Evening star., 1935-03-21
CRITIC OF HEADLEY
DESCRIBES CLASH
Lieut.. Desch Says Rating
Reduced After "Run-in"
With Inspector.
fContinued From First Page)

expressed the belief that six mounteo
traffic officers would be adequate.
Capt. Marks also advocated con-
solidation of the Metropolitan and
Park Police forces in the interest of
efficiency and economy, as well as a
change in the efficiency rating system
for promotion of officers.
Questioned by Counsel Fitzpatrick,
Marks admitted that Inspector Head
lev had remarked to him about three
weeks ago that some officers in the de-
partment would be captains and lieu
tenants for long time.
Chairman Randolph asked it he
had pressed Headley to name the
officers.
1.-The inspector is a strange man."
he said, 80 I didn't question him.
I did think his statement was strange,
but I thought at the time it was horse
play. rather than in an unfriendly
spirit"
Marks was on the witness stand
only Is minutes, and was followed by
Lieut.. Desch.
Desch explained he came to the
police force 81 years ago from the
United States Marine Corps after
serving IN Nicaragua.
Questioned on Headley.
Immediately after giving a brief
history of mis- career. Desch was asked
by Fitzpatrick if he knew Inspector
Headley.
Yes" he replied.
Fitzpatrick asked Desch then about
his efficiency ratings, showing that his
efficiency rating increased from 79
to "a since 1928.
Desch explained that few weeks
ago he overheard Headley tell Capt.
Marks that the sergeants and lieu
tenants we're not doing their work.
II believe the inspector wanted to
Justify IN assertion he has made on
a number of occasions that No. II
Is a third-class precinct"
How can you do a first-class job
with the small number of men you
have?" asked Representative Virginia
Jenckes, Democrat, of Indiana.
Il think we are doing good job
considering the size of our personnel,
replied Desch.
Efficiency Rating Reduced.
Fitzpatrick reverted back to Desch's
efficiency ratings, showing that after
his conversation with Headley his
rating was reduced from "a to 63 and
jeopardized his early chance for a
promotion.
Were you consulted on the reduc-
ton Of your efficiency rating?" in
quired Fitzpatrick "Were you given
an opportunity to be heard?"
mo, sir" Desch replied.
After you found your efficiency
rating reduced did you talk with Capt.
Marks?" asked Fitzpatrick
Yes, I talked to him. I was ad-
vised by the captain that Inspector
Headley said there were some captains
and lieutenants who would always be
captains and lieutenants and no one
from No. II need expect promotion. -
Desch said ne protested his re-
duced rating because he had been
more diligent than ever in his duties.
Did Headley say anything?" in
quired Fitzpatrick.
Applied for Transfer.
Desch did not answer that question
directly, but explained that he applied
for a transfer from the third to the
eleventh precinct, and Headley told
him he proposed such a step Ito get
out of work"
"of course, I denied this" declared
Desch.
Desch explained he applied for the
transfer so he could attend classes in
the School of Criminology at Co.
lumbus University which Fitzpatrick
organized.
The committee adjourned when
Desch completed his testimony, until
1890 am. Saturday. The delay in
the hearings was ordered because of
a desire of the members to participate
In the bonus debate on the floor Of
the House.
New Politics Ban Sought.
AS a result of the expose of the
Blanton- Brown 'gentleman's agree
ment." police officials are planning to
ask the Commissioners to issue new
and drastic order forbidding men,
bers of the force to seek political in
iuence for any purpose. m
Existing regulations deny policemen
the privilege of soliciting political in
dorsements for promotions, but these
have been more or less ignored in
recent years with the result that the
Police Department files are filled with
letters from various members OF Con-
gress recommending advancements or
changes in assignments for various
members of the force.
Rigid enforcement of these regula-
tions, officials believe, will prevent a
recurrence of an incident similar to
that in which Inspector Headley was
involved. The Commissioners are un-
derstood to be in favor of the move.
Coincident with widespread rumors
in the Police Department that In
spector Headley. intended beneficiary
of the Blanton-Brown deal to bring
about hi To tho roy,L Of oc.