The Argus at KellyGang 9/4/1883 (2)

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ROYAL COMMISSION

XVIII -THE FRANCHISE

Final Report - continued

The evidence indicates that the constables are not quite unanimous in desiring that the franchise should be conferred upon the members of the force. It was urged that in Victoria none but constables and convicts are deprived of the right of franchise, which belongs to every free citizen.

Section 51 of the Police Regulation Statute, No. 476, renders it illegal for any member of the force to vote for the election of a member to serve in the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly of Victoria, or in any manner to influence any elector in giving his vote. In order still further to emphasize this restriction, it is laid down in the Manual of Regulations, secs 160 and 161, "The police are bound to observe strict neutrality in all matters connected with politics, but more particularly is this necessary at the election of members of the Legislature, when party feeling is apt to run high. Any member who, instead of observing that neutrality which is required of the police, does anything which can be fairly considered as taking part with or favouring the views of any candidate at the expense or to the detriment of another is liable to be removed from the force." The prohibition is still more stringent in the London metropolitan police, who are denied the franchise not only while members of the force but for six months after their retirement. In the Irish police a penalty of £100 is incurred by any policeman voting at an election. Indeed it seems an almost universal rule to remove the police as far as possible from the arena of politics.

The officers, both subordinate and superior, are opposed to compliance with the wishes of some of the witnesses in this respect. One sergeant is of opinion that the men should not vote, not that it would interfere in any way between the police and the public, but it might be the cause of bringing the police into collision amongst themselves. Dissatisfaction and inconvenience to the service might arise by a policeman being sent off to do duty at a particular booth on the day of election, when he was desirous of recording his vote elsewhere; and a candidate might urge that the sergeant, or officer in charge of a station, had unduly interfered to prevent some of the men giving their votes his favour. This objection might be met by allowing a constable to record his vote at any booth at which he might be stationed, but he would probably in conversation mention for whom he had given his vote, and thus influence others.

Sergeant Daly declares that giving the men the right of franchise would only have the effect of introducing political influence into the force. Mr Hare, PM, in his evidence considers it would be establishing a dangerous precedent to give the police the franchise. It would upset the whole discipline of the force. "The constables themselves," he urged (4,913), "would no doubt like to have the privilege of voting at elections, because it would make them more powerful, and they would go behind the backs of their officers if they thought that they had the member for the district to support them " Your commissioners regret that the exigencies of the public service will not, in their opinion, admit of any alteration in the existing regulation prohibiting the franchise to members of the force.

XIX - MlSCELLANEOUS

Objections have been raised to the title of senior constable. It is regarded as a misnomer, and it serves to militate against the efficient service of a member of the force of that grade who may be charged with the conduct of cases in local courts. A senior constable is supposed to discharge duties that appertain to the position of sergeant. It is not proposed to increase the remuneration with a change of title. The object seems to be to raise the nominal status of the men holding the rank of senior constable. The substitution of the title acting sergeants would meet the difficulty.

Mess arrangements at the depot and at Russell-street barracks appear satisfactory, except that at the latter place there seemed at the time the commissioners made their inspection an utter disregard for comfort or cleanliness.

Some diversity of opinion existed amongst the witnesses in reference to the continuance of the canteen at Russell-street. The chief commissioner and a number of witnesses favour its maintenance, but many others allege the facility thus afforded to the men of procuring drink at all hours leads to habits of insobriety. "Your commissioners have no hesitation in recommending the abolition of the canteen in connexion with the depot, the Russell-street Barracks, and all police stations.

A good conduct badge, to be worn by sub-officers and men, has been suggested and, if adopted, would no doubt work beneficially, more especially as promotion is necessarily slow in the ranks.

Protests have been made against officers undertaking the conduct of prosecutions against constables at the suit of private individuals. People who had complaints to make other than those involving breaches of discipline, should be left to seek their own remedy in the law courts. A general regulation of this nature might be made, provided that, in the opinion of the chief commissioner, the case did not warrant official interference.

Many of the witnesses suggested that the Government should purchase the blue cloth material used in police uniforms, and allow the constables to obtain it in such quantities as they desired; the same to be paid for by instalments at stated periods. There seems however, no reason for disturbing existing arrangements in this respect.

continued

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