The Argus at KellyGang 24/1/1883 (3)
Douglas Smith Kennedy sub inspector of police in the colony of Victoria do solemnly and sincerely declare that
1 I was a member of the Victorian detective police for a period of 21 years-1856 to 1880
2 That I have been officially acquainted with Inspector Secretan for about 12 years - 1868 to 1880 - and I believe that during that time he did his best to keep the department in a state of efficiency by attending to the performance of his duties in a most zealous manner.
3. I think an amalgamation of the general and detective police under one head would not be productive of good results. There must be a thoroughly practical man at the head of the detectives, one capable of selecting candidates of the right stamp, training them in a knowledge of their peculiar duties, and guiding criminal investigations of the most complex character. I know no member of the detective force at present at all able to fill such a responsible position.
4. It is said that a feeling of antagonism exists between the two branches of the service. I do not think so, at least not to any appreciable extent worthy of notice. Speaking for myself, I can say that during my long connexion with the detectives, I almost invariably received the willing assistance of the general force in Melbourne , as well as in other parts of the colony.
5. I think that the acknowledged falling off in the ability of the detectives is due in a great measure to the unsuitability of many of its members for the work. In my opinion the officer in charge of detectives ought to be the best judge of the capability or otherwise of candidates, and his selection of such should not be needlessly interfered with.
It is not likely that any marked improvement will take place till this course is adopted. From time to time men altogether unsuited for detectives have been drafted into the department, and in spite of Mr. Secretan's remonstrance retained, and I make this solemn declaration, &c,
D. S. KENNEDY, Sub-inspector.
Declared, &c, before Joseph Cooper, a commissioner, &c,
Royal Commission on Police Force,
Melbourne , 12th October, 1882 ,
Inspector Secretan - Sir, - In reply to yours of this date re Messrs. Sadleir and Kennedy's affidavits, I have the honour to state-
1. That, as they came to hand in the usual way of official documents furnished to the commission, I did not think it necessary to acknowledge them; and
2. That they were duly read and considered by the commission, whose decision upon them I do not think I am at liberty to communicate.
Accept my assurance that it was not owing to lack of courtesy or consideration towards yon that I did not at once acknowledge their receipt. I am only too happy to be able to oblige, in a legitimate manner, any officer or constable of the force -Yours respectfully,
JAMES WILLIAMS, Sec P C
P S - I write by this post asking the chairman whether I shall call Hayes. J,W.
I have carefully perused the report, protest, counter protest, evidence, &c, and have come to the conclusion that the escape of Wiberg was mainly due to his having out witted Inspector Secretan and Detectives Duncan and Mahoney, and by his apparent submission thrown them off their guard. Inspector Secretan is an officer of such ability, zeal, and reliability, that I desire simply to point out this error of judgment on his part.
In my opinion blame attaches to Detective Duncan for not arming himself after being instructed to do so, and also for leaving Detective Mahoney alone with the prisoner Wiberg, when Detective Duncan might have remained close to Detective Mahoney.
Further, in my opinion, blame attaches to Detective Mahoney for arming himself with a useless pistol, and also for allowing his attention to be diverted from the prisoner Wiberg when he was alone with him.
With respect, therefore, to Detectives Duncan and Mahoney, in view of the zeal and energy those men have always shown in the discharge of their duties, I think the necessity of the case will be met by reprimanding them and cautioning them for the future BRYAN O'LOGHLEN
13/6/79
Acting C C Police
Forwarded report as to services rendered by Melbourne detectives in connexion with International Exhibition.
I am perfectly satisfied with the arrangements made by the detective portion of the force for the prevention of crime at the International Exhibition.
I also recognise their complete success in this direction, less pilfering and other offences having occurred at this exhibition than at any of its predecessors in other countries.
I believe also foreign exhibitors, and our visitors generally, hold a similar opinion
GRAHAM BERRY, C S
[Send Mr Secretan a copy of this minute
-GB]
Royal Commission on Police Force
Melbourne , July 27, 1881
Acting C C Police
Dear Sir,-The return prepared by Inspector Secretan is admirable in every respect, and will, I have no doubt, be found of much value to the commissioners when compiling their report,
By way of addendum, will you kindly re- quest the inspector to furnish any particulars in possession of the police respecting the antecedents of the Byrne and Hart families. The details respecting the latter, as given in the bushranging return, are somewhat meagre.
Are there in your department any general statistics giving the number, &c, of the offences committed in the North Eastern district during any specific periods of time? If so, will you please let me know -Yours truly, JAMES WILLIAMS, Secretary.
The above refers to the return of all bush ranging cases in Victoria from January, 1860, to April, 1881, and a report on the antecedents of the Kellys, Lloyds, and Quinns, which was compiled by Detective Walshe, under Mr Secretan's directions, at the request of the Police Commission.
end
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