ASSISTING THE POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18601, 8 January 1924, Page 6

ASSISTING THE POLICE.

The ceremony held at the Auckland Police Barracks last evening is of a very unusual nature, if not unique of its kind. The action of the three men, who, at some personal risk, came to the assistance of a constable in" difficulties, was fittingly described from the Bench as " courageous and meritorious.' The members of the Northern Division of the police force have recognised it in a manner which, by its spontaneous heartiness and substantial character, will make the incident long remembered. The attitude of the general public toward the custodians of law, order and public safety is curiously mixed. There is a tendency, far too widespread, to sympathise covertly with the law-breaker, and to adopt a passive attitude toward those who are responsible for the detection of crime and the apprehension of the criminal. Yet, curiously enough, people who entertain such views are always ready, if they suffer any personal loss or injury, to call upon all the resources of the force for protection or reparation. Unless personally touched they would never think of offering any assistance to the police. The reluctant witness in Court is no novel spectacle; often he is not directly interested in shielding the accused person. It is an unconscious adoption of the idea the public should league itself against the police instead of ranging itself on their side as part of the duty of citizenship. Fortunately instances to the contrary occur from time to time, as exemplified by the incident which occasioned last night's ceremony. The policeman's calling is arduous, often unpleasant, and not infrequently accompanied by grave dangers. Those facts are not always recognised, but they are true none the less. The importance of police protection to a community was well illustrated a few weeks ago in Melbourne. The standard of discipline, zeal and efficiency reached in New Zealand is high. Instances of devotion to duty in the face of dire peril brighten the records from time to time. For these reasons, as well as on general principles, the constable in the execution of his duty is entitled to the co-operation of all good citizens. It has now been shown, in an unmistakeable way, that practical assistance is received not only with approval by the department, but with enthusiasm by the rank and file.