Evening star., 1941-07-12
House Unit Reported
Seeking Retirement Of
AnPoIice Over So
Kelly Is Mentioned
To Succeed Maj. Brown
As Inquiry Closes
BY JAMES f. CHINN.

BY JAMES f. CHINN.
The House subcommittee which
has just completed a three-Week
investigation of the Metropolitan
Police Department, it was learned
today, has tentatively decided to
recommend that all members over
so years of age be placed on the
retired list.
Adoption of such program would
result in the forced retirement of
Maj, Ernest w. Brown, veteran
superintendent of the department,
and Inspector James F. Beckett, an
assistant superintendent, who also
is the personnel officer.
The subcommittee, it was said,
also has decided tentatively to rec
ommend complete reorganiza-
tion of the department and the i'm
mediate abolition of the special in
vestigation squad-the unit that has
been charged as being "Gestapo"
which spies on other members OF the
force. In addition, the subcommitte,
it was reported, will recommend
higher salaries for members of the
detective bureau in order to attract
men of high caliber." This bureau,
it has been charged, is now the
weakest link" in the department.
Kelly Mentioned as Chief.
The subcommittee decided on its
tentative recommendations at 40
minute executive session late yes
terday after it ordered sudden
close of the investigation. 1t will
meet again Monday at 10 am. to
take final action.
No names are to be listed In the
report of the subcommittee, 1t was
decided, but, according to reports,
Inspector Edward J. Kelly, former
lace" detective, was mentioned as
possible successor to Maj. Brown
as chief of police Mention also was
made, it was said, that Capt. Ira E.
Keck. acting chief of detectives, be
placed in permanent command of
the bureau
Capt. Keck is known to have made
an impression on the subcommittee
when he testified yesterday, despite
statement of former witness that
he was not qualified either by "ex-
perience or background" to head
this important unit.
Hazen Tells Of Bribe Offer.
The abrupt end of the investiga-
ton was not explained. Chairman
Schultz earlier in the day announced
he would make an effort to bring it
to a close Monday night"
There were series of sensa tional
developments at the final session of
the subcommittee. the most out
standing of which was the voluntary
disclosure by Commissioner Hazen
that he had been offered a $4,000
bribe to remove Acting Capt. George
M. Little from the special gambling
squad which he formerly headed.
Mr.. Little is now head of the De-
tective Bureaus fugitive squad.
Questioned by Representative
Hebert. Democrat. of Louisiana, who
inspired the investigation, Acting
Capt Little said he had mo way
of teVing" whether abolition of his
gamtting squad had any connec-
ton with the bribe offer.
Pays Tribute to Little.
When Commissioner Hazen dis
closed the brlbe offer he was paying
a tribute to Acting Capt Little, who
he described as one of the most
efficient members of the Police De-
partment.
L want to say for the benefit of
Capt. Little that a certain friend
said there would be $4,000 in the
Riggs National Bank" said the COM
missioner. AT that time Little was
In charge of the gambling squad.
There would be $4,000 put to your
credit in the Riggs National Bank
If you move Capt. Little. We don't
ask him to be discharged"
Commissioner Hazen was asked
what happened after that offer,
and he replied:
I'm still a poor man now"
Gamblers Sought Removal.
After his return to the District
Building. Commissioner Hazen ex
planned his statement before the
subcommittee as follows:
Il intended my statement to be
compliment to George Little A
personal and very long friend of
mine came to me in 1884 or 1851
forget which year-and told me he
had heard conversations around
town that the gamblers would be
willing to put up a check of $4,000
on deposit fur me if l could get
Little removed as head of the
gambling squad. OF course, can't
tell you the name of my friend,
and, of course, did nothing about
It,