The globe-independent. (Hagerstown, Md.) 1943-19??, 1952-09-11

hat we might better understand Wnal
Lished in the three years that have
D ~
ganization with the public interest
and executes a program of action tc
earn public understanding and &C.
ceptance."
Here is what three prominent men
all in the public relations field, have
to say on this important matter:
J. c. Seidel, Public Relations Di-
rector, Division of Housing, State Of
New York, says: Public relations, in
essence, is our dealings with people
Public relations is the continuing
process by which management en-
deavors to obtain the good will and
understanding of its customers, its
employees and the public at large
inwardly through self-analysis and
correction, outwardly through all
means of expression"
w. Emerson Reck, Public Rela-
tons Director, Colgate University,
has this to say: 'sPublic relations is
the continued process of keying
policies, services and actions, to the
best interests of those individuals
and groups whose confidence and
good will an Individual or institution
covets; and secondly, it is the in
depreciation of these policies, serv-
ices and actions, to assure complete
understanding and appreciation"
And finally, Howard Bonham, Vice
chairman, American National Red
Cross, says: 'Public relations is the
art of bringing about better public
understanding, which breeds great
er public confidence for any indi-
vidual or organization"
Now the question arises, how
should we go about building up good
public relations for our organiza-
ton?
The first step is to put your own
house in order. By this I mean, use
good, sound business ethics, high
standards of operation, and have a
sincere desire to serve the public.
These are the first prerequisites of
good public relations.
There is a great truth in the say
ING 'FPublic relations begin at
home"
If you'll forgive me for using the
personal references as we go along,
I'll give you some idea of our public
relations plan.
The first thing I did after accept
ing the position of Police Commits
sioner of Hagerstown, was to call in
every member of our Department for
an open meeting, to which the Mayor
and the members of the Council were
invited, as well as representatives of
the press and radio. At that meet
ing met each individual member of
the Police Department personally,
most of them for the first time.
I outlined my program, something
after this fashion, and 1 am quoting
in part from my prepared talk at
that time so that there could be no
question about my desires, nor there
be any chance for a misunderstood
ing or the misquotation of my policy:
I started my talk by stating:
81 have never been in politics
and I see no place in this organiza-
ton for politics. If anyone among
you has different ideas it will be well
that you change them at once. At
present know nothing about this
Department, or your work, but you
can be sure that it will not be very
long before I am fully versed on all
phases of our duties. 1 come to you
with completely open mind. There
will be no immediate changes. am
getting all kinds of reports-some
not at all complimentary as regards
performance of duty, and some, be-
lieve, with purely personal axes to
grind.
81 will pay no attention to rumors
but when facts are placed before me
they will be tracked down and if il
is proved that some of you men have
been derelict in your duty there will
be upheavals and you can be sure
that changes will be made regard
less of rank or length of service. Il
it is possible that some of things
hear are true, then it behooves some
members of the force to straighten
out these affairs, or such action will
be taken as is necessary to correct
the situation.
81 expect only one course to be fol-
lowed-you know the law and you
know your duties. / will not ask
you to do anything which ! would not