Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-23
MARYLAND PROBES
AUTO|STS' ARREST
Activities of Brentwood and
Mount Rainier Police De-
cIared to Be Illegal.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
MOUNT RAINIER, Md, July a.
Complaints that the newly motorized
police forces of Brentwood and Mount
Rainier are Illegally pursuing and ar
resting drivers of automobiles on the
state highways of the towns" and that
automobile cases are being tried by
the town police justices with the re-
suit that the towns and not the State
receive The fines collected, have re-
suited in an investigation by the office
ot the commissioner of motor vehicles,
1t was learned today.
The investigation was undertaken
after receipt by the commissioner of
motor vehicles Of letter from Charles
B. Calvert Mount Rainier attorney. in
which the writer declares he gets fire.
quent complaints from the citizens OF
this community against the illegal ac-
ton of the town police force" in traffic
cases. The matter was referred to
Lieut.. r. E. Raleigh of the State police
force, who ordered the investigation.
What Probe Revealed.
Although the result of the inquiry
of the State police has not been made
public, 1t was learned that the probe
revealed that town police, working on
fee basis, were making arrests for
speeding and failing to obey stop signs
and that the cases were being tried in
the town of Mount Rainier instead OF
being sent to the Prince Georges County
Police Court, as State police claim
should be done.
Charges that because Of the fee sys-
tenn town police never arrested resi-
dents of the town and that charges of
falling to observe stop signs were
changed to disorderly conduct were also
investigated, but the results could not
be learned.
All of the charges are categorically
denied by town officials. Bird II. Del
by. corporation counsel for Mount
Rainier, declares the town charter gives
its officials specific authority to make
and enforce traffic regulations. Under
this authority the town. several years
ago, passed traffic ordinance. which
provides for fines or imprisonment of
violators. Some of the provisions of the
ordinance, however. are said to be In
conflict with the State law.
Dolby also says he can find no law
prohibiting the trying OF speed and
other traffic cases by town justice OF
the peace. while that officer STANDS
suuarely behind the action OF the mayor
and council and police force, pointing
out that unless the town can make and
enforce its own laws its charter is use
less.
Letter Gives Authority.
Members of the town council also
cite a letter from the commissioner OF
motor vehicles. written last year IN re-
Spouse to an inquiry regarding the ar
rest of Maryland residents using Dis
trict of Columbia automobile tags. rms
letter specifically states that the town
chief of police has full authority 10
enforce the automobile law"
The towns of Brentwood and Mount
Rainier this Summer purchased motor
cycles for their police in an innocent
effort to break up speeding on their
paved streets. The State police force
was regarded as inadequate in num-
bers properly to patrol the many paved
highways in the incorporated towns
and reckless motorists made additional
traffic police protection almost manda-
tory.
The presence of the uniformed pa
tro,men of the towns on the thorough
fares is said to have noticeably re-
duccd careless driving, and except for
the legal complications arising from the
complaint to the motor vehicle COM
missioner, the undertaking Is regarded
as complete success.
The investigation of the State police
was completed today and 1t is expected
the whole matter will be submitted to
the State attorney general for de-
cision.