The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-14
LONDON POLICE ARE PROBABLY FINEST IN WORLD, BUT LOW PAY THREATENED STRIKE
They Are Honest, Courteous and Efficient and Steps Have Been Taken to
 Increase Their
 Salary
By JOHN S. STEELE


 London, June G.-(SpeciaL) L)-Attention has been focused on the hard lot of the London policemen who by threatening to strike have succeeded in compelling the government to grant them at least a liv- ing wage and decent conditions of ser vice.
 Of course, it will be alleged that they lost out because the government has re- fused to recognize their union, and as a matter of fact the claim that they made for the right to organize a trade union has prejudiced their case with the British public, which feels that trade unionism and proper police discipline are incompatible. There can be no doubt, however, that the strike threat forced the hand of the authorities and brought about much more speedy considera tion of the police grievances than they other wise would have obtained
 Few American visitors to London who have seen and admired the big. trim, blue-clad London bobby and comment ed on his politeness and helpfulness, have suspected that he was a very much un- der paid and often much overworked man. Under normal conditions before the war the ordinary constable received from S10.50 to Sf3. 9 week. according to his length of service. sergeant got from Sl4.50 to $20 week, and an inspector. who corresponds to the American pre- cinct captain, got $21 to $42 50. After
 
 prices a war bonus of 8 a week was add ed to each mans and officers pay, and if policemen were married and had fam flies they were allowed 50 cents a week extra for each child under 15 years Of age. Trey also received a small allow ance for boots and their first uniform. but they had to buy new uniforms out of their pay. Just what the new rates of pay are to be have not been definitely an- nounced except that the London con- stable is to receive a minimum wage or S1750 week and that the pay of the othe,' grades is to be in proportion This will presumably also be counted in reekou- ing the pension. Under the present rules policeman can retire after 26 years ser vice on a pension amounting to two-thirds of his pay.
 It is interesting to note that in spite of the low pay the threatened police strike came to nothing because the gov ernment had ready complete force of oemobilized soldiers and officers to take the places of the strikers In other words it was able to find in day or two over 2e000 men who were so anxious Tor WorN at about S13 week that they were willing to play the part of strike-break- CTS, part which is just as unpopular in England as in America. Of course the promise of permanent work and pension to follow also had a good deal tc do with it. for the Englishman always plays for safety and will take poorly paid job with a pension at the end of It in preference to a well-paid post which does not offer the security of a pension. This was also an undoubtedly strong fac~ tor in inducing the discontented police men to vote against strike. Ii they lad struck they4-wouldg have forfeited their pensions and for an English work ingman to give up pension IS unthlnk- able
 In spite however, of low pay and dis content the London police force is ex- celled by few if any in the world. The men are intelligent and courteous, and part of their duty is to be helpful to the public. They. are not so good in dealing with a riotous mob perhaps as the police of New York or Chicago, but they have fewer and less spirited mobs to deal with. The detective branch, which is popu- larly known as Scotland Yard,' is not brilliant. but it is hard working and eff fcient and above all the London police are honest. It is true that the bobby or the street is not above taking tip or Ealf a dollar if he does you good turn, 1 but you could not buy him with any money to neglect his duty or to permit a crime to be committed This spirit is so strong among the men that man known to accept a brbe would be driven out of the force by his own comrades. This high reputation for honesty is real asset to the individual policeman. large proportion Of the marned mem bers of the force pay no rent because they are constantly in demand as care takers for empty houses, for flat build ires and for city office buildings. They rot only pay no rent, but their wives add to the family income as cleaners snd laundresses. Just what will happen to the force now l is problematical. The men have been dis 1 ccntented for some time, and discipline i has been undermined The machinery of | their union has fallen into the hands of radicals who have even been described as bolshevsts I think, however. that l if the government deals sternly with the l disturbers and justly with the men the | London police will again be one ot the i finest forces in the world.
 Copyright, 1919)