The Washington times., 1929-03-29
PRATT IS NAMED
As POLICE
CHIEF
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and try to strengthen them wherever
possible. OF course, the policies we
have been following under Major
Hesse have been agreed to and
subscribed to by the high ranking
officers, and since they have been
the consensus OF their opinion
think they should continue"
That Pratt, as major and superin-
endeht, intends vigorously to pursue
the enforcement of the Eighteenth
Amendment and other dry statutes
was indicated by his coming out
fatty for comforting of Federal pro-
hsbition authority on his entire per-
sonnet.
Every member of the police force
thinks he is at disadvantage in en-
forcing the prohibition laws because
we do not have full enforcement au'
thority. I think steps should be
takes as soon as possible to remedy
this condition. 1t would have to be
done by congressional action"
Pratt pointed out that at presnet
only 38 members of the force are
armed with the Federal authority in
working on prohibitson violation
cases.
Expects Criticism
Pratt said it was a great per-
sonal satisfaction to realize that
he has risen to the top of his pro-
eession
On the other hand, he indicated
that the promotion was not one Of
unalloyed joy and that he fully ex'
poets that he will be subjected to
much the same criticism and OBJ
struction that initiated against the
peace Of mind OF his predecessors.
Major Hesse, commenting on the
appointment said that, he had the
greatest confidence in leaving the
administration in the hands of
Pratt.
Pratt, was my choice for the
job when it was given to me-" said
Hesse. HE has always been my
candidate. He is a clean1shooter'
and l am glad he got the job"
Both Pratt and Hesse seemed
very ligft.hearted when informed
by newspapermen that the formal
order had gone through. They
laughed and joked as they posed
In Hesse's office for photographers.
Recommendations for the changes
necessitated by the promotion of
Pratt will probably not go up to
the Commissioners before Monday
after the new major is sworn in.
They will be made on the full re.
sponsibility of Pratt, it Is now
understood. although formerly it
was believed Messe would make the
recommendation before his term
expires.
Vacancies to Be Filled
One of the most important shifts
will be the transfer Of Inspector
william s. Shelby. now an assistant
superintendent, from his post as
personnel officer to command OF
the Detective Bureau, made vacant
by Pratt's prpomotion. Under the
law. the head of the Detective Blu
reau must be an assistant super
intendent.
Lieut.. L. I. H. Edwards. now Shell
by's assistant. will remain in charge
Of the personnel office under the
new arrangement, with Shelby con
tinuing to exercise sort Of super
visory control, handling important
orders and correspondence.
The rank Of assistant superintend
ent, now held by Pratt, will prob
ably shift to the shoulders OF In
spector E. w. Brown. now in charge
Of the Traffic Bureau. Brown
however. will likely be kept in his
post in the Traffic Bureau. Pratt
stating this morning that he re-
garded that position as sufficient
Importance to warrant the add
tional rank which might be con
ferred on Brown. !