Evening star., 1947-11-17
Lundberg Urges
Inspection Chief
For Arlington
Merger of Building,
Electrical, Plumbing
Divisions Proposed


today recommended to the Airing
ton County Board that building
electrical and plumbing divisions of
the county government be consoli-
dated into one inspection division
under a chief on the same level as
the chief of police and the fire chief
Mr.. Lundberg's recommendation
was contained in a report to the
board on his study of grand jury
recommendations regarding admin
istration of the county government
The grand jury report was given
to Mr.. Lundberg by Circuit Judge
Walter T. Mccarthy at the request
of the jury, which conducted a spe-
cial investigation of possible COL
lusion between county police and
gamblers.
The jury found no evidence of
collusion, but brought in a supple
mental report regarding the county
government.
Safety Director Urged.
Mr.. Lundberg's recommendation
as to the inspection division resulted
from the first item in the grand
jury's report, which asked "that a
trained and qualified person be ap-
pointed as soon as possible as direc-
tor of public safety, to have super
vision over the Police Department
and related county activities"
Regarding this recommendation
the county manager said the De-
partment of Public Safety now in
cludes police, fire and building, elec-
trical and plumbing inspection.
There is no question that at some
time it will be advisable to have a
director in charge of this depart
ment," Mr.. Lundberg stated. How
ever, study of this item indicates
that the first move in this direction
should be the consolidation of the
inspection divisions, with one
person in charge
Director Next Move.
"The next move would be the ap-
pointment of a director to whom the
chief of the police division, chief of
the fire division and the chief of the
inspection division would be re-
Sponsible."
Mr.. LVndberg also said the estab-
lishment of a personnel officer in
the police department would be
an appropriate move at this time" :"
The county manager pointed out
that a job classification and pay
scale study of county personnel, in
Guiding police, is expected to be
completed by December Is.
He made this comment in con-
nection with grand jury suggestions
that salary scale be established,
a job placement system be de-
veloped, and that definite system
be established for promotions and
salary increases.
Police Manuel Prepared.
In answer to a recommendation
that the Police Department be so
organized that each man will know
definitely his own responsibilities,
and so that authority will be prop
erly delegated and the work prop
erly supervised all the way down
the line" Mr.. Lundberg declared:
1.-THE chief of police for some time
has been working on the preparation
of manual covering the duties and
responsibilities of every officer in
the department. This manual is
now being reviewed and will be pub
lished in booklet form SO that every
officer will have on his person copy
of such manual at all times"
Mr.. Lundberg said that a refresher
course for the police force is being
prepared: The grand jury had re-
quested that such a course be set up.
Mr.. Lundberg pointed out that 1t
had been the practice to give such
training and that the last course
was given in October, 1916.
Raid Briefing Favored.
The county manager agreed with
the grand jury recommendation
that a written announcement be
given to each officer promoted and
that the members of raiding
parties be "given a secret brieflng
and instructions so that they will
fully understand. their assignments
and duties"
In answer to the jury's recon-
mendation that no man be denoted
without having a hearing before
a properly constituted body, the
county manager noted that the
matter of a review or trial board
is now under study by a county
board committee.
Regarding a recommendation that
q bond be forfeited Immediately"
in the case of a man who had
jumped the bond more than year
ago, Mr.. Lundberg said the matter
had been referred to the common
wealth's attorney.
Raid Evidence Studied.
He said also that evidence taken
In a gambling raid which resulted
in the arrest and conviction of Rus
sell Peanuts) Scheele was being
studied by the commemorative at
torney and the chief of police with
the express purpose of following up
any lead which will help to elm
mate from the county undesirable
activities"
"The members of the grand jury
should be commended for giving
their time in this matter and the
recommendations as set forth are
well thought out for the betterment
Of our Police Department." MIR.
Lundberg concluded.
Wheat Worth $500, 900