New-York tribune., 1921-09-27
Enriglnt's Plea
For 5 Millions
Is Not Granted
Mayor Only Member of FL
nance Committee Heedinr
Commissioners Demand
for More Police Funds
Economy Rule Enforced
ITpholding of Prohibition
Declared to Need an Ad.
ditional 500 Policemen

When Police Commissioner Richard
S. Enrigrs appeared before the Finances
ard Budget Committee of the Board Of
Estimate yesterday to press his re-
quest fol approximately a $4,000 900
&c1eaSe IN the departmental budget
sor 1922 he received little or no en-
eosragement from the members of the
committee, with the exception of Mayor
Hylan. The examiners for the board
aad refused to approve any increases
either n salaries or the number of
pstrolmen. but the Mayor endeayored
10 bold out some hope for his Commits
sioner despite the Hylan policy OF
strict economy in all departments.
Commissioner Enright told the board
he needed 1857 more men on the no
ice force. Five hundred OF these were
necessary. he said. to aid in the en-
forcement of prohibition.
What percentage of arrests under
the Muilan-Gage law result in indict-
nent?" demanded Aldermanic Presi-
dent La Guardia
"Less than 20 per cent" replied En-
right
.'What percentage result in convic-
tions?''
Ten Years Hence, Perhaps
~About 10 per cent"
Aisn't it fact that the grand jury
throws out about 80 per cent Of your
eases ?"
"Yes, that's true. There are now
cases enough pending to keep the
courts busy for ten years.
"Then come back in ten years and
get your additional men," said Pres
ident La Guardia.
At the suggestion OF Mayor Hylan
the committee, which consists of the
committee of the whole of the Board of
Estimate, finally voted to adopt the
report Of the examiners only tenta-
.ively; merely to have it printed" as
the Mayor explained, leaving the door
open for revision either up or down.
Much Of the increase requested by
the need Of additional men on the
force. In addition to the general need
for more patrolmen, due to the growth
Of the city, the Commissioner declared
that traffic conditions required the ad-
dition Of about 400 patrolmen. Com
missioner Enright previously made the
request to the Board of Estimate for
the extra men to enforce the state pro-
hibition law. The board referred him
10 the Board Of Aldermen, who would
not grant the men or the money.
Il don't know how I can be expected
to go on enforcing this law without
AID IN money or men," said Commits
sioner Enright.
How is it done in the counties up
stste = asked President La Guardia.
Call Stepchiid of State
That's different up there" replied
the Commissioner "It isn't done.
We're the stepchild of the State of
New York"
l ne salary increases requested were:
For Chief Inspector Lahey, from $500
to $4,000: the deputy chief inspector,
from $500 to $500; chief surgeon,
from $4,000 to $1,000, and the seven
teen surgeons from $4,000 to $4,000
Increases We're also asked for the
clerical forces in the Commissioners
cfice The establishment of new
grade Of detectives was also proposed
by the Commissioner He sought to
give 200 detectives the title of second
grade and the pay of police sergeants.
which is s2,70o. They receive s1,7ss
at the present time.
With the exception Of the $50 first
grade detectives who receive $4,000,
the Police Commissioner explained,
there is no provision for giving the
men in the detective bureau increases
III acAal HIS IdS resulted I0flf
going to the Legislature which at the
last two sessions passed bills giving
them relief. These bills were described
as "too drastic" by Commissioner En-
right, who suggested that the city it.
self could accomplish the same pur-
pose at less expense.
Yes" commented the Mayor, "we're
suffering from too much legislation
and not enough home rule
In urging the board to accept the
estimate made up by him allowing for
increases in the force Commissioner
Enright declared that 19t additional
men were required to cover existing
traffic posts.
Unless these additional mon are
granted" said the commissioner, I'VE
can't take charge Of these dangerous
crossings, and 700 persons are being
killed in the streets each year. This
Will reduce it. We already have de-
pieted the force in the precincts by
4oo men to send them to traffic duty
and can't take any more men from pa
troll. Approximately 500 men are now
engaged in enforcing the Mullan-G Gage