New Britain herald., 1922-06-14
Action on Proposed Pen sioning of Chief Not Taken Up at Regular Session-DecisiOn on Vice Squad at Next Meeting Other Matters.

Contrary to expectations, the police commission did not take any action l on the retirement of Chief William J. Rawlings at last nisth's session. nor was the vice squad eliminated. The pensioning of the chief was not preached, but not so with the vice squad. After a lengthy talk. relative 10 this branch of the police work, Commissioners Thomas F. Jackson and Edwin A. Parker were appointed b-committee to look into the ad- visibility of the continuance of the squad, or the reduction of the num- Der, CT the change in the personnel. The committee will make a report at the next meeting of the police com mission which is scheduled for Friday | night. Some interesting developments are looked for at the coming session. not the least of which may be some action on a change in police officials. Down To Business Last nights meeting was proceed l ing along, with various matters hay | ing been transacted, when Chairman David l.. Dunn, brought up the mat | ter of the so-caled vice squad He said that at present, two members of the police department are doing this work. ." Wants Squad Removed | Commissioner Jackson said that the city of New Britain is pretty clean place at present and that the work of making it such has been well done. He further added that 1t was his be- | lief that the policemen on regular beats, with the assistance of the two detective sergeants, can now see to it that this condition continues l Commissioner Parker asked about plan 10 continue the vice squad with | one man doing the work Commis- sioner Jackson said it might be step 1 in the right direction. The commits sioner in support of his claim that patrolmen on regular beats can be ex- pected to see that the law is obeyed, spoke of the recent action of the New Haven authorities in removing a vice squad.
 City Clean Now Chairman Dunn said there is no doubt but that the city is clean at present. but there is considerable work to be done in ferreting out those who might tend to take a chance at liquor law violation, if the vice squad was removed. The chairman said 1t was his belief that the Vostead law violators would spring up like mush- rooms.
 Puts It Up To Cops Commissioner Parker said that men on the beats should be held respon- sible and accountable for thes condi- ton of their beats Chief Rawlings asked how conditions would be on the outskirts where policemen do not get around as often as on other beats. Commissioner Jackson then asked the chief about leaving only one man in the vice squad.
 T would rather see it cut ent al together, than to see only ona6man doing the work" the chief replied.
 Commissioner Parker, said that considerable criticism was aimed at one man in the squad and not the squad itself. He then spoke of plan to have the personnel of the squad changed should it be deemed neces- sary to continue with the squad.
 Commissioner Lange asked why the Volstead law needed more attention than any other infraction of the sta tutes. The commissioner spoke in favor of the sentiments expressed by Commissioner Jackson, regarding the policemen caring for conditions on their beats.
 If you think policemen can handle the situation, all right, you are the doctor" said Chief Rawlings.
 Moonshiners Would Pop Up.
 Commissioner Parker then spoke of Der of the vice squad retained, and for him to work with the detective sergeants for one month. Chairman Dunn expressed himself as fearing that whiskey sellers would pop up over night.
 "All right let the chief detail two other men to the vice squad" said Commissioner Parker.
 q do not think it is the personnel I am not criticising the present men," commissioner JdCkSOn Sd1Q,
 Police Would Be DiIigent.
 Chairman Dunn said there was no doubt but that the patrolmen would be more diligent if this work was put up to them. He said however, that in his opinion, it requires special men to ferret out this brand of law viola tors. Chief Rawlings said that if new men were named for the places, they would have to learn the ropes before they would be effective.
 Would Increase Bureau.
 Commissioner Jackson said that 6t was his view of the situation that the vice squad was organized to clean up the city, and this has been accom- plished. If the detective bureau needs men, then he believes 1t should be increased he said. The commits sioner, in addressing his remarks in the general direction of the chief, said that if he was any judge Of matters, there seems to be considerable criti- cisn of the vice squad
 Agrees With Jackson.
 Commissioner Lange said that the detective bureau, if it is not adequate at present. should be made so. Com missioner Jackson said he would favor one more man in tkts department, if necessary
 No Open Selling Here.
 Chairman Dunn spoke of the hard work in cleaning up the makers of rotten moonshine" He said that there is no doubt that the city is better than many others when it comes to open selling. but in regard