(“Daily Press” of 23rd Novemebr, 1870.)
THE PROPOSED POLICE COMMISSION.
To the Editor of the "DAILY PRESS."
17 318
Sir, The Community of Hongkong are very deeply indebted to the Hon. Mr. RYRIE for taking the pains to bring the subject of the Police in this Colony forward in a practical form. There has been enough said on the matter for the last year, and it is high time that acts took the place of words. In the confident hope that such will be the case, I venture to lay before your readers a few of the points upon which it will be essential that full particulars be obtained:-
COST OF POLICE.
I-How many Heads of Departments are required for the efficient management
of the Force?
II.-How many horses are rationed for $2,000 per annum (exclusive of horse
boys)?
III.-What clothing and accoutrements are supplied for $10,000 per annum? IV. What amount of oil, wick, and gas is consumed to cost $3,500 per annum? V.-By how much have the Police rates been reduced since the allowance has
been made from the Special Fund?
VI.-What would be the relative amount of effective service secured by doing away with the Indian Force costing, including Mr. CREAGH, $54,000, making the European Force twice as strong again as at present, at a cost of say about $30,000, (as the number of Sergeants, &c., would probably not have to be increased on account of their being more ordinary Constables)?
ORGANIZATION.
I.-What are the respective duties:-
(a) Of the Captain Superintendent; (b) Of the Deputy Superintendent;
(c) Of the Assistant Deputy Superintendent; (d) of the Paymaster?
II.Has the Superintendent of Police complete jurisdiction over the whole
of the Force in the Colony in accordance with Ordinance No. 8 of 1858?
III.-Upon what sources do the Police depend for information as to criminals?
Is there any properly organized Detective Servico-if so, how organized?: IV. Are there any standing orders:-
(a) For European Police.
(b) For Chinese
(c) For Indian
what?
If so,
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V.-Are warrants of apprehension of criminals given under: any circumstances to other than properly constituted Police Constables? If so, under what circumstances, and to whom?
VI-What steps are taken for the supervision of the Gambling Houses?
Have the European Police the means of free ingress whenever such is / necessary.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL'S POLICE.
I-How many district watchmen are there? Are they all appointed by the.
Governor in Council in accordance with Ordinance No. 7 of 1866?
II. Are not the provisions of that Ordinance incompatible with those of No. 8 of 1858, which places the whole of the jurisdiction over the Police in the hands of the Captain Superintendent?
III-Who pays the district watchmen, and from what sources is the money
derived?
IV. What steps does the Registrar General take to procure among his Police
Force :-
(a) Discipline-how often paraded and inspected? What uniform or distinguishing badges do they wear?
(b) Freedom from curruption-what are the characters, antecedents, and connection of the men ?-how ascertained and how looked after?
(c) Regularity-what are their beats, their hours of duty, their superior officers, &c., &c.?
V.--Do they ever arrest men without orders from the Captain Superintendent? VI.-Do they ever call in the aid of outside runners, not in Govermucnt employ? VII-Do they visit the Gambling hells and brothels? If so, is this done with or without the knowledge of the Captain Superintendent; and with or without a European accompanying them?