The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-05
Compliments His Men

Hon. A. o. Lane Commissioner of Pub
lie Justice, City:
Dear Sir: l herewith submit a report
of the work done by the police and detec-
tive department for the year of 1918. 1 de-
sire to- compliment the police and detec-
tive department for their efficient work
during the past year.
II also wish to thank Chief of Detec-
tives w. ]. Mcdonald and tho police cap
tajns and sergeants for their hearty CO.
operation and honest endeavors In giving
the citizens of Birmingham the best po-
lice protection possible, with the present
small force of men at their command.
I'm comparing the size of the police de-
partment with that of the city of Atlanta,
we find we have little more than half
the number of men on the pay roll, as in
the Georgia capital. The city of Atlanta
claims the population of 174000 inhab-
tants and I am reliably informed that
the population of Birmingham as showu
by the 1914 directory is $4,000. You can
readily see by this contrast that we have
more population to protect. more terri
tory to cover, and a much smaller police
force to do it with. This comparison also
shows. you the handicap we have worked
under the inadequacy of the present
police force. However, under all circum-
stances and surmounting all obstacles the
police and detective departments have
faithfully endeavored to render all possi-
BILE service to the citizens of Greater Bir-
mingham.
Need More Men
I'VE have had large number of ar
rests in the past year and 1t Is my earnest
belief that this is due to tho small police
force. If the streets of Birmingham were
adequately patroled the presence of off,
GERS would have the tendency to keep
down lawlessness and prevent crime.
Statistics show that all well regulated
cities have police officer for every thou
sand Inhabitants and some cities have a
patrolman for every 500. The city of Bir-
mingham should at least have one for av-
cry thousand, as that would provide a
police force of 1S9, which would be a con-
siderable Improvement on present condi-
tions.
II am also recommending to your atten-
ton that the Gamewell Police Alarm sys-
tenn be installed, SO that all patrolmen can
keep in touch with police headquarters
every 30 minutes, thus minimizing the
chances Of escape of criminals. I also
recommend that the system of Bertillion
measurement and finger print system be
installed and provisions should also be
Smade for an adequate system of keeping
criminal records and the photographs of
criminals.
In conclusion 1 wish to state that there
has been much good work done in the
past and more can be accomplished DUR
ing the coming year by the cooperation
Of the commission and the citizens The
police and detective departments are ever
the object Of criticism, but despite the
injustice OF this, splendid Organization
has been built UP and ID being maintained
under your administration as commits
sioner of public justice. I wish to thank
tyou for the good advice and assistance
given me during thef,pest year. also
wish to thank each and every member
Of the police and detective departments
for their hearty Cooperation.
The Detailed Report
Arrests and convictions in recorders 9
court during year 1913:>
Con- Con-
Charge. Ar'sts veins. t'n'd.
AQultoEy .....sss.......ss 100 lft
Assault and battery. 1923 1852 2G
Assumed names, using 4 -.