Evening star., 1947-09-16
Traffic Division
backingP|edged
By Barrett
Advisory Board Told
He Does Not Plan
To Weaken AIU

Police Supt. Robert J. Barrett last
night personally reassured members
of the Commissioners Traffic Ad-
visory Board he has no intention
OF disbandfng or reducing the per-
sonnel of the Traffic Division or the
Accident Investigation Unit but, on
the contrary, intends to support
these groups in every possible way
Maj. Barrett made his statement
at meeting of the board in Munich
pal Center, after Washington L.
Cleveland, chairman of the boards
Enforcement Committee, told of a
meeting in the police superintend-
ent's Office last Tuesday
Commenting on rumors that the
AIU personnel is being depleted
Maj. Barrett said he has no inten-
ton of weakening the unit
He pointed out the recent transfer
Of certain employees was merely
routine" and purely matter of
proper selection and good usage CT
manpower. He stressed that any Of
the Traffic Division personnel would
be available Immediately for A1U
investigations.
More Changes Promised.
"I feel that I have put close to 40
men who had clerical jobs on the
street." Maj. Barrett commented,
adding that there were some men
in this category who had used in
fluence to get easy jobs.
II found several motorcycle men
who were used as messengers and
who had not been on a beat for some
time" he added. II am going to
continue to make changes.
II feel about the AIU the same
as I felt about the homicide squad
when I was chief of detectives. I
will cooperate with the traffic di-
vision. The rumors that I want to
disband the AIU are incorrect
They have my help"
Maj. Barrett termed Inspector
Arthur E. Miller, chief of the traf-
fic division, as "one of the most
outstanding traffic inspectors of the
country" and told the board men,
bers: IT want you men to be as
sured that all Inspector Miller has
to do is just put men where he sees
fit. He has my full cooperation. ="
Doubts Dispelled. Sundlin Says.
Arthur j. Sundlin, board chair
man, told Maj. Barrett that our
doubts on the matter may now be
dispelled."
Maj Barrett also told the group
he would support fully the forth
coming traffic violators' school,
which will run for three sessions be-
ginning next month. Board members
have conferred with District judges
on its operation, and all the mem
bers were urged to attend the ses-
sions.
He also agreed it would be IAN
excellent idea" for members of the
Traffic Division to attend courses for
specialized training In traffic work
similar to that given to Inspector
Miller some time ago at Northwest
ern University
Traffic Director George E. Keneipp
told the board about proposed
changes in parking signs in which
parking would be designated by
green letters and no parking by
red ones.
Traffic Lights Added.
Mr.. Keneipp explained nine new
traffic lights have been installed,
four have been removed and lights
have been syetimed at 80 important
intersections.
Approval of the board was given
to the proposal for the District to
purchase 1000 additional parking
meters Immediately on a pay-as-
you-go basis.
The committee on motor vehicle
administration has approved re-
quest to ask for funds in the 1949
budget that would permit re-exam-
ination of all drivers every six years.
Four permit examiners and one
clerk -typist would be required to
handle the re-examination system
and additional space, furniture and
eye test machines would be needed,
1t was said. Estimated cost is
$4,000 a year.
Mr.. Keneipp pointed out that, of
20 persons arrested recently, 10 did
not know the speed limits here. He
said also that recent poll showed
that seven out of 10 persons favored