More Policemen Wanted

NZ Truth, Issue 873, 19 August 1922, Page 4

More Policemen Wanted

Forty years ago there was one policeman •m New Zealand for every 115S inhabitants; to-day there is one for every 1259. In the past two score .years the woi'k performed by the police for other, departments has grown enormously and those Varied duties are carried out by a proportionately smaller staff. It speaks volumes for the efficiency of our "Foorce" that they have coped as admirably as they have done- with the many arduous calls upon them. Moreover, the proportion of police to population m New Zealand is less ;than m any Australian State and the cost per head is lowest m the Dominion. It is not surprising to learn from the Commissioner's illuminating annual report that demands are constantly being made for more police and more stations. These demands have not been met for reasons of economy. Is^it wise economy? We do not think so. Apparently, the police staff would not be overmanned if another 100 men were added to it. The Commissioner has modestly recommended an increase m the strength of the Force by at least fifty men. We do not think that he has asked too much. "ur guardians of the Law constitute a body of men of which any country could be proud. We hope 1 that -the Government will give favorable consideration to the recommendations of our present able Commissioner, and that he m turn will be able to secure men well up to the hi?-h standard already set. We don't look to the Bill Sikes section of the community — fortunately a small one — to endorse our attitude.