BRITAIN'S CRIME FIGHTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 122, 22 May 1920, Page 17

BRITAIN'S CRIME FIGHTERS.

The Metropolitan Police Force is world famous for • I.—lts regulation of street traffic, and 2.—lts Criminal Investigation Department. '•''___•« Police officials come from tne four quarters of the globe to learn about both. .'"'_,•__= Everybody can-see how the traffic miracle is Worked; but few people know anything about that complex and mysterious organisation the Criminal Investigation Department, New Scotland Yard, or the "C.1.D." (writes G. T. Crook in the "Daily Mail?).

About 7000;, officers and men are employed in the C.T.D., which consists of four branches—the infallible finger-print Ibraneh; the ■ Criminal'" Records Office, which deals; with the records; property, and correspondence of convicted prisoners ;.'the Registry,, through which all correspondence relating' to crime passes; and the.active detective,branch, which is responsible for the prerention and detection: of crime. In all cases necessitating, technical advice the CJ.D. commands'the services; of the most eminent lawyers, scientists,! and medical men. An expert engaged by the Crown is always the highest; recognised' authority. Excluding the dockyards, which are also policed from London, there are 22 divisions of 'the Metropolitan Police, and for the,purpose of crime investigation each division is in charge of a Divisional Detective Inspector, who has a force of about 30 men. Every crime in the division is' reported to the inspector, who takes the necessary action immediately. -'--■ •