THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2649, 3 November 1909, Page 4

THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE.

GOMMISSIONER^DINNIE'S

(Special to “1 nnes. ') WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. As much interest has cl late been centred in the Commission set, up to investigate police matters, _ and as the renort of the Commission is still hung up somewhere, the following extract from the annual report on the police force of the Dominion by Commissioner Dinnie (laid on the table of the House to-day) upon the conduct and discipline of the force, are of more than usual interest Mr. Dinnie says:—“M ith the exception of a number of young constables, who have as usual had to be stringently dealt with for misconduct in order to maintain discipline, several having been discharged, the conduct of members of the service, especially senior members, has been highly satisfactory. Serious breaches of the police regulations have heen. of rare occurrence: and only very few'members have had to be dealt with for over-indul-gence in drink. On the whole the efficiency of the force has been well maintained.” “It has been suggested,” continues the Commissioner of Police, “that important changes and reforms would be expected with increased efficiency and reduced expenditure if the force were properly organised. I am afraid that if the efficiency of the force is to be considered, those expecting great reforms will be disappcmited. At the present time, and for some years past, the Department has been worked on most economical lines. A reference to ajipendix C of this report, showing the proportion of the police to population and cost of police per inhabitant, as compared with the Australian States, should satisfy any inquirer on this point. The numerous appointments | nelci by the police and consequent savj ing to other Government Departments is also a, matter which should not be overlooked when considering the cost of the force. Retreucnment can undoubtedly be effected at any time, but certainly not without minimised efficiency. I cannot, -therefore, recommend it. On the contrary continued demands are being made for additional police protection, and if order is to be maintained and crime kept in check, the force must necessarily grow with population. It- cannot be said that egotism is my forte, but I do claim that the police force of the Dominion compares more than favorably with any other police force, and that our system is superior to many; and I say so from a varied knowledge of police forces generally, which few possess. Anonymous press correspondents have occasionally commented disparagingly in respect to the organisation, etc, of the force, but as the source from which such comments emanate was apparent, and the motive was a personal and vindictive one, intended to mislead the public, their attempts t-o decry the Department were treated as they merited, with silent contempt. A satisfactory explanation of any representation made detrimental to the force is always available when required by proper authority.”