FOR PEACE WITH POLICE

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 24, 28 January 1919, Page 8

FOR PEACE WITH POLICE

INQUIRY PROJECTED

QUESTIONS OF PAY AND CONDITIONS.

To-day the Minister of Justice (the Hon. T. M. Wilford) announced the order of reference for a committee of inquiry into various matters, including pay and general conditions, of the Police Force. The subject is one of great interest to the public as well as to members of the Force. In discussing this matter with a Post representative to-day, the Minister said that a few months ago several deputations had called on him. One represented the non-commissioned officers of the uniformed branch, another the detective branch, and a third the plain clothes constables. They laid before him certain matters, the more important of which had reference to the pay and status of these branches in relation to each other. The matters submitted to the Minister were difficult and intricate. The various solutions suggested by the detectives and sergeants, themselves were carefully considered by the Minister. In order to evolve some scheme of placing these two branches of the service on a permanently satisfactory foundation as regards their hours of duty, pay, and rights to promotion, in relation to one another, the Minister has determined to appoint a Committee of Inquiry under the provisions of the Police Force Act, 1913, section 25, to take evidence and furnish a report to him, with any recommendations the committee thinks fit. The subjects for inquiry will be :— (1) What is the present status in the Force of Detectives with regard to their position on the general list of membeTs of the Police Force. (2) When and by what process was that status attained ? (3) What rights have been acquired or lost by that process? (4) What rights have been acquired or lost by that process by the uniform branch of the service? (5) Has any injustice been caused, or undue advantage been given to either branch through the methods hitherto followed ? (6) What remedies should be applied generally? (7) The relative values of the services rendered by the detective and uniform branches, taking into account the hours and other conditions of work ? (8) Suggestions for adjusting pay according to service rendered. (9) General recommendations for the establishment of the detective branch, and for the interchange of officers and men between the two -branches.. This subject of enquiry will include the position and status of plain clothes constables. The personel of the committee will be announced in a few days. The question of including a magistrate is also being considered. TRIAL WITH EIGHT HOUR SHIFT. With regard to the suggested eight homfs shift for uniformed men, the Minister has decided by way of experiment to put the scheme in force in the city of Wellington as early as possible. If the experiment is successful, it will be made general.