FAMOUS SCOTLAND YARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21357, 10 June 1931, Page 10

FAMOUS SCOTLAND YARD

IMPORTANT CHANGES MADE { WAR ON MOTOR BANDITS. Scotland Yard is undergoing an intensive “ spring-clean ” following the return to London of Lord Byng from his holiday in the South of France. Although the commissioner had only been back at his desk three days, important appointments among higherplaced officers have been announced. It was officially announced-'that Chief Inspector Prothero, one of the most distinguished detectives at Scotland Yard, has been appointed- superintendent of “R” (Greenwich) Division of the Metropolitan Police. v He was responsible for the arrest of .Podmore, who was hanged for the murder of Mr Vivian Messitter in a Southampton garage in 1929. , .

This is one of the most revolutionary changes made by Lord Byng during his three years of office. 'lt is the first time in -the history of the force that a highly-placed Yard detective has been promoted to a higher position, in the uniformed branch.

Superintendent Bertrand Roberson has been made the new chief at Vine Street.

These changes are the forerunners of a great overhaul of the' machinery at Scotland Yard and of the personnel-of the outer divisions which Lord Byng will carry out in the next few months. Every branch of the Metropolitan Police will come under his personal review—including the mounted police, women police, and the mobile force used in. traffic control. Particular attention will be devoted to the Flying Squad and the organisation for combating motor bandits. Radical changes are expected as the outcome of representations to be made to the Home Secretary, Mr Clynes, by the commissioner, when his report is completed. A large increase in the strength of the force, which at present stands at 20,000, is being considered.