Ebook History of the Police Department of New Haven

Few people, unless they have taken pains to study the life of a Policeman, have the remotest idea of what is expected of him or the hardships and dangers he has to undergo night and day. He is expected to patrol the streets and be found at his post of duty whether in rain, hail or sunshine. Not only is he required to care for the lives and property of citizens while they sleep, but he must be present at every fire; must be present to preserve peace at large gatherings, political meetings, entertainments, and such like; he is supposed always to be able to enlighten you in regard to persons as well as places; he must be an escort for processions, for lost children, the sick, injured or disabled, and he must be on hand to protect strangers from the operation of confidence men who are sure to be found in every city. He must report tires, broken and unlighted gas lamps, look after the violation of the city ordinances, and perform an infinite range of other work, the extent of which the public have little idea; so numerous, in short are his duties, that it would seem difficult for him to remember them.