THE POLICE FORCE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 866, 12 July 1910, Page 6

THE POLICE FORCE.

Sir,—Polico scandals are again tho cause of a good deal of discussion ill Parliament, and one naturally wonders where is Mr. Arnold this session, as lie had so much to say on that subject last session. Judging from a statement made by Mr. Arnold shortly after the last Polico Commission, ho claimed credit for having improved tho efficiency of the force, as he was the means of Mr. Dinuic resigning from the Commissionership. I venture to say that the efficiency of tho force is not improved, but is much r-iusii now than in Sir. Dinnie's time. Tho present Commissioner cannot claim to nave much experience on police matters. It is understood that inspectors in charge of the various districts have been given more power in the way of dealing with police officers, and their recommendations are acted upon more now than in the past. According to reports in certain newspapers, the constable who refused to alter the name in tho charge-book in Christchurch was punished for his attitude. If this is correct, it shows that the Commissioner should see into such matters himself, otherwise a man is liable to be punished for doing bis duty honourably, and tho weak inferior man will be promoted. According to rumour, some of tho police officers wlio were so bitter against Mr. Dinnie's administration are still discontented, and Mr. Dinnio is boing spoken of as Mr. Tunbridgo was after ho left the New Zealand polico force (tho right man in the right place). Is it not the duty of the Government to import an independent man- from England? This would do away with feeling and favouritism, which will otherwiso exist. It may bo argued that in other countries police commissioners rise from tho ranks, but I would like to point out that that will never be a success in New Zealand, for the following reasons That lx>fore a police officer can rise from the ranks in New Zealand he is transferred t'rom north to south, and has como into contact with t.lio majority of the men in the force, and when ho gets to tho top of the pole he will naturally not forget his friends. Will everyone get justice?—l am, etc., JUSTICE.