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So many criminals make use of high-speed cars for the purpose of their crimes that a reliable and fast fleet of police cars is indispensable ; and vehicles of this class, equipped with wireless, enable a much more effective use to be made of the available personnel. The results achieved clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the police night motor patrol which has contributed materially to the safety of citizens, the preservation of property, and the detection of offenders. In some cases the patrol has been responsbile for the apprehension of offenders and the recovery of stolen property before the owners have been aware that their premises have been broken into. A jeep has been acquired and supplied to the Constable at Chatham Islands to meet the particular needs there. Twelve motor-cycles were also acquired to provide additional mobility at the main centres. They are particularly useful when fast transport is required, but the circumstances do not warrant the use of a motor-car. Police Launches.—The police launches at Auckland and Wellington continue to give good service in maintaining water patrol of the harbour and in checking theft from moored yachts and launches, as well as in rendering assistance in boating accidents. They also attend at the arrival and departure of seaplanes. Communications. —The operation of the radio telephone system at Auckland and at Wellington (where it has been installed for the past two years) has proved a success and has been of material assistance in the capture of escapees, the unlawful conversion of motor-cars, and in dealing with other serious crime. Similar provision made on the police launch at Wellington has facilitated the work and control of that vessel and has proved particularly valuable in emergencies. Since my last report provision has been made for a two-way high-frequency radiotelephone communication system at Christchurch, where the results have been most satisfactory. The advantages of the radio-telephone system are fully realized, and its extension to other centres will be pressed forward as rapidly as circumstances permit. The installation of equipment which has now become available for a telephonebroadcasting system to all the suburban police-stations at Christchurch is proceeding and should be completed at an early date. The teleprinter units at Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin have proved to be a direct, prompt, and confidential channel of communication between these centres, and have added to the efficiency of the police service. One phase of police work which receives constant attention and is increasing in volume is the observance of passengers by air. It is found that this means of rapid transport is utilized by criminals ; but, in view of reciprocal arrangements for communication between New Zealand and other countries, each, is kept advised of the departure of any of these individuals. Criminal Registration Branch. —At headquarters on the 31st March, 1948, the fingerimpressions of 72,136 persons were on record. During the year 3,526 sets were received, classified, indexed, and filed ; 295 persons were identified as previous offenders who, had it not been for the finger-print system, would have passed as first offenders ; 3,717 photographs were taken by the photographers attached to the Branch ; the photographs of 2,799 persons (5,948 photographs) were received and dealt with ; 800 photographs were reproduced in the Police Gazette; 16 wanted persons were located ; and 3 unknown deceased persons identified by finger-prints. Finger-prints left bv offenders committing 68 crimes were identified as belonging to 39 persons.

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