THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2594, 31 August 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SITTING AT AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 30

At the Police Commission this morning, Mr. Kettle, Stipendiary Magistrate, expressed the opinion that the discipline of the police force was not as good as it should be. He referred more particularly to some of the younger men appointed during the last two years. He thought there should he proper military discipline in the force. He had seen officers that morning lolling outside the' Court and smoking while in uniform. He thought the men should have at least three months’ training in barracks, and go before a board of inquiry before they were sent out. He spoke highly of the various officers in the Auckland force. He thought other things being equal, preference should he given to men where vacancies occurred. Mr. Kettle said he did not approve of police being Semploye-d to trap- persons into committing .offences. He stated he had reason to believe the police bad been instructed to report upon Magistrates, and indicated that the inspector had been concerned. . . , Inspector Cullen, emphatically denied the allegation. . . Mr. Kettle accepted the disclaimer. Inspector Cullen then stated he was informed that the Magistrate had reported privately to a Minister in regard to himself. Mr. Kettle said he knew nothing oi anv suck proceeding. Mr. Dinnie: You think the sergeants are worthy of the promotion they have received? >ir. Kettle: I certainly think so. Take Sergeant Ramsay for instance. He is in every way a capable and efficient officer. Mr. Dinnie: So that you do not agree with Mr. Taylor, M.P., who stated in the House that Sergeant Ramsay should not be in the force? I certainly do not. Mr. Dinnie: You have referred to the want of discipline? Yes. There is a lack of discipline everywhere. You will find it in all branches of employment-. There is the need for an all-round screwing up. Mr. Dinnie : How far does political influence affect the police force? I cannot say that it obtains at all. How could I know whether it did or not? Members of Parliament, the liquor party, or any other body might seek to use influence, but I, of course, cannot say whether they would succeed. After further evidence the inquiry was adjourned.