- The annual report of His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary,
published last week, emphasises the increasing demands made on the county and borough police. To their original duties of preventing crime and protecting the citizen and his property have now been added other responsibilities, which often prevent the constable from efficiently policing a one-man beat. Most serious, of course, is the work of traffic regulation, and Major Atcherley emphasises especially the calls upon a constable's time made by frequent appearances in court as a witness in traffic cases. The report suggests that greater division of labour is necessary between the traffic policeman and the county and borough constable, while the difference in the character of the work involved also indicates that greater specialisation is to be desired. Indeed, the growth of traffic police work together with serious increases in crime, of which the increase in juvenile delinquency is perhaps the most serious aspect, makes it probable that not only greater specialisation but an increase in numbers is required. It may be an un- pleasant necessity, but it cannot be avoided by over- loading the constable with duties which one man cannot be expected to perform efficiently.
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