The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-04-06
THRIFT MOVE
SENDS POLICE
COST SOARING
PatroIman'S Widow Fired to
Save $40; Successors
Draw $8,105.
CHIEFS STORY RIDDLED
MorriSSey'S Economy Act
Explanation Not Upheld
by Records.
BY DICK MILLER

omy" move, which caused discharge
of a murdered policeman's widow
who drew $3.50 annually, has re-
suited in four officers recalled from
patrol service, being paid $8,105 to
hold her post in the filing depart
ment, it was revealed today.
Reorganization Of the department
to place all records in a central
Office recently was boosted as a
money saving move by Chief Mike
Morrissey. The safety board APP
proved the action.
The new system became effective
several days ago, but today q check
OF records shows that all other
clerks have been retained, the pa
trolinen added to the Office person.
mel. and several hundred dollars
spent for equipment.
Widow Only Target
Mrs. Ruth f. Schoen, widow of
Norman Schoen, victim of assassins
bullets four years ago, and mother
Of two children, so far, has been the
economy programs only target. The
safety board has refused to rein
state her. .
Morrissey has given several rea-
sons for Mrs. Schoens dismissal
stressing the act as "one of econ
omy"
However, The Times today learned
that a north side young woman was
being groomed for Mrs. Schoen's
post several days before the widow
was fired and before the economy
proposal was in force.
Following recent reopening of the
investigation of Patrolman Schoen's
unsolved murder, The Times pub
lished a series of stories and also
printed the story of Mrs. Schoen's
discharge.
Wait for Turning OFF Heat
It is reported that the young sue
cessor-to-be of Mrs. Schoen has
been told she would not receive the
appointment until The Times turns
of the heat" The young woman, it
is known, has support of a promi-
nent member of the city administra-
ton in her attempt to obtain the
post.
In addition to recalling patrol
men from law enforcement duties,
police department records show the
total salary cost of operating the
new central filing department is
$23 ,225 annually.
This cost is to cover duties of
filing reports of fewer than 600 In
dianapolis policemen, many of whom
never submit written reports.
Investigation also has revealed no
increase in reports and, apparently
the system is filled with duplica-
tions, according to persons in touch
with its operations.
Admits Covering Up
Morrissey has admitted that re-
cent police reports on alleged mis-
conduct of two patrolmen were coll
cealed from newspapermen through
use of the filing system. He adj
mitted the reports existed, but said
he did not believe reporters would
have written the story had they
been informed of the circum-
stances.
The four officers brought from the
Held OF law enforcement duties each
receive $2,026.25 annually as clerks.
They are Edward F. Moore, Richard
Fogarty, Lawrence flaming, and
Russell Chatam.
In addition to this move, Morris
sey also admits $1,066 was spent for
filing cases and a counter in the
economy" Office. These figures are
not on tlle with the safety board.
No Other Cuts
Since the discharge of Mrs.
Schoen and grooming of her sue
cessor, no other clerks have been
released to further MorriSSey's cost
reduction program it is shown.
In the detective department,
SergeantS Noble Allen, Harry Hill
man and William Englebright still
perform clerical duties at an annual
salary Of 81, 292.50 each.
Bert Perrott and John Thomson
remain on the third floor handling
Bertillon work, while Mrs. Irene
Byers, on the floor above the Cen
trail economy Office" receives $500
a year In the accident prevention
department.
Mrs. Byers said she has de-
livered 1882 cards to the ECONOMY"
office, but still retains the 1880 and
1881 records in her office. In addi-
ton to guarding these, Mrs. Byers
is employed to index minor infor-
nation.
Perform Heavy Duties
Included in the central" office
personnel is Sergeant John (Jack)
ONeal, who is paid So. so.
ONealS duties are to issue the stem
Gil for the daily police bulletin.
mi>leograph copies of which are
given officers at roll calls.
An additional duty of ONeal is to
compile the police assignment slate
once month.
Otners in the Central office" are
Arch Hmch, secretary to Morrissey.
and Hinch's stenographer. Miss
Harriet Deer. Miss Elizabeth Quinn
and Miss Ruth Haywood. a police
woman, who handles missing per-
sons reports, complete the personnel
OF the economy" department
salaries of earl1 eynaa5;,.,. :, 80