New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-02-14
POLICE BADGES FOR
Street DEPT. men
Helm and Campbell Are Made
Specials" Alter Long Decision

/ Walter a, Campbell, an Inspector ~
the board OF public works depart
ment, were last night designated as
special policemen, By the board OF nos
/ lice commissioners at the regular febs
rnaTy meeting, The action was taken
by the board after lengthy discus
sion, In which Commissioner Thomas
y, jackson opposed the naming OF the
men. Chairman David l., Dunn pre-
sided at the meeting, Commissioners
Edwin 4, Parker was absent
The matter OF naming the public
works employees as special policemen
was brought up by Chairman Dunn,
lie explained that Thomas ", Grove.
chairman OF the public works depart.
ment, had talked the matter over
with him. and had pointed out some
OF tho advantages 10 be derived by
having one or two men in the de-
partment given permission 10 wear
police badges, In answer to a queh-
ton by Commissioner William J..
Langc, Chairman Dunn said that the
appointment OF the men would not
entail any cost 10 the police depart
ment. The chairman also explained
that the men TO be named would be
under the supervision OF the chief Of
police. the same as other members OF
the department
Chief Hart Fa,ors Appointment.
Chief Hart was asked his views in
the matter. He said that he be-
lieved 1t might be good plan to
name the men.
Commissioner Jackson said that he
could see no reason for giving the
men badges.
Chairman Dunn read from the
city ordinance a regulation applying
to the appointment OF special police
mon. The rule specified that such
officers will be for duty on specified
property. and will be paid for such
service as rendered by the parties
benefited. II > is provided in the
ordinance, however that these special
policemen shall have the power OF a
regularly appointed patrolman. Com
missioner Lange asked Chief Hart If
he thought the appointment would be
help, and the chief answered in the
affirmative.
Commissioner LANCE moved that
the request of the board of public
works be granted. with the provision
that the privilege would apply only
to the time that the men were in the
employ of the city. Commissioner
Jackson seconded the motion.
Commissioner Jackson explained
that in seconding the motion he was
SO doing to bring the question before
the board for discussion. He then
asked Chief Hart if the men to be
appointed would be expected to per-
form duties such as regular police
men are called upon to do. The chief
said that it would be within the pow
er of the specials to do so. should
they see fit. Chairman Dunn said he
did not believe the men would go out
of their way or be over officious. He
cited instances where special polce-
men could be of assistance to the city,
in caring for work other than that for
which the privileges were sought.
Commissioner Lange said he believed
the men would be instructed by Chief
Hart in what was expected of them.
Would Receive Special Pay.
Commissioner Jackson asked the
question as to whether or not these
men would be paid for assisting in
or making an arrest, while in the en-
ploy Of another branch of the city
government. Chief Hart said that all
special and supernumerary policemen
are paid for performances of duty
when not on regular duty, and the
same rule would apply in the case
of Helm and Campbell. This caused
Commissioner Jackson to increase his
opposition to the appointment of the
men. He said he could not under
stand why man in the employ of the
city would be paid for two jobs at the
same time, explaining that in the case
of Helm and Campbell they were pre-
sumably salaried men and that in the
event of their being present in police
court, and getting remuneration for
their work, they would also be paid
for their time by the other board.
Chief Hart explained that the
money paid in this manner is taken
out of the costs assessed against a
prisoner. Commissioner Jackson said
that in the case man arrested by
the special policemen was discharged
and there then being no costs to coll
lect, the city would have to pay the
policemen. 1t was the opinion of
Commissioner Jackson that the police
commission should in every way safe
guard the city against additional cx-
pense. Chairman Dunn said he be-
lieved new ordinance covering such
situations should be drawn up by the
common council.
Commissioner LANCE said that If his
motion was going to create an en-
barrassing situation he would gladly
withdraw it.
Commissioner Jackson said he was
opposed to giving a badge to a man
just to allow him to frighten some
one. Chairman Dunn said that there
are many instances where a badge in
the possession of some city officials
works out TO an advantage.
Commissioner LANCE said, however.
that he felt it would be proper to try
out the plan. and if it proved unsatis
factory the board could change its de.
cision. Chairman Dunn expressed
similar opinion. Commissioner LANCE