The Argus at KellyGang 7/4/1883 (6)
ROYAL COMMISSION
VIII – TRANSFERS
Final Report - continued
The periodical transfer of police from one station or district to another involves an important question of policy, although it must necessarily entail expense and frequently occasion personal inconvenience. Much has been urged pro and con, upon this point by the witnesses examined. In some cases it was shown that a system of regular transfer was desirable; in others it was contended that removals should not be made without good reason. The transfer of very efficient constables from stations in the north-eastern district, and the substitution of others in every way inferior, had much to do with the impunity with which the Kelly family and their sympathisers were enabled to carry on a wholesale system of horse- stealing for years. At present the necessity for change arises when the men are negligent, untrustworthy, guilty of misconduct, or through death or retirement. "It is a bad plan," observes one witness (1,173), "to allow a man to remain too long in charge of a station. It never gives other men a chance. Men in Melbourne put in their entire period of service in the city. They should, where competent, be sent occasionally to the country, say for five years." Another witness states that "when a man has been in charge of a station for two years it is quite time that he should leave it. If a crime were perpetrated in a district shortly after the transfer of a constable, he should be sent back to assist in the apprehension of the offender, as his knowledge of the locality and of the people would no doubt be serviceable." Sergeant Richards (2035) deemed five years long enough for a man to be in any district. It was maintained, however, that one constable well acquainted with a district is equal to three men without any knowledge of it. Criminals generally pursue special lines – that is, one man is essentially a burglar, another cattle stealer, and so on. The peculiar aptitude and proclivity of offenders are known to a constable who has been resident for any time in a district, and this knowledge must greatly facilitate inquiry. Publicans also are slow to give information to the police, unless they are well acquainted with them. There seems, from the evidence, every reason to believe that a constable who is allowed to remain for a lengthened period in any locality is liable to form associations and assume a demeanour incompatible with his position. He frequently acquires land and other property, and in the performance of his duty becomes an object of suspicion and jealousy, while his ideas of discipline owing to the absence of immediate control, must become more or less relaxed. Upon a review of the whole circumstances, your commissioners consider that neither officers nor constables should be allowed to remain at any one station for a longer period than five years.
IX - UNIFORM
The delegates, especially those representing the constables, expressed a desire for a modification of the present regulation uniform. An objection has been raised to the tunic, which is regarded as wholly unsuited to the climate, being heavy and closely buttoned to the chin, and therefore most oppressive in summer. In the country districts it is seldom worn, unless where the officer or sergeant in charge of a station is a strict disciplinarian. As a rule it is only worn when attending assize courts, or on the occasion of some public demonstration. On the other hand the officers, when questioned upon this point, were averse to the abolition of the tunic, as it was necessary that on important occasions the constables should appear smartly and well-dressed. The men think that the jumper is ample for every purpose of parade and show, while at the same time they would gain by the proposed change both in comfort and economy. The delegates expressed themselves also desirous of the white trousers in summer being dispensed with. Their retention entails expense and trouble, while the variability of the climate renders them at times extremely uncomfortable and prejudicial to health. The white gloves are also condemned as superfluous and inconvenient. The armlet is declared unnecessary. It is used to indicate that the wearer is on duty, and that is not needed, as it must be self-evident when a constable is attending to the duties on his beat. In lieu of the white trousers, the men suggest a light tweed for summer wear, and a heavier material for winter. The present glazed cape worn by the constables is taken exception to as failing to serve the object intended, namely, to preserve the constable when doing duty from the inclemency of the weather. Its use is said to be sometimes attended with danger, inasmuch as it is so loose below and so tight about the neck that by pulling the cape over a constable's head he may be rendered powerless, and possibly smothered, if attacked by a number of disorderly persons. It is proposed to substitute for those capes light waterproof coats, which will protect the lower limbs without impeding locomotion. The helmet at present in use is generally condemned as being cumbrous and uncomfortably heavy in warm weather. It is with difficulty retained on the head if an unusual exertion is required. The men seem to think that a light cap, of felt or cloth, with a French peak, and a white cover and fall at the back for summer, would be sufficient for every purpose. Mr Nicolson, the late acting chief commissioner, appears to approve of the helmet, the reason assigned being that policemen should be distinguishable from a distance. The delegates representing the mounted police also took exception to the helmet, the present military cloak, and the sword, the latter being regarded as useless, except for purposes of show. The head-dress is described as clumsy, heavy, and easily displaced; and in lieu of the present cloak one of waterproof material is suggested. The more simple accoutrement of their horses when doing duty in the bush has also been recommended by some of the witnesses, but there seems no reason for making any change in this particular. Your commissioners do not consider it desirable to recommend any important alteration in the present uniform and accoutrements of the police except the substitution of a waterproof coat for the glazed cape, and a cloak of similar material for mounted men. An improved style of helmet might also be adopted with advantage, and the men should only be required to wear white gloves when attending parade, or when on duty in full dress uniform.
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