THE POLICE FORCE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 869, 16 July 1910, Page 3

THE POLICE FORCE.

Sir,—l am pleased to observe that "Justice" has communicated his views to you in respect to our police force, and that you have considered them worthy of publication in your issue of 12th instant. I may at once state 1 entirely concur in all his views on this somewhat important subject. ! Our police force will never be efficient aud well-disciplined unless 'we have an experienced and practical Commissioner at its head, and unless that Commissioner has a free hand and is supported by the Government, and not interfered with as heretofore. It is utterly impossible .for any Commissioner to maintain discipline and efficiency in tho police force if the members thereof aro encouraged'to act as "pimps," a de-. plorable system of espionage which should bo promptly exterminated. The recent Police Commission, unsatisfac : tory as it was, had beneficial results, not only in proving the efficiency of the force, and its freedom from influence, etc., but also in. being tho means of the identification ■ of. the few members of the Department the force as a body would rejoice to get rid of, so as to prevent dissatisfaction and discredit .Being brought thereon. The wonder is that under - prevailing circum- • stances the force .is in such an efficient condition as it is. It was generally understood that when a Commissioner was imported from England to organiso -the force, he would have a free hand, and no' interference, with his authority, but, alas, tho reverse was tho order of the day, and in consequence the said Commissioner was glad to relinquish tho position at the expiration of his agreement, disgusted with" the treatment he had received. Tho second Commissioner, selected from the same source, arrived in ignorance of what had occurred, and because ho faced the music for a longer poriod .than his predecessor, his treatment was nothing less than scandalous. Do you think, Mr. Editor, - another police expert will venture on such an expedition, knowing the .true position of affairs. I sincerely hope not,' and yet, as stated by "Justice," if favouritism and influence is to be deleted from the police force it is most essential another practical stranger should be imported. .' Much has been said in respect to tho ex-Commissioner's recent appointment. Why, if his qualifications do not fit him. for his now position, how much less is tho new Police Commissioner qualified for his post, or I might mention other ■ heads of Departments appointed by the Government. Why, therefore, all this outcry about ono individual and not another? New Zealand will soon be noted for its changes in police administration, and the reasons therefor are obvious. It is not because of the inefficiency of its /Commissioners; but because of nonsupport and interference with their administration ! Seeing the force is so free from political and other influence, it is hoped it will not bo allowed to lapse into its, former deplorablo condition, but I fear there is a serious danger, in this direction. —I am, etc., ■'■'■' INTERESTED.