Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-02-16
FOR AND AGAINST
A STATE POLICE.
Advocates Declare 1t Would Be
a MOney.Saver and Crime
Deterrent.
OTHERS SAY TOO COSTLY
AND AIMED AT UNION LABOR
Senator Ramsay, of MiddIesex,
Fathers a Bill to Create
New Department.


TRENTON, Feb. ia bill pro-
viding for the creation of a State
police force has been introduced in
the Senate. 1t is known as Senate
121, and Senator Ramsay, of Middle
sex county, is its sponsor.
1t Is argued by those in favor Of
the measure that such a department
would afford additional protection to
the State at large. 1t would protect
thousands of square miles of terri
tory, and would be in touch with
every section of the State, always on
duty, ready for any call or emer-
gency, whether crime, riot, fire, flood
or disaster, owning no allegiance to
political influence or master.
1t would be an aid to every Judge,
prosecuting attorney, sheriff or other
official in time of need when prompt
action Is necessary; would mean pro-
lection to the farmer by reason of
the fact that outlying districts would
be constantly patrolled by police
ready in case of fire, flood or trouble.
1t is further pointed out by support
ers of the measure that 1t would
mean a great deal to the suburbanite
in localities which have no adequate
police force and are too far removed
from larger centres to obtain quick
aid in case of necessity; further, that
it would aid in the preservation Of
game and inland fisheries; strengthen
the work of enforcing the liquor and
excise laws as we'll as automobile
laws, and would be an efficient aid to
the State in the collection of fines
for violations of the law which ordi-
narily could not be detected through
lack of police protection.
Other arguments in favor of a State
constabulary are that it would mean
saving of thousands of dollars to
the State and the time and service
of the militia by relieving the Ma
tional Guard of duties which a State
police force can do and which in the
past have proven heavy burden on
counties employing additional deputy
sheriffs and other peace officers in
time of disorder and riot. Also that
1t would mean a better and more
comprehensive protection for the
whole State than afforded by local
constables and other officers whose
duties do not take up their whole
time and attention by a police force
always on guard, trained to the SER
vice, flexible in it's movements and a
deterrent to crime.
Organized Labor in Opposition.
On the other hand, those opposed to
the proposition are suspicious of the
| measure and ask: WHO Is backing
it?" They say such legislation is un-
called for and that the present police
system is adequate: declare it Is
| tyranny, inasmuch as it places too
much power in the hands of the Gov
ernor: argue that it Is too expensive
and that the State is not in finan-
cial position to afford 1t; brand 1t as
a political plum tree and that it Is
an anti-labor measure.
One side declares if a State police
department Is good enough for Penn
sylyania, why not in New Jersey?
To this argument the opponents say
New Jersey conditions are not like
those in Pennsylvania.
Attention is drawn to the fact by
the proponents that the objection of
expense, most frequently opposed to
the suggestion of State constabu-
larry, fails to take into account the
fact that it is a great deal cheaper
TO prevent crime than to punish II.
The expense of upkeepng such a
force would largely reduce the ex-
pense of prosecution with which COM
munities are saddled as a result of
inefficient police forces.
The State constabulary of Pennsyl-
vania, which is pointed to as an ex-
ample, was created by an act of the
Legislature in the spring of 1906. 1t
consists of eight officers and 220 men, |
It was organized, equipped, mounted
and ready for duty January 1, 1906.
The members of the force were Sc
lected from over 1000 applicants.
Only men who qualified physically,
mentally and morally were selected
Ever since the force was organized
the same care has been exercised in
the selection of the men and only
those qualified in every way have
been accepted.
The department has been of great
assistance to the game commissioner,
who found it necessary to call on the
consta bulary on several occasions for