770 PARKS 



is essentially different from that of a city patrolman. Violation of the 

 park regulations is rarely of a criminal nature, or due to malicious conduct, 

 but is usually owing to the heedlessness or thoughtlessness of people of 

 good intentions. The chief work of the park policeman is, therefore, to 

 warn, check, guide, inform and instruct park visitors, and not to arrest 

 and punish, except for some willful and flagrant misdemeanor. He should 

 never exhibit ill-temper, vexation or resentment by tone or voice, sharp 

 words or overbearing manner. All necessary orders, directions or advice 

 should be given with becoming courtesy. On all proper occasions care 

 should be taken to point out the reasonableness of the rules violated. When 

 information is asked about any park matter of interest to a visitor, he 

 should be willing to instruct and guide, but should avoid engaging in pro- 

 longed conversation on general subjects. Neatness of dress, propriety in 

 speech and demeanor, perfect sobriety, and obliging manners and courtesy 

 towards every visitor to the parks are essential requisites for a satisfactory 

 discharge of the duties of the park police. The park police are expected 

 to render all possible aid and assistance in case of accidents, and particu- 

 larly to protect ladies and children against every kind of annoyance, rude- 

 ness or insult from evilly disposed or disorderly persons. Arrests should 

 be made only when either the officer himself or some respectable person 

 at hand can testify to a malicious violation of the rules and regulations. 

 No arrests should be made for more trifling violations when a quiet reminder 

 or reprimand would suffice to prevent a repetition of the offense. Great 

 indulgence is recommended toward children, but discreet, dignified, firm 

 and decisive action should be the rule toward gangs of unruly boys. A 

 police officer doing duty on parks must therefore be a man of good judg- 

 ment, even temper, tact and more than average education and good manners. 

 Possessing these qualities, he can, by exercising them, become a most 

 efficient official, for he will act with leniency where unnecessary firmness 

 is uncalled for, but will be firm in the enforcement of rules, where leniency 

 would be misplaced and unjustified. In order to make the park police force 

 of Minneapolis efficient, yet not oppressive, and useful in every sense of 

 the word, I want to recommend to the members of the force that you dis- 

 charge your duties along the lines herein mentioned. It is my earnest desire 

 to make the parks of Minneapolis useful and safe for the people, and towarcf 

 that end and for that purpose I ask your combined and individual support.' : 



ORGANIZATION OF THE PARK POLICE OR GUARD FORCE 



The organization of the park guard or police force in the larger munic- 

 ipal and county park systems follows fairly closely the manner of organiza- 

 tion of a municipal police force, that is, there is a captain or chief at the 



