POLICE FORCE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16433, 29 January 1919, Page 7

POLICE FORCE.

COMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY

(press association- telegram.)

WELLINGTON, January 28. The Minister of Justice states that in order to evolve some scheme of placing tho police force on a permanently satisfactory foundation as regards hours of duty, pay, and rights to promotion, he has determined to appoint a Committee of Enquiry under tho provisions of tho Police Force Act, 1913, Section 25, to take evidence and furnish a report to him with any recommendations the Committee think's fit. The subjects for enquiry will be:—

(1) What is the present status in the force of detectives with regard to their position on the general list of members of the police force. (2) When and by what process was that status attained. (3) What rights havo been acquired or lost by that process. (4) What rights have been acquired or lost by that process by tho uniform branch of the service. (5) Has any injustice been caused or undue advantage given to either branch through the methods liitherto followed. (6) What remedies should be applied generally. (7) The relative values of the services rendered by the detective and uniform branches, taking into account hours and other conditions of work. (8) Suggestions for adjusting pay according to service rendered. (9) General recommendations for establishment of the detective branch, and for interchange of officers and men between tho two branches. This subject of enquiry will include tho position and status of plain-clothes constables. The personnel of the Committee will be announced in a few days. The question of including a magistrate is also being considered. With regard to tho suggested eight hours' shift for the men of the uniform branch, the Minister has decided by way of experiment to put the scheme m force in Wellington as early as possible. If the experiment is successful it will bo made general.