The Argus at KellyGang 7/4/1883
THE POLICE COMMISSION
The final report of the Royal Commission on the police force was signed by the members yesterday. It is divided into 27 chapters, and accompanied by a summary of recommendations. We give the summary of recommendations and chapters I to XIV. The remainder of the report will appear in a subsequent issue.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The future management of the police force to be vested in a board of three commissioners, to consist of the chief commissioner and of two competent gentlemen, selected from outside the force, one of whom shall have had legal training. The board shall, subject to the approval of the political head of the department, have full power to deal with all matters relating to the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, and superannuation of the members of the force, and the distribution of police throughout the colony. The chief commissioner to be chairman of the board, and to act as executive officer thereof.
2. The officers of superior grade to be recruited from the ranks as at present.
3. Every facility and encouragement to be afforded members of the force compatible with discipline and the proper discharge of their duties to qualify themselves educationally for the higher grades.
4. No promotion to be made to the superior grades without candidates having passed a strict educational and technical examination, such examinations to be held periodically.
5. Recruits in addition to the usual qualifications, to possess a sound knowledge of the rudiments of education.
6. Recruits to undergo a period of probation of not less than two months at the depot, the rate of pay being 3s. 6d. per diem. At the termination of their period of probation, if found ineligible, to be discharged.
7. Recruits during their period of probation, to be instructed in the nature and scope of their duties, in military drill, and the use of firearms.
8. The age of admission to the force, both for foot and mounted men, to be from twenty to twenty-five years, both inclusive; unmarried men to have the preference.
9. Officers and constables to be transferred at least every five years, but not necessarily from the district in which they have been doing duty.
10. Dandenong Stud Depot to be permanently reserved for police purposes.
11. Horses to be purchased exclusively, subject to approval of the chief commissioner, by remount officer, who shall have the pay and status of sub-inspector.
12. Where transfers are made in accordance with the regulations, or owing to the exigencies of the service, the Government shall pay the personal expenses incurred, and allow the free carriage of luggage as follows :- Officers, 10cwt; sub-officers, 7cwt; constables, 5cwt.
13. The present uniform to remain intact, except as regards the glazed cape and the helmet. A waterproof coat to be substituted for the present cape, and a more comfortable head-dress to be provided. The white gloves to be used by the men only when in full-dress uniform.
11. The pay of constables to be placed upon a more equitable footing, and the regulations affecting same to be permanent, viz.:- first and second years of service, 6s. 6d. per diem, third and fourth years, 7s. per diem; fifth and sixth years. 7s. 6d.per diem; after ten years service, 8s. per diem.
15. Married men living outside of barracks to be allowed 6d. a day in lieu of quarters, fuel, light, and water.
16. Government to provide quarters for only married men who are in charge of stations.
17. When travelling or proceeding on duty outside of their respective districts, the allowances to be as follows: - Constables, 3s. 6d; sub-officers, 5s. 6d; officers 10s, for every twenty-four hours.
18. The title of senior-constable to be changed to that of acting-sergeant.
19. Badges to be granted to subordinate officers and men for meritorious service without carrying any additional remuneration.
20. Positions in the gift of the Government from which extra emoluments are derived to be conferred for good conduct, and made tenable for five years only.
21. A member of the force dying without sending in his resignation, his heirs or assigns to be entitled to receive the gratuity which he could have claimed had his resignation been accepted prior to death.
22. The canteen in connexion with the depôt, the Russell Street barracks, and all other police stations to be abolished.
23. The present Superannuation Board to be abolished, and its duties transferred to the board of three commissioners.
24. The Police Superannuation Fund to be handed over to the consolidated revenue, from which police pensions and gratuities shall be made payable.
25. Members of the force to receive a copy of any entry made in their record-sheets within one month of such record being made.
26. Superintendents of districts to be allowed discretionary power to purchase stores, subject to the chief commissioner's approval.
27. It is not expedient that the present law relating to the exercise of the right of franchise by members of the police should be altered.
28. Sub-stations to be established in suburban localities, wherever by so doing economy and efficiency render the same desirable.
29. Accommodation to be provided at the Russell-street barracks, so as to dispense with the premises at present used as the detective office and superintendents' office.
30. The superintendents' office and the plain clothes constables' office to be for the future located in the Russell-street Barracks.
31. Wherever possible, superintendents to reside at head quarters station.
32. The time has not arrived when a system of municipal police can be introduced with advantage in the colony.
33. Retirement at 55 years to be made compulsory upon members of the force, irrespective of grade.
34. The Police Hospital to be abolished.
35. Arrangements to be made with metropolitan and country hospitals for the reception and treatment of invalided members of the force, the usual stoppages of salary to be paid into the funds of such institutions as afford the required accommodation.
36. Arrangements to be made by the Government for the compilation of a handy book for the use of members of the force, similar to Vincent's Police Code, and embracing the regulations and instructions as regards duties and discipline for the guidance of officers and men.
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