THE POLICE FORCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 106, 29 January 1919, Page 6

THE POLICE FORCE

COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY AS TO CONDITIONS AND PAY. The order of reference for a committee of inquiry into the pay and general conditions of the Police Force was announced .yesterday by tho Minister of Justice (Hon. T.-M. Wilford). ■ Some time ago several deputations waited upon the Minister—one from thenon-conimis-sioned officers of the uniformed branch, another the detective branch, and a third the plain clothes constables. They laid b£'fore.,Mr. Wilford certain matters, the nioi-o important of which had reference to the pay and status of these branches m relation to each other. The matters submitted to the Minister were difficult and intricate. The various solutions suggested by the detectives and sergeants themselves were carefully considered by the Minister. ■ In order to evolve some scheme of placing these two branches of the service on a permanently satisfactory foundation as regards their hours of duty, pay, and lights-to. promotion, in relation to one another, the Minister has determined to appoint a committee of inquiry under the provisions of the Police Force Act, 1913, Section 25, to take evidence and furnish a report to him, with any recommendations the committee tbinka fit. The subjects for inquiry 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? i (3) What rights have been acquired or lost by that process? (i) What rights have been acquired or lost by that process by the uniformbranch of the service? (5) Has any injustice been causpd. or undue advantage been given to either branch through the methods hitherto followed? (6) What remedies should be applied generally? ' (7) Tho relative valnrs of the services rendered by the detective and uniform branches, takinj into account the hours and other conditions of wnrV? (8) Suggestions for adjusting pay accordinst to service rendered. (9) General recommendations for the establishment-off the detectivp branch, and for the interchange of• officers and men between the two branches. Vhis subject of. inquiry will-include Hie pn»itmn 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 the hours shift W uniformed men. Hip Mini" ter has decided by way of experiment to put the scheme in force in the citv of « elhngton as wir'.y as possible. ' If the experiment is successful, it'will be made general.