THE POLICE FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18801, 2 March 1923, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE

CAN CONDITIONS BE IMPROVED?

(Fbom Oub Own Correspondent.' WELLINGTON, March 1. A correspondent in a lengthy letter to the Dominion suggests that sufficient encouragement is not given to the police to engage in athletic sports. He alleges that even amateur taxing to a certain extent is barred. He thinks the force should be encouraged to join in athletic sports. Hie writer deals with various other points. To the various criticisms the Commissioner of Police, Mr A. H. Wright, replies as follows: — Department’s attitude to boxing—l object to professional boxing for the police, but I have, never turned dowrf an application by a member of the police* to take part in an amateur contest. Sunday Off.—The police get off on Sunday as often a.s they can be spared, and are paid for Sunday whether they work or not. It usually works out at about one Sunday off in three, sometimes more frequently. Wo have to make sure, however, that ‘‘beat” duty is not neglected on Sunday evenings, for instance. Office Men. —They perform their duties in the same hours as ordinaty Government departments. Eight Hours a Day.—This system is enforced wherever practicable. Inexperienced Constables and Offences. — All men convicted of a breach of Police Kogulations have the right of appeal to u board composed of a magistrate, a police officer, and a civilian. Two out of three members of the board are not associated with the police. If that is not an independent appeal board I do not know what is. Evidently he does not understand the position. Suburban Sergeants’ Hours. —There are no specified hours of duty for senior officers. They are regulated entirely by the exigencies of the service, and the nature of the duty they perform. Inspection Parades on Pay-day.—Only one parade for inspection is held each month. It is considered necessary the equipment and uniform of the men must be examined to see that they axe in fit state. Sick Benefits.—The Superannuation Board may grant a police officer a full pension, irrespective of the length of sendee, if he retires through injury received in the pertonnanco of his duty. A constables with 12 months’ service, incapacitated for life, would get a full pension—i.e., three-fifths of hia and Standard of Living.—This is n matter of policy for tho consideration of the Government.