Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-03-05
Proposal 10 Activate
New Police Force at
Capital Advances

=
Congressional support mount
ed toda. for establishment of a
new Capitol Police Force. selected
by its captain. and trained by the
Metropolitan Police Department
But differences of opinion
centered on a second proposal to
protect members of Congress by
bullet-p! oot glass, installed on
the front OF visitors galleries in
both chambers,
A third recommendation de-
signed further to tighten secur-
ity on Capitol Hill met with wide
approval. 1t calls for installation
of a closed-circuit. separate tele-
phone system for exclusive use of
Capitol Police.
The three-point program to
this effect was presented to Off
Gals of both House and Senate
yesterday afternoon by a special
committee, headed by Metropoli-
tan Police Chief Robert v. Muir
ray.
Go to Committees.
The proposals will be referred
to appropriate committees of
both Houses for consideration.
The security program was de-
veloped by the Murray Commit
tee at request of congressional
leaders. after eunfire moved
down five House members on the
floor on Monday.
The Murray committee in
cluded Capt. William j. Brode-
rick of the Capitol Police and 1t.
Carl Schamp of the Metropolitan
Police. assigned to the House.
Discarded by the committee re-
port was a proposal to use cleo
trical devices to detect firearms
on visitors. After exhaustive
studies. the committee concluded
there is no mechanical device
that would be practical for this
purpose"
The new Capitol Police Force
plan calls for selection of recruits
after a physical and mental eX-
animation A list of eligible can
dldateeS would be furnished by
the Metropolitan Police Depart
ment. Training would be pro-
vlded by the Metropolitan po-
lice facilities Capitol Police now
are appointed by members of
Congress.
Changes in the Capitol force
would be gradual. The ranks
would be filled by appointment
either from those on the present
force who can qualify. or from
other eligibles to fill vacancies.
Cooperation Pledged.
In the report. Chief Murray
pledged further cooperation by
his Metropolitan force with the
Capitol Police. But referring. to
overtime now being served by the
Metropolitan officers TO protect
citizens of Washington. he said
the assignment of policemen to
the Capitol would be on a TEN
porary basis. consistent with
their many other responsible
ties He emphasized that his
force still has many vacancies.
House Speaker Martin. after
receiving the Murray report, i'm
mediately declared he favors a
permanent police force under
civil service"
Apparently reluctant. however,
over the plan for glass walls to
separate visitors galleries from
the chamber floors. Mr.. Martin
told reporters he believes Con-
eress should move cautiously
lest 1t set up some restrictions
that might prove impractical.
To Relay Entire Report.
He announced he will refer
the entire report to special
committee of House leaders. They
will include Majority Leader Hal
leck. Majority Whip Ahrends.
Minority Leader Rayburn and
Minority Assistant Leader Nc
Cormack. A meeting of this
group probably will be held early
next week.
Senator Jenner of the Rules
and Administration Committee
and Senator Martin Of the Per-
sonnet Committee handling pa
tronage said they favored all
three points of the program.
They plan to recommend them
to their respective groups.
Some Senate leaders have pr!-
Vately expressed their disap-
proval of the glass walls.
Senator Jenner favors the new
system for police. He said even
the finest force could not be
fully effective unless supported
by the proper physical facilities
Senator Martin. a former
major general. said he wants
professional police at the Cap
ltol, appointed after physical