POLICE FORCE HAS BEEN HANDICAPPED THROUGH LACK OF HOUSING

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 5

POLICE FORCE HAS BEEN HANDICAPPED THROUGH LACK OF HOUSING

PARLIAMENT BLDGS, Last Night (PA).—Adequate police protection cannot be provided in certain districts because the police arc unable to secure house accommodation, according to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. J. Bruce Young, in his annual report on the police force, tabled in the | House of Representatives today. Mr. Young says there is a strong argument for giving extra housing priority to the police force because of far reaching social evils caused by unchecked crime. Mr. Young describes the securing of housing accommodation for men on transfer and promotion as one of the most serious and pressing problems facing members of the force and the department. He says it is hoped to afford some relief by providing departmental houses in various centres to meet the department’s needs. “With the rapid growth of population in certain areas, demands are being made for the establishment of new police stations, or an increase in the number of men at existing stations,” says Mr. Y’oung. “These demands have necessarily to stand in abeyance until the strength of the force permits an expansion in these directions, and suitable buildings are available.” “The department has a long list building requirements, some of which have been outstanding fey* sevefal years. It is hoped that sotne of the work will be done in the near future. Because of thd dilapidated condition of some police houses and buildings, expenditure, even* on essential repairs, has not' bqen justified. In many cases th£re has been a rapid deterioration and replacement of buildings is urgently needed.” Mr. Y’oung says that it seems that extra housing priority and improved conditions will alone get recruits the police force must have. On March 31 the total strength of the force was 1538, a decrease of three during the year. Considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining recruits last year, and the force was not kept up to an adequate strength. There wgre not sufficient suitable candidates to fill vacancies caused by retirements, resignations and deaths, and at March 31 the force was 60 below the authorised strength. “It is realised that there is keen competition for the services of young men of integrity and character, education and physique, who would bo suitable as recruits for the police force, but It Is clear that the force has not attracted its proportion of young men available." says Mr. Young. “I recognise that our principal duty is. and always will be, prevention of crime and protection of life and property, and that if we have more policemen we should have less crime. T agree that the man on the beat is the best deterrent and cl*ck on the drift of young men ?nto crime.” WOMEN POLICE There are now 37 constables in Ihe women’s division of the police force, Mr. Young said and it is hoped to keep ijie division at least at this strength and. if possible, to Increase it numerically, as it is found that there are many duties for which women are eminently suited.