THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2568, 31 July 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SITTING IN CHRISTCHURCH.

(Per Press Association.) CHRISTO li U Lou, July 30. At the Police Commission to-day, Mr. G. W. Russell, M.P., speaking as a member of Parliament identified with public affairs for many years, said he never approached the Minister or head of any Department regarding any constable. Referring to the educational status of tho force, he said the educational minimum was the fifth standard. Tho average age of men entering the force was from 22 to 30, but very few of these men carried more than the number of years of education on which they obtained their certificates. The majority of the police were drawn from the agricultural and labor class, and a very small minority was 'able to pass the examination. The force was not sufficient}' attractive to men with education. The force comprised 800 constables, only nine inspectors, six subinspectors, and 90 sergeants, so the chances of promotion were limited. He suggested regarding the force as a recruiting ground for other public services, such as factory inspectors, landing and tide waiters, and municipal inspectors, these men still remaining as members of the ■ force, liable to bo drawn upon in emergency. He thought this scheme would raise the standard all round, and thus allow for good men being recruited as suggested; He suggested standards of law and higher classes of knowledge for the higher officers, which might he taught in schools attached to the stations. In this direction, a college ought to assist with law lectures specially for policemen. He thought, also, more attention should be paid to the detective branch, with the object of introducing better educated men. Chief Detective Bisliop and Sub-In-spector McGrath urged that the chief detectives at tho centres should rank as sub-inspectors. The inquiry will bo resumed to-mor-row.