New Britain herald., 1920-03-09
POLICE CRAFT HUNT
 ORDERED BY MAYOR
New York Police Commissioner
 To Have Rigid Probe

New York. March 9.-Stung by con- tmued charges that mem bers of the police forces are receiving graft from denizenS of the underworld, Police Commissioner Enright wrote Mayor Hylan yesterday asking that the charges be sifted by Chief Magistrate McAdoo at a John Doe proceeding to be instituted for that purpose.
 The suggestion was immediately acted upon by the mayor. who asked Magistrate McAdoo to begin the pro- cceding after taking the matter up with Commissioner tIn right and Dis trict Attorney SNann. Late in the afternoon Magistrate McAdoo sent his reply to the mayor, but declined to make il public. As the mayor had left city hail the contents of the let ter will not be given out until today.
 The commissioners action is due 10 the indictment of Detective John J. Gunson, who is alleged to have lived with a woman Of the streets and shared in her earnings, and to the allegation by Assistant District At torney James F.. smith that other po- licemen and even police officials de- rive profit from disorderlN houses.
 Refers to Smiths Blue Book
  sioner said:
 Dear Mr. Mayor From time to time during the past two years sen- sational statements emanatng from an assistant district attorney have appeared in the press alleging the existence of a corrupt alliance be- tween members of this department and the vicious and criminal element in this city. Most of these statements are attributed to this assistant district attorney regarding whose mehod of handling vice and gambling proceed ings there has been q great deal of complaint upon the part of number of the police officers.
 You will remember that some time ago the columns of the newspapers were filled with stories emanating from the same source regarding an alleged Blue Book in the possession of this assistant in which it was stated the names of many police off cials past and present appear.
 These sensational statements and innuendoes constitute a serious reflec- tion upon the personnel of this organ ization and have a tendency to shake public confidence in the police depart mcnt.
 From the beginning of your ad- III iStIitlNil tt IGiCnJI6SS has been carried on against vice and gambling in this city with. splendid results, notwithstanding the fact that we have been handicapped by made quatc laws and by lack of sympathy and cooperation of many sources where complete sym pathy and CO., operation should be expected. Hasn't Received List He Asked For.
 ''Thcse stories, if they are true, should be investigated and every one found guilty Of any misconduct should be punished. I have requested the list of the locations of the alleged disorderly places and the names of police officers and officials which Assistant District Attorney Smith speaks about, but as yet I have not received it.
 II therefore. respectfully recom- mend that the chief city ma gistrate be requested to imm ediately hold an investigation and bring before hin, any members of the district attor- ney's office, any member of the police department. or any other depa rum ent as well as other persons who may have any knowledge of unlawful con- ditions which may require the atten- ton of the law-enforcing departments of this city.
 
 other sources of information should be subpoenaed and the persistent scandalizers of the police depart ment should be made to produce their evidence for the information of the public and for the action of duly constituted authority"
 Mayors Letter to McAdoo.
 In asking that a John Doe pro- ceeding be inaugurated, the mayor wrote Chief Magistrate McAdoo.
 Dear Judge McAdoo: Enclosed find copy of letter from Commissioner ,Enright, which speaks fo ritself.
 1T will appreciate it if you take the matter up with the commissioner and district attorney, and have a John Doe proceeding started, to the end that the guilty may be punished and that the police can secure the location of the alleged disordcrly flats so they can be suppreSsed.'
 The district attorney will proceed with his inquiry before the regular grand jury, this being the wish Of Judge Malone. Ii is possible that the judge may ohiect to the mayors order and also that Magistrate Me Aduo may feel he is not warranted in holding open sessions
 Cites the HosenthaI Case.
 "A John Doe proceeding would de feat cur purpose" said Mr Smith Witnesses will be intimidated and the persons we are Investigating will be able to get the testimony as fast as it is offered. The people know what happened to Rosenthal when he gave information against the police.