"GOLDEN RULE" POLICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7731, 26 February 1909, Page 1

"GOLDEN RULE" POLICE.

NEW WAY TO KEFORM CRIMI- f NALS. ' § There is a chief-constable m America | who has adopted a theory to the | carrying out of the work of hie profes- , sion that is at least a departure from \ orthodox methods, and that has the merit of being dictated by an instinct < of humanitarianism. This theory consists m helping rather than embitterrng offenders, and it is stated to have worked wonders m the way of reformation. In short, it is the simple " Golden Rule" put into practical working expression. . . ' "For years," said this chief <>J j police, "the police—unwillingly and , unwittingly, perhaps—have been mak- i ing as many criminals as any otbei ' agency—poverty, heritage, and association excepted. This has been done |bj arresting first offenders and trivia 1 offenders; by exposing them and braijd ing them with Police Court and priaor records. The police have discouraged men; they have driven young and wealmen to the haunts and association 'oi habitual and expert criminals, wh< have taught them the ideals and practices of crime. The- police have some^ times punished but never prevented crime. ■ * "The time has come to change al. this, and the Golden Rule policy is the way to do it." As its name implies, the Golden Rule policy is designed to treat offenderr against the law as men, even when they are drunk; even when they disturb the peace; even when they insult the dig nity of a policeman. Under the workings of this policy, intoxicated men arc taken or sent to their homes msteac of being placed m gaol. Apparent offenders on any misdemeanour charge, are warned and released by simply taking: their name and address, unless, i is evident on the face of things tha\ the offence was committed with maiici and forethought. In short, the police men are instructed that the peoph they have to deal with are humai beings, not machines; liable to maKi mistakes and failures, but not there fore lost souls. They are taught to; bi friends and parole officers of the often ders against the law. They are instructed to enforce the law, but witl the least show of authority, withova personal pride, and with the greatest sense of human justice: Policemen ar< made judges over the offenders wh< act into their clutches. If the oftencet be serious, the offenders must go. < gaol, but that is for the policeman t< deiSder the " Golden Rule» polic> the city is saved thousands of doll a v m witness fees, much work for th. police judges, police clerks and Cour attaches; wear and tear ot all ptget apparatus. Patrolmen and detective, are able to devote more time to . tin pursuit of habitual criminals andenme, of a serious nature.