POLICE FORGE BILL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144146, 16 July 1913, Page 7

POLICE FORGE BILL.

CONCESSIONS TO THE POLICE. HT TBMSGRAPII. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. WELLINGTON, July 15. The Police Perce Hill introduced yesterday by the Hon. A. L. Herd man (Minister for Justice) is a measure to amend and consolidate all the legislation concerning the administration and discipline of the Police Force. One concession to the force in tho Bill, pertains to tho holding of inquiries into the dismissal of officers or memhera of the force. If a superintendent, inspector or sub-inspector is accused of a broach of duty, which in the opinion of the Minister woukL render it inexpedient that ho should remain in the force, the Minister may, if ho thinks sufficient cause for furtner proceedings has been shown, appoint two or more persons, of whom only one shall bo a member of the force, to inquire into the charge, and report tbeir finding to tbo Minister. Tho Minister may then impose a fine not exceeding £2O. may reduce the offender in rank, or recommend the Governor to dismiss him. If a sergeant is accused of misconduct or insubordination, tbo Commissioner may direct a superintendent to inquire into tho truth of the charge, and if they find the charge provixl, the Commissioner may impose a fine not exceeding £3O, or may recommend the dismissal of tho offender, or Ins reduction in rank. In a case where a constable is accused of misconduct, tho superintendent or the inspector for the district, may inquire into the truth of the charge, and if tho charge lie proved, the offender may bo dismissed, or fined a sum not exceeding £3. If any member of tho force, into whoso conduct any inquiry in the processes above detailed has been held, is dissatisfied with tho result of tho inquiry, he may appeal from the decision, to a Board of Appeal to bo nominated by the Minister. Tho chairman of tho board must bo a magistrate, and the other, mom bars of it must bo an officer of tho force, senior, or equal in rank, to the appellant, and some other person, not hoing a member of tho force. The board shall after inquiry, re]xjrt to tho Minister, who may thereupon make such an order as ho thinks fit. Another concession to tho force is in the clause under which the Minister may from time to time appoint a committee of inquiry, consisting of officers of the force, for tho purpose of investigating and reporting to the Commissioner, on the claim of any member or members of the force, with respect to their pay, clothing, dt- leave of absence, or any other matter connected with tho force.