Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-19
A Courtesy Bulletin Needed.

With one policeman convicted by the
court of reckless driving after he
had failed to browbeat citizen into
admitting the blame for a traffic acci-
dent, and another to be hailed before
the trial board for discourtesy to a
woman driver following the dismissal
of charges against her in court, it would
appear that, regardless of the present
agitation as to conditions in Washing
tons Police Department, the time was
ripe for Mai. Hesse to issue another
courtesy warning to his men.
From time to time over long period
of years it has been necessary for the
head of the department to remind po-
licemen that the efficient performance
of a duty depends in no way upon their
ability to intimi6ate, especially in traf-
fic cases. the generally law-abiding citi-
zen. These often repeated warnings
have in a large measure served their
purpose. and Immediately after the is
suance of such bulletin, and for
period thereafter, improvement is noted.
But as in all such cases time brings
forgetfulness and renewed lacking
up" becomes necessary.
In dealing with violators Of the minor
traffic regulations there is no need for
violence or display OF temper on the
part of the arresting officer. The citi-
zen who drives an automobile can easily
be identified and apprehended If ne
fails to appear in court for trial. The
business man or the business woman
who runs past a stop sign and is halt
ed by q policeman for doing so is
;. thoroughly tractable person. and M
Conversation or no action is necessary
on the part Of the policeman other than
to hand the offender ticket or escort
him to the precinct station.
The policeman who. instead of fol-
lowing this simple and courteous pro-
cedure. sticks out his chest until the
buttons on his coat are almost ready 10
burst. and. transfixing the motorist with
a stony glare. bellows out, well. I
caught you. didn't I? What do YOU
think you're doing. anyway. running
past that sign? Are YOU learning how
to drive, or what? Here, take this ticket
to the precinct station!" stamps him.
self as grossly lacking in a proper con-
ception of his duties.
There are many more irritating and
obnoxious motorists than policemen,
but even when encountering one OF
these "I'll have you fired" drivers the
good policeman will waste no converse
ton on him, but will speedily dispatcn
him to the station house. Likewise,
there are any number Of motorists who.
especially at intersections, will clog traf-
ic and break. regulations because Of
sheer stupidity. It is neither necessary
nor desirable in these cases, however.
for the arresting ofiicer to assert his
mental superiority over the dumb driver
before he gives him ticket.
OF course, II a motorist hagrantly
violates one of the major regulations,
such as leaving the scene of a collision
without making his identity known, no
sympathy. will be given him by the pub
lie If the policeman who arrests him
after a hard chase INDUCES in a bit 81
rough talk. or perhaps subdues him
with a night stick in a physical en-
counter, but the public has no respect
for. the. type Of policeman who bullies
an automobile driver in making an ar
rest for q. burned-out tail light.
A courtesy bulletin from the head oil
the Police Department is therefore de-
cidedly In order.