AUCKLAND POLICE FORCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10241, 2 September 1909, Page 2

AUCKLAND POLICE FORCE.

ALLEGATIONS OF INSOBRIETY. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, September 1. Some facts as to the trouble that has taken place in connection with the Auckland police of late owing to the misconduct, principally insobriety, or . some of the junior members of the force j were elicited at the sitting of the Police Commission to-day during the examma- : tion of Sub-inspector Hendry. On being questioned by Mr Bishop, the Sub-inspector said that there had been a lot of trouble during the past few years with young men. The conduct* of some of these men had been anything but satisfactory, and several had been ■ dismissed for drunkenness. Mr Bishop: Are they dismissed tor the first offence of Sometimes they are given another chance. ■ ~ i_ Mr Bishop: Whv should there be ain distinction?— There . have sometimes been previous offences of another kinci, and this may make a difference. Mr Dinnie (Commissioner of J olice), in reply to Mr Bishop, said all the circumstances were taken into account. Mr Bishop: Do you consider that there has been abnormal drunkenness amongst the constables in Auckland. Sub-inspector Hendry: Yes. Mr Bishop : Are there special temptations to take to drink in Auckland; None that I know of. Do you attribute this abnormal condition to anything ?—I- know of no cause, except perhaps that they cannot resist the temptation placed betore them. ~ Why should that be?—A man may have less will power than formerly. The stamp of men who have been coming into the force lately is not so good as°the stamp of men who came in years ago. The .men now —that is, a portion of tliem —require more constant and keener supervision. , . In the cases of drink, when havfe tJio men got drunk? —Usually at night. What has happened ? —Sometimes tliev have been found drunk on thenbeats by their sergeants, and have been sent back to the barracks. On any occasion? —Yes. How was it discovered ? —I have had my suspicions, and on the overcoats or some of the men having been searched 011 tlieir return from their beats bottles of beer have been discovered. What has been done with them i They have been called upon to resign. Where did they get the liquor?—l suppose it was given to them by a publican in small amounts.