THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 1 July 1909, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

ORDER OF REFERENCE.

The order of reference for the Commission set up in consequence of recent allegations in Parliament and outside reflecting upon the generil administration and personnel ot the police force has been prepared for Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., the Commissioner. He is directed to inquire into the following matters;—

t. The general organisation, control, enrolment of the police force of the Dominion as it now exists in its several branches and the discipline and efficiency thereof, and in what respect the said force or any part thereof could be better recruited, organised, controlled or made more efficient.

2. As to the efficiency, conduct, sobriety and mortality of the members of the said force or any of them.

3. As to whether any political or other improper interference exists in connection with the said force anii if so to what extent and whether such interference has any Influence- in the administration of the said force.

4. As to the methods of promotion of members of the said force and the reasons governing the selection of members of the force for promotion. The Commission has 16 report on or before August 31st and it is empowered to sit at any place in the Dominion for the purposes of taking eyidenpe on oath or otherwise and examining documents, etc. The order of reference exexpressly excludes from the inquiry such matters as the recent dismissal of two police constables as a consequence of a magisterial investigation, the terms of the reference declaring: “Providing that no inquiry shall be held by you into any matter or thing which has already been investigated and determined before any judicial or other-la'wfully * constituted tribunal or where any member of the police force has been dismissed from the service or whose services have been dispensed' with in -consequence of his misconduct or for any other reason. It any allegation or statement is made before the Commission which relates to or affects the personal conduct of an individual

member or members ot the police force, it shall not enter upon any. inquiry in respect thereof until the person so affected has had at least twenty-four hours’ notice in writing, giving such particulars as shall be deemed sufficient, full apportunity being afforded to any such person to cross-examine any witness giving evidence against him and to call any evidence in reply which he may think £t.