DUTY TO THE PUBLIC

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 37, 13 February 1930, Page 10

DUTY TO THE PUBLIC

WHAT THE CODE SAYS The Police Department's view regarding private rewards or testimonials to police officers in recognition of their services was stated to-day by the Commissioner of Police (Mr. W. B. M'llveney), who quoted the following extract from the Police Code: — "While the exhibition of a friendly feeling from the public towards the police is most desirable, the acceptance of a testimonial by any officer while serving in the locality is inconsistent with the varied duties of police officers in enforcing the law, for it places them under obligation towards the inhabitants of the district or their friends." Mr. M'll veney also referred to comment made by Sir Leonard Dunning, His Majesty's Inspector, in a. White Paper in 1926, which contains the yearly reports of police in England and. Wales. In his commeut, Sir Leonard said that police duty was duty to the community performed because it was police duty and not in view of rewards, gratuities, etc., in any manner, from, those who ha.ye enjoyed security by the general vigilance of the police or their energy and intelligence in particular circumstances. "Acceptance of such favours," concluded Sir Leonard, '' puts the recipient in the position of which a policeman should be ashamed."