Evening star., 1950-05-07
Board Chooses
Three 10 Probe
Arlington Police
Lock Of Discipline
And Politics Charged
By County Agency
-

VeStigate the needs OF the AriinS~
ton police department was named
by the County Board.
Members of the commission are
ic Gauzza, $500 North Fourteenth
street. an Interior Department en-
ploye; Joseph Lieb. 340s North
Fourth street. a professional in
vestigator and research analyst.
and E. j, Steger. 6722 North
boulevard. described
as a longtime county resident.
In other actions the board
urged the Senate TO defeat pro-
posed Hatch Act amendments to
permit partisan participation in
local politics; voted support of
Federal aid for education in Ar
lington, and took initial steps to-
ward seeking a reduction in gas
rates for county consumers.
Legislation Is Favored.
The board also went on record
favoring Federal legislation to
give Virginia representation on
the National Capital Park and
Planning Commission provided.
however. that such representatives
be selected from the membership
OF the Northern Virginia Planning
Commission, and that Federal
funds be made available for de-
velopment Of Virginia parks.
The board directed that Earle
w. Garrett, employed two weeks
ago to make study of the police
department. act as technical ad-
wiser to the newly appointed COM
MIR. Garrett Is representa-
tive of Griffenhagen Associates.
a firm which acts as consultants
to municipalities.
Inquiry Basis Outlined.
An ll-point basic ground for
inquiry was outlined. The board
said. however, that the investi-
tion need not be limited to these
points:
l. Politics has played a major
role in selection Of policemen.
2. Overall police department
personnel is below normal stand
ards.
3. Police department records
have been secreted from the press.
4. Policemen are underpaid.
5, The department is under
stated.
s. A merit system is needed to
prevent alleged political interfer-
ence.
7. Policemen are required to
work overtime without added pay.
8. Recruits are inadequately
trained.
0 Proper discipline has not been
maintained.
10. The qualifications, back
ground, experience and tempera-
ment Of ranking officers. including
the chief. are questionable.
II. Relationship between the
chief and the county manager is
not good.
The board said it expects .
report in reasonable" time.
Cox Offers Resolution.
The boards stand on the pend
ing Hatch Act legislation was
taken by a three -to-two vote with
r. Freeland Chew and Alfred r.
Frisbie in the minority.
The resolution was introduced
by Robert w. Cox. Mr.. Cox
charged that If the special legisla-
ton is passed the Civil Service
Commission will have authority
to deny Federal workers the right
to take part "in any political ac-
tions whatsoever"
Board Chairman Daniel A. Du-
gan introduced the resolution
Federal aid for education.
He said that Arlington's property
tax rate will be l8 cents higher
after July / because of increased
needs Of the school system. He
noted that the Federal Govern
ment does not pay any tax on its
large holdings in the county.
Votes to Hire Help.
On the question of gas rates,
the board voted to employ profess
sional help to prepare a case for
rate reduction before the State
Corporation Commission. Mr.. Du-
gan said the board had started to
act in January. l947. but had not
finished the Job.
On recommendation OF Fire
Chief A. c. Scheffel. the board
voted to. advertise an ordinance
self-service gasoline sta
tions.
A resolution favoring creation
Of a Virginia National Capital
Planning Authority was passed.
Permission for Northern Virginia
communities to organize such a
group was granted by the Virginia
General Assembly at It's 1850 ses-
sion.
A $1,000 appropriation to ex-
terminate rats at the county dump
was voted.