POLICE METHODS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I believe
everybody who has any acquaintance with the work of the police in' their task of maintaining public order appreciates the courtesy and efficiency which they invariably *- display, as well as the difficulties which they- encounter in .the performance of their duties. It is un- fortunate, therefore, that for the *ant of a little tact in their methods they should run the risk of antagonizing even
informed public opinion:" • - -
Recently, an employee in my firm had the misfortune to become -involved in a criminal charge, from which, happily, he was ultimately acquitted. During his remand the police in -one district rang me up at my office and made certain inquiries about him. Mine is an extension telephone, and, of course, the conversation could be, and probably was,
overheard by the telephone operator. - •
A few days later the police in another district again rang us up, and made further inquiries of the first person who answered the telephone, who happened, on this occasion, to be an office -boy. I leave to your readers' imagination how' long the office boy kept to himself the knowledge that another' employee Was - concerned in police -proceedings, a eircum- • stance I had- been at some pains to conceal from my staff: The police, like most of us, are busy people,' but in matters
which vitally affect the repute of individuals and businesses it should not be expecting too much to ask that a private' interview should be sought for confidential discussion.—
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