POLICE AND R.S.A. BADGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1921, Page 5

POLICE AND R.S.A. BADGE.

ALLEGED IMPROPER USE. COMMISSIONER’S REGRET. Regarding the alleged improper use of a returned soldier’s badge by the police in Wellington in a recent betting prosecution, about which complaint was made by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. O’Donovan, has sent a letter to the association in which he says that no stock badges are held by the police. Two unclaimed badges happened to be in the watch-house at the Mount Cook police station. The badges will be returned, and instructions given that all unclaimed badges coming into possession of the police are to be returned. A considerable number of constables are returned soldiers.

Regarding the case mentioned, the use of the ’badge by the constable was without the authority or knowledge of his superior officers. Such use was never sanctioned tacitly or otherwise. Through inexperience the constable using the badge did not realise the aspect of the matter presented by the association, and had no intention to cause dishonor to what the badge symbolises. The fae<’ that he used it on the occasion -would indicate a phase of the mischief he was detailed to abate. The commissioner stated that he regretted the badge was used for the purpose, no matter what was the motive. Steps had now been taken which, he trusted would, prevent a recurrence* J