REWARDS TO THE POLICE

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 15 February 1930, Page 5

REWARDS TO THE POLICE

DEPARTMENT’S VIEW. Should police officers accept private rewards or testimonials in recognition of their services? The department’s view of the matter was made clear by the Commissioner (Mr. W. B. McIlveney) the other day, when he quoted the following extract from the Police Code: “While the exhibition of a. friendly feeling from thei public towards the police is most desirable, the acceptance of a testimonial by any officer while serving in the locality is inconsistent with the varied duties of police officers in enforcing the law, for it places them under obligations towards the inhabitants of the district or their friends.”

Air. Alcllveney also referred to comment made by Sir Leonard Dunning, His Alajesty’s Inspector, in a AVliite Paper in 1926, Avhich contains the yearly . reports of police in England and AVales. Sir Leonard said that police duty was duty to the community performed because it Avas police, duty and not in view of reAvards, gratuities, etc., in any manner, from those avlio haA r e enjoyed security by the general vigilance of the police or their energy and intelligence in particular circumstances. ‘‘Acceptance of such favours,” concluded Sir Leonard, “puts the recipient in a position of Avhich a policeman should be ashamed.”