The Washington times., 1921-11-16
Politics in Washington 8
Police Department
BY BILL PRICE.

BY BILL PRICE
Commissioner OYSTER, Immediately in charge of the
police department. and his colleagues will doubtless
settle affairs in the police department satisfactorily to
the people of the city, but in doing the Commission
ers should attempt to put stop for all time to the
political Vaccinations that have been rampantly mani
fest long in connection with the position of super
ntendent of police and other offices in the depart
ment.
It is notorious that for months politics have held
sway in and out of the department in connection with
the office of superintendent. High police officials have
sought and obtained the strongest possible political
influences to obtain promotions. Outside the depart
ment the political activities and schemes over the
perintendency have been extensive, candi-
dates from outside Washington bringing all the pres
within their power to obtain the prize for which
there has been such animated struggle
It is needless to say that all this has not promoted
the efficiency Of the police department one whit The
political ramifcations connected with the fight have
extended throughout the department; have produced
i'll feeling and bitterness, and have led to state of
affairs not relished by the people of Washington.
Members of Congress and distinguished citizens who
have been loudes in condemnng the department, have
been the primary and workers in the political
games that have been going some OF them having
been unsuccessful in having their requests granted at
the District building.
For the good of Washington and the proper protec-
ton of the National Capital, this sort of thing should
cease. If political influences to control the princi
pal positions in the police department every time there
is change in political administrations and these in
uences proceed to stir up strife and discord they do
then Washington may expect endless troubles in the
department which should at all times have its best
minds concentrated upon the thought of effective
protection to the lives and properties of the city.
What has been taking place in past months is merely
repetition of other years. under past administrations
but it is the less injurious to the best interests
of Washington.
If the Commissioners are unable to take to
check this sort of thing in the future then Congress
should take cognizance of the conditions and enact
legislation which will the police department
from the political atmosphere that seriously curtals
its usefulness If policemen are to be appointed from
civil service rolls then civil service rules should govern
throughout. Promotions to higher offices should be
made wholly for efficient records and all around police
abilities.
Laws regulations should provide that the super
intendent Of police shall be named from officers of the
department unless unusual conditions make it
sary to go outside There many able police officers
in the department, thoroughly trained and equipped
for head Of the department, and it is not fair to these
who have served the city so we'll and faithfully
that high political influences shall deprive them of
recognition they entitled to and the honors go to
outsiders This sort of thing does not offer much in
centive for to give their best.