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1948 NEW ZEALAND

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE DOMINION (ANNUAL REPORT ON)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

The Commissioner of Police to the Right Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Police Department Wellington, 30th June, 1948. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended 31st March last. Police Force Act, 1947.—The Police Force Act, 1947, which came into operation on Ist September, 1947, consolidated and amended the law governing the establishment and regulation of the Police Force to which no substantial alterations had been made since the Act was consolidated in 1913. The revision and consolidation of the Police Force Regulations has also received attention. A considerable amount of work is involved in this connection, but it is expected to have it completed at an early date. Personnel. —On 31st March last the number of members of the Force of all ranks was 1,520, being an increase of 23 during the year. The total is made up as follows: 7 Superintendents, 18 Inspectors, 11 Sub-Inspectors, 55 senior sergeants, 157 sergeants, 1,008 constables, 170 temporary constables, 13 senior detectives, 44 detective-sergeants, and 37 detectives. There were also 32 women police, 8 matrons, and 14 police surgeons. The following are the losses in personnel for the year ended 31st March last: retired on superannuation, 18 ; retired medically unfit, 5 ; died, 6 : resigned voluntarily or given opportunity to resign, 67 ; discharged, 2 ; dismissed, 3 ; total, 101. New stations were established at Omakau, Lake Pukaki, and Brown's Bay, and stations at Ophir and Karapiro were closed. Tlie Training School for recruits has been active throughout the year. A steady flow of fairly suitable applicants has been forthcoming. Their training to a code of courtesy and service to the public receives very close attention. The training course includes instruction in law and Court procedure and in methods of furnishing reports and preparing statements. Besides the legal training, there is wide instruction in many practical aspects of police work, including first aid, finger-printing, and ballistics. A 16 mm. film-projector has been acquired for instructional purposes and is of material assistance in training.