H.—l6

1916. NEW ZEALAND.

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE DOMINION (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Commissioner of Police to the Hon. the Minister in Charge oe Police Department. Police Department, Wellington, 22nd, May, 1916. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended the 31st March last. Strength of Force. On the 3.lst March last the strength of the Force was 916 of all ranks, being an increase of 5 during the year. The total is made up as follows : — Superintendents .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Inspectors . . .. .. .. . . . . .. 7 Sub-Inspectors . . .. .. . . . . . . 8 Senior sergeants . . . . . . . . .. 24 Sergeants .. . . .. . . . . .. 80 Constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 757 Chief Detectives . . . . .. .. .. . . 4 Detective-sergeants .. .. ... .. .. ..14 Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 In addition to the above there were- - Police surgeons . . . . . . . . . . .. 4 Matrons .. .. . . . . . . .. . . 4 District constables . . . . . . . . . . 11 Native constables .. .. .. .. .. . . 7 Stations. New stations have been established at Owen's Road (Auckland), Tuakau, Putaruru, Ngatapa, Kaponga, Miramar, Lower Riccarton, and Darfield. , The district constables at Tuparoa and Waikari have been replaced by regular members of the Force. The stations at Hikuai, Matawai, Herbertville, Tewera, and Annat have been closed. Casualties. The following are the casualties for the year ended 31st March last: Retired on pension under the Public Service Superannuation Act, 10 ; retired as medically unfit, 1 ; died, 7 ; resigned voluntarily, 30 ; called upon to resign, 4 ; dismissed, 3 : total, 55. This is 12 more than in the preceding year.

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