THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2624, 5 October 1909, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSION

MR. DINXIE’S EVIDENCE. 1 Ben Brkss Association.! WELLINGTON, October 4. Giving evidence before the Police Commission to-day, Mr. Dinnie referred in detail te bis police service before coming to New Zealand. It was gratifying To him to be able to say at the end of such a searching inquiry as now concluded that the evidence and records showed the force was highly efficient and well disciplined, and that the general conduct, sobriety, and morality of the men was very good. He considered the police force of New Zealand compared most favorably with the police forces of other countries, and lie was satisfied that no police force of similar dimensions, or Government department, would emerge from such an inquiry so stainless as the New Zealand force had. He distinctly affirmed that every allegation made by Messrs Arnold and Taylor was either grotesquely exaggerated or absolutely baseless. Regarding the statement that sufficient inquiry was not made into the character and antecedents of men who recently joined the force, witness said the evidence given showed that inquiries were never so strict and complete as they are now, and it has also been proved that there was no general dissatisfaction in the force. Tn -every service there was always a certain amount of discontent in respect to promotion. That could not be avoided, and if there was any undercurrent of dissatisfaction, it only existed amongst a few agitators. After referring in detail to the statement made by Messrs Arnold and Taylor, Mr. Dinnie said it could not be denied in fact that there was ample proof from departmental files that influence, political or otherwise, was frequently sought by members of the service, and the mere fact that members of Parliament and influential persons apparently did not discourage- members of the force from seeking influence had a bad effect on discipline. It was clear from the evidence that many members of tlie service believed that influence obtained in the department, and this fact alone causes dissatisfaction. He emphatically declared that in no case did he know that influence had obtained or had an effect in securing appointments to the police service, transfers, advancement of any kind, or promotion. The system of recruiting could scarcely be improved upon. On the 31st March the strength of the .force was 771, being an increase of 37 during the year. He proposed to designate station sergeants as senior sergeants, and increase the number by placing a senior sergeant in charge of each of the most important outstations. Vacancies in the commisioned ranks would in future be filled from amongst senior sergeants. He did not approve of the suggestion that chief detectives should rank as subinspectors. For the year ended August, 1908, 1175 men had applied for admission. Of the total number 303 were appointed, and 605 were rejected for tlie following reasons: Poor physique 202, insufficient education 170. unsatisfactory character 113, over age 120.