform 9 |
pledge To bring about n constitutional |
az soon as possible was in !
troducod to-day by Senator McClelland. |
1t is intended. or hoped. that II will ac-
romplish much more than this. for the |
rammany men figure that BY skilful |
iockeying of the campaign for delegates
io the constitutional convention they can
So onraGe the Progressives that they will !
not enter any fusion with the Republicans
pT aut independent bodis- iu Tho Now