N.Z. POLICE

Grey River Argus, 27 July 1940, Page 11

N.Z. POLICE

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES Crime Stability [Per Press Association] WELLINGTON, July 25. An increase of 2070 in offences reported to the police is recorded in the annual 'report on the Police Force presented to the House. The officer formerly in charge of the Greymouth police district, Inspector Mac Lean, reported that on March 31, 1940, the strength of the force in the ’district was 47, one under the authorised number. The number of offences reported during the year was 1067, compared with 914 during the previous year. Of offences reported, 1034 were dealt with by arrest or summons. The principal decreases were drunkenness and breaches of the Arms Act. The principal increases were thefts from dwelling-houses and shop-breaking, failing to maintain wives or children, and offences by publicans and persons found illegally on licensed premises. The conduct of members of the force has been very good, a 1 fairly high standard of efficiency being maintained, and both branches ot tiie service performing their duties satisfactorily. In the Dominion generally, .there were 46,378 offences reported during the year ended December 31, 1939, compared with 44,308 the previous year, the proportion of offences to the poulation being 2.83 per cent., as against 2.73 per cent, in 1938. Increases were in petty thefts, by 771) cases, drunkenness by 489 cases, burglary by 421 cases, and being found on licensed premises after 'closing hours 405 cases. The main decreases were in failing to maintain wife or children, 487 cases; false statements and declarations, 274 cases; reckless or negligent driving, 173 cases; and being found in common gaming houses, 119 cases. Fines totalled £45,493, arising from 24,596 convictions. The Consolidated Fund received £16,498, the Main Highways revenue account £7833, and local authorities from fines for by-law offences £265. The finger impressions of 3522 persons were receivea, classified, indexed and filed at headquarters during the year. In New Zealand the finger-print system has to date been responsible for the identification of 7472 persons. There are now 57,749 prints in the New Zealand collection.

Accidents and fatalities with firearms numbered 49, compared with 47 the year before, but there were two fewer deaths.

It is hoped to ntroduce women police in the very near future. A number of the Department’s men have enlisted for service. There was very little crime committed at the Centennial Exhibition. The legislation passed last session in connection with liquor at dance-halls has been a pronounced success.