THIRD DEGREE METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

THIRD DEGREE METHODS.

PRACTICES IN AMERICA. COMMISSION'S STRONG REPORT. LEGISLATION RECOMMENDED. The Wickersham Crime Study Commission struck its second blow at the 'American police system on August 10 when it issued a report in Washington vigorcnsly denouncing the use of third degree methods. " TIW commission demands that public opinion outlaw the system," says the report.In as strong language as it used a week previously in attacking the alleged " unfcoly alliance " between the police, politicians, and gangster*, the commission assails the use of " physical and mental torture on accused persons and witnesses. The third degree as used by American police is " shocking in its character and extent," states the report. "It violates 'American traditions arid institutions." Eevealing the " naked, ugly facts of this brutal, lawless practice." the report cites numerous cases of physical brutality and mental cruelty. .Must common of the police practices mentioned was the questioning of suspects'over periods running sometimes to a whole week. This is usually accomplished by relays of detectives, each of .whom questions the victim in turn, so that the accused man. bewildered by the incessant inquisition, and often sleepless, hungry »nd thirsty, breaks down. . Prolonged questioning, however, is not the only nor the worst of the third decree methods alleged to be used bv American Police. Many/an accused criminal, in the safety of a court-room, has repudiated a 1 confession," declaring thar it was forced from him by the third degree, and often defendant could exhibit bruises and Scars. ■

Some months ago iri New York policemen confessed that when witnesses would ' come through," 'he police had to get a little rough with them." This roughness, ' it was revealed, consisted thorough " beating up "of the victim. 1 ho commission crammed into a single Volume °ne lmmln-d proved cases ot extorted confession.'' sav:s a newspaper re port. Instance/ are given of extorting confessions bv means of prolonged sleepless?eßß> beating with rubber buses, sandand fists..The report also gives derails of the jluestioning of'inspects over the corpse of ® victim and cramming men into cells Containing people suffe/iiig from diseases. ' her meth/'Mls described i.x- the comission arc administering tiie water which consists of strapping down e victim and pouring large quantities of down his throat until be confesses, handcuffing men upside down while praying them' vi'li tear gas. The report cites the case of Leopold I-*oeb. the two young students who Panned the "perfect crime," in which innocent school teacher was beaten in C . I" to secure a confession. The commission request President Hoover to secure e passage of legislation to abolish this Conduct.