The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-10-08
Jaw emf ORCEMENT
DEPARTMENT NEAR
SELF-SUSTAINING
Expenses of the Department
Since Its Establishment
Have Been S128,662.
Receipts $125,853

Montgomery, October 7.-(Special.)
Since the state law enforcement de-
partment was established in Novem-
Der, 1919, the net cost to the state
has been $2.S09, and II tho profit from
1875 prison sentences ranging from
three months to life imprisonment Is
considered the department has been
a money-making one for the state,
according to a report filed with Gov
ernor Kilby today showing tho oper-
atoms from the beginning until now.
The total expenses OF the depart
ment have been f12S,662, while the
total cash fines have been f12b,S5S.
During the same time the department
has started prosecutions In 2,66b
cases. Convictions were obtained IN
2,043 cases, and only sol defendants
have been acquitted. The prosecnt-
ing offers mol pressed S1S cases, six
were abated by the death of defend
ants, while two were abated by the
insanity Of defendants.
Raids of tho officers resulted In
the destruction of 1894 stills and the
consiscation of 1890 gallons of
whisky, ,439 gallons of mash, 5,1S5
bottles of home made beer and 200 gal
Ions CT apple cider. Property which
was seized and held for condemna-
ton when liquor was being trans
ported included the following: Four
teen automobiles, seven trucks, one
gasoline launch, one schooner, one
railway motor car, six mules, five
wagons three horses and two bug
giles.
Many stills Destroyed
During this time 1903 persons wore
arrested on charges of violating the
prohibition laws, 5S7 fer operating
stills, 292 for having stills In their
possession and 2,167 for other Of
lenses.
Since L. L. Phillips has been chief
law enforcement officer. the net
prtfit TO the state from the depart
ment has been s25400. not including
the states income from convicts. who
were convicted as q result of the ac-
tivities of the department. Total
fines since Mr.. Phillips was appointed
in September, 1921, have been $751;,
= 53f, while total expenses have been
s62.13t. In addition to the cash fines
paid during this period, 142 prison
sentences were imposed, ranging
from three months to life.
-. OF the 1909 cases disposed OF dur
ing this period. 1872 resulted in con-
victions. 119 in acquittals and 11S
in nolle prosequis. Total arrests
during the period were S,023, 1,010
being for violating the prohibition
laws, $50 for operating stills. 1916
for having stills in possession. and
1889 for other offenses.
Phillips Record
Nine hundred and seven stills have
been destroyed by the departing
yince Mr.. Phillips was appointed
chief, 1882 gallons of whisky were
! CURED out, 47s.220 gallons of mash
were destroyed, 2,2S6 bottles of home
brew smashed, and 200 gallons Of
apple cider eonfiseated.
The states net profit from the de-
rartment in September. 1922, was
ss.S32.sS. total cash fines being S.
Al. compared with total expenses of
s3.s0S.12. During the month 81
stills were confiscated. while 301
gallons of liquor 1900 gallons of
mash and 10 bottles of home brew
were destroyed. One automobile was
seized for condemnation and 800 ar
rests were made.
Total convictions during Septem-
be7 were las. com pared with two ac-
quittals and IL nolle prosequis.