USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1934 > Part 14
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450.00
Truck and garage
500.00
$41,500.00
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON, Water and Sewerage Commissioners. Care of Brooks
Appropriation Expenditures
$150.00 144.00
Balance
$6.00
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM,
CHARLES E. HODGDON.
$20,000.00
148
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Park Department
To the citizens of Swampscott:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Park Commis- sioners for the year ending December 31, 1934.
Monument Avenue Parkway
This reservation has been given the necessary care and atten- tion during the past year. The flower beds between Elmwood road and Burrill street, which for years have caused much favorable comment, were discontinued, due to lack of appropriation. It is hoped that these spaces may again blossom forth during the com- ing summer.
Jackson Park
The playing field was used during the baseball season more than in any previous year, permits having been issued for games con- tinuously each week day and Sunday from May until October. The new diamond, completed in 1933, is much appreciated by the play- ers, but the outfield should now be filled and put to the same grade as that of the diamond. Two stone piers were erected at the east- erly entrance of the field, and all of the stone walls were pointed, the Essex street wall being left uncapped, due to the approach of cold weather.
An extension of the tennis courts in the park is desirable, be- cause of the restricted space for back play. This can be accomp- lished at slight expense, and will add much needed room within the enclosure. As in the previous year, a tournament for boys and girls was played here just prior to Labor Day.
This created considerable interest among the younger players of the town, all keenly striving for the prize cups, which had been donated by Mr. and Mrs. John H. Blodgett. Late in the fall the department constructed several sections of bleachers for use at base- ball and football games. These provide seating accomodations for about twelve hundred persons, are portable, and may be used at any park in town in connection with various activities. With the aid of government funds it is planned to create a large skating pond within the park during the coming year. By the construction of an earth dam and by the removal of trees and boulders in the swamp adjacent to the ball field, a safe and convenient skating area of about one and one-half acres will be had, thus providing a much needed skating pond for the children in this section of the town.
To protect the pine trees which have been planted within the park during the past few years, plans have been made to open up fire lanes around the borders of the park during the present winter.
Abbott Park
In order to guard against accidents to children and to those who use this park for baseball, football and field hockey games, the de- partment is asking for sufficient funds for the erection of a steel fence on the State road border of the grounds.
Part of this fence would also serve as a backstop for use in the baseball games. Because of the excessive demands for time neces- sary on these grounds for the activities of the Junior High School and the girls' field hockey teams, and to avoid the conflicts so often arising, it seems best to transfer all play of field hockey to Phil- lips Park.
The commissioners have continually in mind the welfare of those who enjoy using the park for skating, and with every favorable change of the weather, arrangements are made, day or night, to flood the surface so that the skating conditions may be improved.
149
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
1934]
Blaney Beach Reservation
Extensive alterations and repairs were made to the Adminis- tration Building during the year. New toilets for men and for wo- men were installed on the ground floor, a complete change in the drainage system having been made. The building was fully equipped for electric lighting, water service was provided for every compart- ment, new concrete floors replaced the old, two coats of paint ap- plied to the exterior, and the entire roof was covered with fire re- sisting shingles to replace those of wood. The insurance on the structure has been greatly reduced since the improvements were made. Several new park benches were placed at convenient loca- tions on the grounds.
Because of complaints concerning the excessive weight of the covers to the gasoline lockers, it was found necessary to reduce the same, this being accomplished by cutting in two parts each of the heavy lids. The automobile parking space was used to the full- est extent during the summer, special park police being on duty to handle the situation during bathing hours.
Albert McClellan of Swampscott was appointed life guard and rendered very satisfactory and efficient service during the entire bathing season. Under his direction and on his own initiative a beach party was held late in August, an affair which provided en- tertainment for an audience approaching ten thousand persons. The ancient bathing raft, having outlived its usefulness, was demolished by needy citizens who were given the material in consideration of the labor performed.
Phillips Park
Considerable work was accomplished during the latter part of the year in the improvement of this park. In response to com- plaints from numerous townspeople, the commissioners advertised for material which was used in covering and grading the unsightly dump near Humphrey street. An enclosure for the burning of waste paper has been constructed far from the street line, while a steel fence with gates and proper signs was erected near the front of the property, so it is now possible for the first time in the history of the park to confine the dumping of waste material within working hours, and to avoid the nusiances formerly existing. A portion of the area now covered with gravel might well be loamed and seeded to grass in order to provide a much needed space for the playing of field hockey.
By so doing the town would create a separate and desirable place for the girls, a field on which they and their competitors would have no hesitancy to play. With the aid of the E. R. A. the low land at the rear of the park has been cleared of an undesirable growth, many of the poorer class of trees having been removed, together with the old tree stumps left from a previous cleaning. The park is now in such condition that it can be easily maintained and kept clean and usable with a moderate amount of labor each year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN HOMAN, STUART P. ELLIS, LEONARD F. BURDETT, Park Commissioners.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Police
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
It is again my privilege to transmit to you the summary and review of the manner in which the Police Department of the town of Swampscott performed its numerous and exacting duties during the year 1934. I lay special emphasis on it this year, because of the unusual zeal that certain elements have displayed in their efforts to misrepresent the activities of the police department. Their method would not have been so objectionable in itself had it not involved placing the department in a false and invidious light.
