PART THREE 



I. POLICE SERVICE 



Each of the large park boards maintains a police force 

 which is separate from and independent of the city police force 

 of Chicago. The investigation conducted by the Bureau showed 

 so many of the conditions affecting the park police to be similar 

 in the three Boards that the latter in their relation to the subject 

 are here treated jointly. 



APPOINTMENT AND DISCHARGE 



Prior to July 1, 1911, the date when the Civil Service Law 

 took effect, park police were employed and discharged under the 

 following procedure : 



The South Park police were appointed by the general super- 

 intendent after approval by the Board, the first six months of 

 service being probationary. Each applicant filled out a printed 

 form which was then filed. Examinations were confined to 

 physical tests and tests of ability to read, and to write intelligent 

 reports of arrests and accidents. The general superintendent had 

 power to discharge without any preliminary formalities. His 

 reasons for discharges were reported subsequently to the Board. 



The West Park police, the Bureau is informed, were ap- 

 pointed by the President, through the Secretary, upon recom- 

 mendation of ward committeemen. No physical or mental exami- 

 nations were held. The President exercised the power of dis- 

 charge. No hearings were granted nor specific reasons given 

 other than "for the good of the service." An examination of the 

 rolls of the last five years shows a continuity of appointments 

 and discharges. 



The Lincoln Park police were appointed by the Service 

 Committee of the Board. No formal application blank was used, 

 but the applicant was required to write a letter, which was filed. 

 No other mental examination was conducted, but there was a 



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