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1947 NEW ZEALAND

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE DOMINION (ANNUAL REPORT ON)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

The Commissioner of Police to the Right Hon. the Minister in Charge op Police Department Wellington, 18th June, 1947. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended 31st March last. Personnel. —On 31st March last the number of members of the Force of all ranks was 1,497, being an increase of 22 during the year. The total is made up as follows : 6 Superintendents, 20 Inspectors, 12 Sub-Inspectors, 55 senior sergeants, 153 sergeants, 987 constables, 167 temporary constables, 16 senior detectives, 42 detective-sergeants, and 39 detectives. There were also 1 district constable, 25 women police, 8 matrons, and 14 police surgeons. The following are the losses in personnel for the year ended 31st March last: retired on pension under Public Service Superannuation Act, 18 ; retired medically unfit, 9 ; died, 7 ; resigned voluntarily, 74; resigned compulsorily, 1; discharged, 2 ; dismissed, 4 ; total, 115. New stations were established at Taita, Naenae, Mangakino, and Whenuapai. The status of the Masterton Police-station has been raised by the appointment of a Sub-Inspector in charge to have control of the stations in the Wairarapa district. In my last report it was mentioned that the Training School for recruits had been reopened. The physical and educational standard of the recruits has been satisfactory, and a steady flow of applicants made it possible to carry out successive courses of concentrated training. In addition to tuition in general police duties, the recruits received lectures by experts in specialized subjects and in first aid ; and every endeavour was made to equip them to carry out their duties efficiently. The conduct of members of the Force as a whole has been very good during the year and a satisfactory standard of efficiency and discipline has been maintained.