THE ERRING CONSTABLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 218, 3 February 1913, Page 6

THE ERRING CONSTABLE.

POLICE ENROLMENT,

Wellington, Friday. In consequence of the arrest of a police constable for alleged breaking, entering and theft from shops in the city, a certain amount of curiosity has been aioused in regard to the methods adopted by the Department for ensuring that applicants for positions in the police force are men of good character and antecedents. Questioned on the subject by a reporter, Mr. Cullen, Commissioner of Police, stated that Renimers. who was now undergoing trial, came from the police force of the city of London, a very select body recruited only from the best branches of the police service in Great Britain. The city authorities required a high standard of character from applicants, and members of this force were better men, physically, socially and educationally, than the London metropolitan or any other county police in England. Reinmers had served three or fcur years in this select force. Then he resigned, and on leaving was given a vory good character from the authorities. lie came to Xew Zealand, and applied for admission in the local force. The Department made enquiry of the Txndon authorities and received a reply giving Remmers a very high character, and repeating the former excellent credentials. It also stated that his character and antecedents before joining the force in England were thoroughly enquired into and were found to be highly satisfactory. The Commissioner added that previous applicants had been refused positions because their papers were doubtful or otherwise unsatisfactory. Howeven in a large body of men it was impossible to guarantee that everyone should have the high character demanded. Several Liverpool policemen hitherto having excellent characters had lately been concerned in a series of burglaries, and similar incidents were not unknown io Scotland Yard. Before Remmers joined the police force in England hj; was a cycle mechanic, and also studied at an art school, so that his education, address and general fitness appeared to be superior to the average.