Since my appointment as Chief of Police, in 1926, it has been my constant endeavor to build up and maintain an efficient, disci- plined and well equipped department, and to impress upon the mem- bers that their first duty is to the public. There is always a small element in town to whom this would never be pleasing, and who ob- ject to better law enforcement. Their attempts to discredit the work of the department usually take the form of spreading misinformation about its members, particularly the chief. This year, they have been unusually active. All such groundless attempts are bound to fail. I mention them only because I feel the public should know that to maintain an efficient department, and to give the citizens the police protection they need, is always a struggle.
During the year 1934, the following rules and regulations for the government of the Police Department were passed:
First. That the Chief of Police shall work out a rotating schedule to go into effect immediately which will give each officer in the department an opportunity to work one month by day, one month by early night and one month by the last early morning di- vision, and the officers alternating on different routes monthly, such schedules to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for its approval every month. The officers of advanced age shall not be obliged to work nights except upon their request.
Second. All orders to the Chief of Police shall emanate from the Selectmen, and be issued to him only by the chairman of said board; all orders to the police force shall be issued by the Chief of Police, or in his absence by the senior Captain of Police, and com- municated to the force through the commanding officers of the divi- sions, or in such manner as circumstances may require.
The Chief of Police shall devote his whole time to the duties of his office. He shall be in his office from 8 A.M. until 5 P.M. daily, one hour out for lunch, except on his day off, or in case of emergency and when engaged in police work, which cannot be properly attend- ed to by his subordinates.
He shall furnish the Board of Selectmen with a report monthly on all out of town trips during the above hours and of his officers while on duty, and the purpose and nature of the business.
He shall personally prosecute and attend all criminal cases in court or asign a superior officer to prosecute at those times only when he is unable to do so because of absence or other good cause.
Third. The Chief of Police shall keep a daily record of the duties performed by him, the hours on duty in the station, his ab- sence therefrom and the reasons therefor, and a record of the duties performed by the officers, the routes covered by them, and the hours they were on duty. The first day of each month he shall submit to the Board of Selectmen a full and accurate account of the foregoing
151
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1934]
against his name and against the name of each officer, the number of days on duty and the time and route covered by each officer.
Fourth. The Chief of Police shall not assign any one officer to plain clothes duties, so-called; work of this nature shall be done by the officer on the route where the case is to be investigated or the crime committed has taken place. If it is necessary to have a case investigated in this manner, the officer on the route where the crime was committed, if the chief is unable to do it, should be assigned without uniform and investigate the case and his route covered by the officers in the prowl car or some other officer until his return.
Fifth. In reference to all matters pertaining to the appoint- ment, dismissal, suspension or resignation of a member of the regu- lar or reserve force, the Chief of Police shall first take them up with the Board of Selectmen and acquaint them with all the facts relat- ing thereto and proceed subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Sixth. An accurate record shall be kept of all automobiles used by the department, dates, type, time taken, time returned, by whose permission, speedometer reading at time of taking and upon returning, the name of the officer taking it, and for what purpose. This shall be reported monthly to the Board of Selectmen.
The existing rules and regulations for the government of the Police Department and amendments thereto are to remain in full force and effect except and insofar as they may be inconsistent with the above rules and regulations.
(Adopted August 2, 1934.)
I have endeavored to carry out these rules to the best of my ability. I think I should say that in my judgment they are detri- mental to the work of the department and to the protection of life and property. I have given my views on this to the Selectmen.
Placed on Pension Roll
Charles Connell was retired on pension September 20, 1934. He was appointed a regular patrolman March 22, 1901, rendered excel- lent service to the citizens for more than thirty-one years, and was a credit to the department.
Appointment
Reserve officer Frederick J. Rowe was appointed a regular pa- trolman November 10, 1934.
Dismissal
Reserve officer Edward F. Burke was dismissed from the depart- ment October 24, 1934.
Special Police
The special police force of the town consists of 116 residents and 5 non-residents.
Radio Service
The radio service is an important branch of police communica- tion. Police headquarters is in constant touch with the patrol cars. Contact may be made within one minute in any part of the town.
Buildings
The police station is in a very unserviceable condition. The plas- ter is breaking loose all over the building. Considerable water flows into the cellar during the winter months. The foundation is separ- ated and the second floor is quite dangerous when more than ten men gather there at one time. The Lombard property, at 16 Hum- phrey street, is ideally located, well built, and well laid-out for a police station. I am informed that this building can be purchased
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
for a very low figure. It is suitably constructed and has ample room in the basement for five cells.
