Evening star., 1941-07-11

Service system?" Chairman Schultz
asked.
Il think that it stands in the way
of efficiency so far as promotions are
concerned" Capt. Keck quickly re-
piled
Further questioning revealed that
1t. A. M. Winfree, head of the safe
and robbery squad, had been pro-
NOTED to his present position from
that of desk sergeant.
That means pointed out Chair
man Schultz, that he was raised
from a job with the duties of a mere
clerk to that of the head OF an
important bureau. Would you toll
crate such promotions"
II most certainly would not, re-
piled Capt. Keck.
He followed up this statement
with the recollection that years ago
he had suggested that men on the
SQUADS be given special training
such as that they would obtain at
the F. B. I. and other schools.
Otner DutleS.
Capt. Keck, in answer to ques-
tions, told the committee that men,
bers of the squads frequently went
on ASSIGNMENTS outside their regu-
lar duty.
Wouldn't it be better" asked
Chairman Schultz, Ito keep them
on one particular kind of work?"
Yes, it would" agreed Capt.
Keck, and then added: If We had
enough personnel"
Capt. Keck recalled that, in line
with this policy, a special squad of
20 experienced detectives had been
assigned to the investigation OF the
Strieff murder case.
You let nothing else interfere
with the duties of these men?"
questioned the chairman.
No
What check did you make TO see
that these men were doing their
duty?"
I'VE had detectives in charge
whose responsibility it was to see
to this" He patted a portfolio in
front of him" I have one of the
reports here now"
Capt. Keck said it was his opinion
that a man, if efficient, should be
promoted. or, if a promotion were
not possible. to be given pay equal
to the rank he deserved.
Schultz Thanks Him.
He told the committee that he now
has several jobs he is waiting to fill
because he does not have available
men qualified to fill them. At this
Chairman Schultz thanked him for
being frank in his testimony.
Il am trying to be frank and to
answer your questions to the best
of my ability" he replied.
The subcommittee was told that
the present system of promoting Of
ficers under a civil service exam
ination is the result of an agreement
between the Commissioners and the
Civil Service Commission
Turning to the Commissioners
who were facing him at the commit
tee table, Chairman Schultz de-
clared:
You can terminate that agree
ment. If there's nothing in legisla-
ton. there's nothing to stop you from
taking that out of the picture now.
If you did, it would have very bene-
fetal effect on the department"
Mr.. Hazen interrupted to explain
that the agreement was made prior
to the time he took Office as Com
missioner. but that as result of
his request later the Civil Service
Commission had eliminated the
Il. O." test from the examination
given officers seeking promotion.
Il couldn't see any sense" he
said. in asking a policeman how
far is it to the moon?"
Secondhand Sales.
Just before the subcommittee re-
cessed for lunch, Capt. Keck sug-
gested a more stringent law to pre-
vent the sale of property bought
by secondhand dealers. He point
ed out these dealers under existing
law are permitted to sell articles
purchased by them-some of which
may have been stolen-15 days
after the purchase.
"A lot of stolen goods get away
from us under that law" he de-
clared.
Under the old law, second
hand dealer was not allowed to sell
anything he had purchased for 80
days"
Capt. Keck also pointed out that
a large amount of property stolen
here is disposed of in Baltimore and
as a result the clothing and jew
elry squad must make frequent visits
to that city to check up"
Chairman Schultz announced as
the subcommittee recessed for lunch,
he would bring the investigation to
a close Monday night
Strieff Case Criticism.
Failure OF the police to keep a
record showing that an inquiry was
made about Miss Jessie Elizabeth
Strieff a few hours after she left
her apartment June Is to buy some
butter was criticized by Representa-
tive Copeland, Republican, of Ne
braska, as today's session began.
Mr.. Copeland, member of the
subcommittee, made his criticism
after Emmett B. Bateman, veteran
clerk at police headquarters revealed
he had received telephone call
from Miss Christine Tankersley.
roommate of Miss Strieff about S
pm. on the day she disappeared. He
said he made no record of the call.
1T seems to me- Mr.. Copeland