POLICE REGULATIONS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 76, 13 March 1913, Page 2

POLICE REGULATIONS.

REPLY TO CRITICISMS. Christchurch. Maerh 12. Some recent criticisms of the new uolice regulations were, brought umki the notice of the Hon. A. L. Herdman. Minister of Justice and \ttomev-Gcncial by a press represiiPatne to-day and the Minister hi uk the follow nig statement: — “It is misstating facts to say that the new regulations mean promotion >»y et.iniiuat.iin and nothing else, and it is an exaggeration to sugm <a that the ekmentary tests of intelligence which the # regulations jntMiibe ’a nt the least degree difficult A giante at the new rules will show tiiat apart altogether ft-om elementary educational qualifications the following matters are to be taken into consideration when .advancement of members of the force is being considered: (a) Seniority oj service ; (b) good conduct ; and (c) zeal and integrity in the discharge of police duties. I urther, in each year the officers in charge of districts arc bound to furnish to the Commissioner recommendations in favour of promotion of senior and other sergeants and constables in their district tvho have passed the prescribed test and who are considered eligible, for promotion to higher rank. The rules point out clearly that a man may be well educated and well conducted, and yet, owing to want of energy and tact and efficiency in the discharge of his duties, he may not be fit to be placed in a higher rank, where these qualifications are essential.

“Since the netv rules have been gazetted I have personally inspected the Wellington, Christchurch. Dunedin. Palmerston North and Timaru station, and at each place I have invited the officers and, men possessing any grievance to see rne and make their complaint. Strange to say not a single member of the force has complained of the regulations relating to examinations. Certain necessary alterations had to stand oy er till the Commissioner paid a visit to the southern stations. Upon his return to Wellington the position of some of the detectives will be dealt with, and they will then see, I hope, that they are receiving full Apart from a few isolated cases the bulk of the force are well satisfied with the new' rules. “Some misapprehension, appears to exist as to the position of clerks. A regulation provides that no man shall be ' allowed to remain at clerical duty for a. longer period than four years without special approval of the Commissioner. The rule which enables a man to stay at clerical duty indefinitely- prevents oi lier men from gaining clerical experience. It is to be noted here that th< allowance at present enjoyed by the men doing clerical work is not being taken away in the case of officers now doing clerical work and who have completed or are completing their term of four years. In 'some cases the Commissioner will exercise a special poyver which the regulations give him. and the men will remain where they are. •I think that 1 have now dealt wish all the points raised. -The police force of New Zealand is a good one and an efficient one, but it can be made better still. 1 am anxious to remove all causes of discontent, but at the same time, in the interests oPthe country. I am bound to see that discipline is maintained and that a proper spirit of dut.v prevails.”