CRIME DETECTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 April 1938, Page 8

CRIME DETECTION

NEW METHODS PROPOSED IN VICTORIA TRAINING SCHOOL PLANNED. Greater aid from science in the detection of crime is proposed under a plan of police reorganisation in Victoria. In applying the new methods the Victorian police will receive the assistance of the scientific knowledge and methods of Scotland Yard, whence the Chief Commissioner of Police, Mr Alexander Duncan, came recently. The plan includes the establishment of a detective training school. FirstConstable F. Hobley, who has been for some years in charge of the police photographic studio and laboratory, will have charge of the organisation of training school. Three inspectors have been appointed as lecturers. These lectures will be given under the personal supervision of Mr Duncan, who has at his disposal the courses on instruction provided at Scotland Yard.

Detectives under the new plan will be trained in chemistry, physics, ballistics and allied subjects of applied science which prove useful in the detection of crime. Each detective will be required to prove his proficiency in these subjects.

The laboratory equipment will be increased immediately by the installation of a comparison microscope, binocular microscope, helixometer, analytical lamps, clinical camera, tessar lenses, technical filters, projector lanterns and an electric exposure meter. These will cost about £750. In addition to the scientific development, it has also been decided to amalgamate into one detective force the criminal investigation branch and the plain clothes branch, and to establish a special “vice squad.” The new detective force will operate in five areas in greater Melbourne. Each area will be under the direct command of a detective-inspector or sub-inspector, who will be responsible for the investigation of crime in his area and who will have the use, when necessary, of the uniformed police as well as detectives. In turn each area will be divided into districts under a detective sub-officer, sergeant or senior constable, who will be directly responsible to the area officer for the investigation of crime in his district.

Close and continuous communication will be maintained between the areas and the police headquarters at Russell Street, and in any emergency the areas will have immediate support from headquarters.