Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-12-27
INDIANA DAILY TIMES, MONDAY, DECEMBER u, 1920

1T
board has constantly followed the policy
of the administration in taking the po-
lice and fire departments out of politics
and establishing the merit system in
promotions and demotions. This adj
ministration went into office under the
/ pledge of securing the best men avail
able for responsible positions in both the
police and fire departments, irrespective
Of political affiliations or activities.
EFFICIENCY is
BROUGHT UP.
1.-THE board, together with Chief John
c. Loucks of the fire department, have
succeeded in bringing the standard Of
efficiency to a high plane, The best avail
able men have been selected by the board
and chief for the responsible positions.
"One of the most significant accom-
plishments of the board has been the
complete motorization of the fire depart
ment. BY the end of 1921 all horse drawn
equipment will have been discarded and
new, up-to date powerful motor equip
ment substituted. This will give Indi-
annapolis as near perfect fire protection as
can be maintained and will have the
property owners OF Indianapolis and un-
doubtedly will put Indianapolis In the
first rank in the underwriters classified
ton.
"A training school for iremen has been
established.
THE alarm system which serves the
police and fire departments has been re-
organized so that the former two de-
partments are now combined in the new
electrical department This has proven
very beneficial to this important service.
The board has placed in repair the ex-
pensive electrical equipment and placed
the department under the management
OF a competent organization Of experts.
Installation OF the two platoon sys-
tenn next year win give the firemen an
opportunity to enjoy their home life.
'iThe police department has been re-
organized and placed upon a real basis
of public service. On the resignation of
former Chief Of Police George V. Cof-
fin. superintendent OF Detectives Jerry
Kinney was elevated to the position Of
chief Of police. Chief Kinney was Sc
lected because Of his recognized ability,
mis- honesty and worth as q police officer,
His record has been good.
OLD TWO-sHIFT
SYSTEM CHANGED.
THE old two-shift system has been
changed and the men now work in three
shifts. This covers every police district
ia the city. With a new shift of men
every eight hours under the new sys-
TEN, each patrolman not only does
strictly police duty, but makes reports
upon all other service rendered by other
depa rtments OF the city, such as repairs
to streets and sidewalks, dangerous OBJ
structions, electric street light outages.
condition OF electric wiring, sanitation
of streets and alleys, etc. All Of these
items are covered In the daily reports
which each patrolman is required TO
make at the end Of his period OF duty
each day.
"Patrolmen rotate at given intervals
so that each may become familiar with
conditions prevailing in each district OF
the city.
The traffic department has been i'm
proved and enlarged.
Work Of the women's division has
been far greater than was anticipated
when 1t was organized. This admins
tration conceived the idea Of women's
division OF the department and immedi-
ately upon coming into power organized
the hrst women's department in Amer
lea Today Il Ia the largest in the coun-
try and many Of the principal cities
have followed our plan, the work under
the able supervision OF Lieutenant
Burnsides having attracted the attention
of the entire country. IL is the purpose
Of the board to increase the number or
police women and broaden the scope OF
the women's division just as rapidly as
the need arises. 1t is invaluable in its
service to the community.
COMPLETE STUDY
OF MARKET. f
"A complete study OF the market and
the market house has been made By the
board OF safety and com Plete plans for
the improvement OF The physical ia
cilitles as we'll as the reorg- nization OF
the market itself have been prepared. II
is hoped that this work can be prose
cuted In the early spring.
THE work OF the building inspector,
the city sealer OF weights and measures
and the city dog poundmaster has been
very satisfactory under the boards d.
rectlon.
ut should not be forgotten that the
board hos organized a police reserve.
consisting Of several hundred substantial
citizens who can be called upon to do
police duty in times OF emergency within
an hour.
The administration has added to the
list OF departments, cre4t ted a fire pre-
vention bureau which works In cooperar
tion with and under the direction Of the
chief Of the fire department. This de-
partment. using members OF the Ere
force. makes complete inspections Of
every building and FIRE hazard during the
year. 1t Is their duty to correct and
eliminate rs nearly as possible fire risks
and hazards. This branch OF the service
has been instrumental In doing away
with a vast number OF dangerous fire
traps, thereby protecting property and
lives.
Under the able direction Of City
ADJUSTMENTS.