THE POLICE COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1378, 2 March 1912, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Sir,—Judging from bygone occurrences, one must conclude that the position of Commissioner of Polico is not an enviable one, at least as far as this Dominion is concerned. It is, nevertheless, nn allimportant one, and nil law-abiding citizens will, or should, be interested in the appointment about to eventuate. Fortunately New Zealand is isolated from populous countries, and at present contains a comparatively small population, spread over a large area, hence criminals find it somewhat difficult to carry on their nefarious tailing without detection, and in consequence it is apparent there are very few criminals of tho dangerous class in the Dominion at the present time. However, as the population increases, we may anticipitlo that the present number of undesirables will bo augmented, and probably by tho nioro dangerous class, and, as the protection of property as well as of the law-abiding inhabitants themselves aro the principal duties pertaining to tho Polico Department, it is hoped that those responsible for tho appointment will exercise due precaution in selecting a thoroughly experienced and efficient officer for the responsible post. Jt lias been stated by a recent Minister lor Justice that experience is not nn essential qualification for such an appointment. Surely a more insane statement was never uttered. Wo have only to quote the receut I'owclka case as an instance to show (ho absurdity of such an utterance, and I do not hesitate in sayin" that had an experienced Police Commissioner then been in command of the force it was scarcely possible for such deplorable and disastrous calamities rcsnitin" from a simple investigation. It seems that no Commissioner, however capable, can, or will, hold the position for any length of time. And why? .Simply because a weak Govoninient permits all sorts of interference with the admiiiislralion of the Department instead of supporting ihe Commissioner in carrying out effective administration. It is questionable, owing to so many change? in the police administration, if suilablo applicants will now be forthcoming to (ill tho vacancv. ,lt is quite obvious (hat tho Commissioner should devote his whole time to the administration of tho Department, otherwise- tho result will be disastrous, as already proved, and as a proper and safe means of securing a competent Commissioner 1 could only suggest (hat tho usual system, adopted in other police forces should be adopted here, viz., "advertise." This would givo general satisfaction, and if a suitable committee wero appointed to make a selection from the candidates, favouritism would not, I think, bo suggested. l'Y.rthor, I may state that it has always- been considered inadvisablo to appoint a Commissioner from tho rank and file over the forco in which he has served his time, because of favouritism resulting. Briefly, I say, sccuro an experienced Police Commissioner, give him Government support and a frco hand (as fieueral Godley seems to have), have no Police Commissions, Tint Departmental inquiries with a Select Committee to deal with appeal cases, prevent interference by Jl.P.'s, so that iiwucneo does not obtain, and I think the result will bo all that can bo desired.

Pardon mo. Mr. Editor, for intruding on your lime pnd space, but I think this is an opportune time to express an opinion on tho subject, nnd I will be glad to hoar what others persons interested may have to say.--I am, etc, INTERESTED.