Evening star., 1932-12-25
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

Hall century ago serious scandal
WIS brewing in Washington in respect
p.,;o. to the behavior OF the DO
A olice lice, and particularly the
Scandal. practices Of members of the
detective force. A commit
tee OF citizens undertook an investiga-
tlon on behalf of persons Claiming
to have suffered from these practices
and In The Star of December %, 1882,
Is a letter addressed by John w.
thompson, chairman of this committee.
70 J; X. West, president Of the Board
OF Commlssioners, complaining that
members OF the detective force were
maintaining an espionage over his Of.
nee to observe the identity of those
going to see him or this matter. In
The Star Of December %, 1882. is the
following editorial on the subject Of
the police force:
Recent issues OF The Star have con.
ta1ned interviews with policemen which
deserve more than mere passing no
tice. These interviews show that the
privates on the force realize the defects
OF the existing system and that they
would gladly have these defects rene
died. More than that. these inquiries
developed the fact that there are men
. among the force capable of pointing out
the way to remedy existing evils. There
seemed to be quite a unanimity Of
sentiment among the men as TO the
existence OF too much red tape In
other words. according to these officers,
instead OF plain, simple and practical
system, We have a cumbersome and
complicated one in which there is too
much attempt to enforce military
| methods. The uniform is pronounced
too SNOWY. 1t IS in such marked con-
trast with everything ordinarily worn
by civilians that the thief or other
offender can recognize the officer by
night as well as by day. This con-
urged by the men, gives to thieves an
advantage over the thief f-catcher. There
is sound sense. too, in the suggestion
OF one officer that the pay should be
sufficient to induce good men to take
service on the force. This is a ques-
tion that has been discussed in the
District committees of Congress on sew
eral occasions, and the best judgment
OF those committees has invariably
the pay of the police at a 1gure SO low
that none who could obtain other en-
ploynlent would seek the service.
Another evil in connection with the
police force Is mentioned which. all
the men seem to agree interferes, espe-
cially during the social season, with
those duties which properly belong to
the force. 1t is the custom of detail
ing policemen to attend receptions as
sort Of guard of honor The higher
the rank. official or social, of the party,
the larger must be the detail under this
custom, and while the policeman
should be on his beat and protecting
the people he is employed in the un-
n iy1r rr{a
doors for arriving and departing guests.
THE opinions and suggestion con-
tanned in the interviews are based upon
experience and are therefore entitled
to consideration. Instead of the pres
ent snowy and gaudy uniform, one not
differing very materially from ordinary
civilian apparel is suggested. OF course
there must be uniformity in the dress
OF the police force, but there is no use in
making the officer as conspicuous as
a general in the army. in full rig by
buttons. gilt lace tinsel, yellow hat
cords. etc. One OF the interviewed
officers says: 1t is certain we could
get much nearer thief in less showy
uniforms
THE developments brought to light
since the citizens investigation Of the
detective force was inaugurated have
startled the people of the community.
There is q general feeling OF insecurity
and it will not be set at rest until
something is done toward increasing the
efficiency of the. police force Whether
1t becomes necessary to make complete
reorganization or not remains to be de-
termined. 1t is reasonable, however.
to conclude that the authorities will
not delay In correcting some Of the
glaring defects that have been pointed
out"