The Washington times., 1925-09-04
WIDE DRIVE
ON CRIME
COMING
''War" Council Projected to
Coordinate All Federal
Police Powers
By ROBERT S. THoRNBURGH

By ROBERT S. THORNBURGH
Far reaching plans to bring
about more effective enforcement
not only of the Volstead act, but
all other laws of the United
States are under study by Presi-
dent Coolidge.
8 With the announcement at the
Treasury today that orders would
be issued authorizing immigration
inspectors and customs guards to
act Jointly in the campaign
against smugglers. it became
known that this move is the be-
ginning of a coordination of all
Federal law enforcement activi-
ties.
President Coolidge has not as
yet sanctioned the new program
for law enforcement, but is under
stood to be giving its details care
full consideration.
Features of the Proposal
Features of the plan. already APP
proved by several members of the
cabinet include:
III Detailing a high Government
official as co-ordinator of law en-
forcement. General L. c. Andrews,
Assistant Secretary of the Treas.
ury. has been suggested for the
post.
t2) Establishment of a law en-
forcement war council" includ-
ing officials of the Treasury, JUS
tice, Labor, Agricultural, Com.
merce, State and other depart
ments.
CS) Organization of a wall of arms
and men around the country's Dor.
ders. made up of agents of all law
enforcement agencies now operat-
ing independently.
"a Coordination of operation of
all enforcement agencies, both on
land and sea.
Waiting on Departments
President Coolidge, it was under
stood. win not issue stlIe executive
order necessary to put the plan
into operation until he is convinced
that all department heads are in
agreement as TO essential features.
At the Treasury, however, it was
stated that an executive order CO.
ordinating the activities of Gus
toms and immigration agents on
q hundred-mile sector of the Can
adam border in the vicinity of De-
troit will be forthcoming.
Backers Of the program are con-
sidering the advisabiIity of legisla-
ton that would create the new Of
flee Of law enforcement co-ordi
nator and outline his duties.
Agencies which it is proposed to
coordinate include the Coast Guard.
customs service, prohibition unit.
immigration service, consular
agents, navigation inspectors. agents
of the Department of Justice. GER
tain agriculture agents and all
others with any police powers.
Result of Survey
A general survey has disclosed
that it is virtually impossible for
any one of the law enforcement
agencies to prevent smuggling act
ing alone.
While the customs patrol is being
strengthened. officials declared that
there is little hope of preventing
smuggling without a strong CO.
ordinating police representing the
Treasury. Justice, Labor, Agricul-
ture, Commerce and other depart
ments
The enforcement war council,
consisting of assistant secretaries
and other high officials, is planned
as an advisory body to the CO.
ordinator.
This general staff. acting with
the approval of the President,
would lay out the general law
enforcement policies of the Govern
ment.
Within the next few months it
was expected that all details of the
plan will be completed and its FEAST
bility determined upon by the Presi.
dent and his official family.
Originating in the office of the
chief co-ordinator. the project has
been put into effect at the Treas
ury by Andrews.