El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-09-29
MORE POLICE FOR
CITY SUGGESTED
Grand Jury Also Recon-
mends Civil Service for
the Force.

part of the police at the inception Of
the riot would have prevented its
spread and the consequent diss-aceful
occurrences.
We know that the city officials made
full Investigation. the result OF which
has been evidenced by many changes
in the police department.
1T is our deliberate judgment. after
giving the matter fun thought. that the
police department can never attain the
high state of efficiency required in a
city OF this size until it is governed by
nOnpartisan police commission Of
from three TO five members with power
10 enforce the strictest rules in ap-
pointment and conduct OF officers. This
commission should SO regulate the de-
partment as to give proper Incentive
for good men TO do their duty under all
conditions. and TO induce such TO remain
with the force permanently.
1T Is our positive opinion that civil
service in the police and fire depart
ments is absolutely necessary for the
proper conduct of these branches OF the
citys government and that this is the
only manner in which they can be
brought up to the standard of service
which will give TO the Taxpayers and
property owners Of FL PasO the SUI
ficient protection TO which they are en-
titled.
Applies to Fire Department.
"Our recommendation as to COM
mission for control of the police de-
partment applies also to the fire de-
partmenL It can be a joint commission
or separate one.
We heartily concur with the MAYOR
and city officials in their efforts to
bring about the above by any means
possible. even to the extent of amend
ing the city charter This Improvement
in the conduct OF the city's affairs
should be inaUgurated at the earliest
W 70
good or FL PasO its speedy consumma-
ton
Not Sufficient Men.
IN the meantime. We believe that
me police force as at present consti-
tuted. has not sufficient men. and we
recommend an increase By IS patrol
men. five mounted men. three plain
clothes men. and one police matron
We also recommend the immediate in
stalauon Of a modern police and fire
alarm system as q much needed pro-
tective measure TO this city: with the
installation OF which system we urge
al Improvement in street lighting as
wen as the disuse OF the present sched-
leading 10 many crimes and INSIDE
Traffic SQUAD Separate.
he traffic squad, while. Of course.
% part OF the police force, should. we
believe be considered separate rrnfr
thereof and used for traffic regulations
except IN case of emergency
We further recommend that the CITY
lIremen who hold commissions as no
hcemen be called upon in an emergency.
ana Tor that purpose be given some
rsining in police work. rules and resu-
.atious-
County Auditor OverworLed.
The investigation OF the shortage in
the Once Of the last tax collector
brought forcibly TO our attention the
Iact that the work OF the county audi
tor is OF such magnitude that he IS
not able properly 10 attend 10 his du-
ties as an auditor. and we therefore
commend to the favorable consideration
Of the county commissioners the en-
plOyment in this office Of sufficient
help 10 enable the auditor to give the
books of the county officials proper
attention This. We are sure, viii avoid
IN the future any chance Of shortages
and trouble in the various county de
lartments-
Tt is our belief that an adequate
bond in a reliable bonding company is
by far preferable to personal bonds
for officials in the employ Of city and
county.
We understand that occupation
taxes or all kinds have in the past not
been fully and properly collected. and
We urge upon the present county col