Uniform Crime Record Reporting
This department furnishes returns to the National Division of Identification and information for the Department of Justice, Wash- ington, D. C., on certain offenses. The purpose of these returns is to ascertain the nature and volume of crimes committed, geographical location, and the periodical fluctuations.
Contributions
During the year, members of the police force voluntarily con- tributed to the Greater Lynn Community Fund and the Swampscott Shoe and Stocking Fund.
Extra Hours of Duty
I desire to call attention to the many hours of overtime work which the police have put in cheerfully during the past year. Police officers cannot work on a time clock system, ordinarily used in in- dustry. There seems to be no practical way to pay police officers for working extra hours, except by giving them sufficient wages to com- pensate them for the work which they may be called on at any time to perform.
Welfare of Police Force
The welfare of the police force must always be a most impor- tant consideration from a standpoint of efficient administration. An active, intelligent interest in the maintenance of the police force, in good condition mentally, morally, and physically, is sound business policy. It is no easy matter to decide which is the more important, but it can be logically claimed that a good physical condition of the force is absolutely essential to the proper performance of its duties.
Courtesy
Policemen are requested to understand that they cannot be good police officers unless they are courteous to the public, loyal to the highest interests of the police department, faithful and diligent in the performance of duty, and self-respecting. They are encouraged also to perform their full duty in a spirit of toleration, human kind- ness, good will and chivalry, striving to protect the innocent as well as to punish the guilty.
Police Unification
As Chief of Police, I did all in my power towards police unifica- tion, which would afford the citizens of Swampscott and the State better protection. A large, well-trained machine, working in unison to fight the criminal, could accomplish more than the present system of each department working independently, as the police are engaged primarily in the enforcement of laws enacted by the legislature and intended to operate uniformly throughout the State. In the perfor- mance of this function, therefore, we are agents not of the munici- pality which hires us, but of the State, whose laws we are sworn to execute. The interest of the State in efficient police administration is vital and permanent and its right to see that its mandates are enforced is of fundamental importance. Under present conditions, I believe State control is necessary for the welfare of the people, who are the victims of the criminal. It is they who suffer and not the police.
1934]
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
153
Juveniles
The police officers refrain from interviewing children at school or at the police station except on very serious offenses. Juvenile of- fenders are talked to at their homes, in the presence of their parents. This plan has been very successful. The rollicking, mischievous boy of today, uncontrolled and out of hand, may be the hardened offender of tomorrow. Therefore, police officers have no more fruitful field of work than is presented by the growing boy.
Fatalities
The year 1934 was a disastrous one as far as automobile acci- dents were concerned. Three persons were killed, and one of these victims was a child. Prior to the year 1934, Swampscott enjoyed the best record of any city or town in the State.
Breaking and Entering
During the year 1934, the number of breaking and entering cases doubled the total for 1933.
Roster of Department Chief Walter F. Reeves Captains
Eugene P. Brogan
James M. Kennedy
Patrolmen
J. Henry Pedrick
George D. Horton
Almon B. Owens
Francis P. Wall
Frank T. Roach
James T. Jordan
Samuel Hooper
Herbert F. Frazier
John P. Costin
Francis E. Delano
Joseph L. Shanahan
Joseph P. Ryan
Frederick J. Rowe
Reserve Force
James W. Doherty
Robert L. Cunningham
Mary M. Pedrick, Clerk Arrests
Total number of arrests
143
Male
127
Female
7
Juvenile
9
Residents
44
Non-residents
99
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the person:
Assault
1
Assault and battery
1
Assault on a police officer
2
Manslaughter
1
Rape
1
Robbery while armed
1
7
Crimes against property:
Breaking and entering in the day, attempt
2
Breaking, entering and larceny
3
Larceny
5
Larceny of auto, attempt
2
. .
12
154
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Crimes against public order:
Adultery
2
Bastardy
1
Delinquency
2
Disorderly conduct
3
Drunkenness
39
Extortion, conspiracy in attempt
2
Lewd and lascivious person
1
Motor vehicle laws, violating:
Failing to provide proper brakes on a motor ve- hicle
1
Failing to show license on demand of a police officer
1
Going away after knowingly causing injury to person
1
Going away after knowingly causing damage to property
3
Operating after suspension of license
1
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating so as to endanger lives or safety of public
4
Operating to left of street car
2
Operating while under influence of liquor
12
Operating with improper brakes
2
Operating without a license
4
Speeding
30
Non-support of wife
1
Probation warrant
1
Receiving stolen property
1
Traffic regulations, violating
8
Using automobile without authority
1
Total number of arrests
Summonses served for other police departments
Disposition of Cases
Appealed
14
Committed to House of Correction
3
Committed to Lyman School
1
Committed to Shirley Industrial School
1
Continued to 1935
1
Filed
24
Filed on payment of costs
10
Fined
42
For other departments
13
Found not guilty
10
Held for Grand Jury
7
Placed on probation
7
Released
10
Classification of Arrests by Months
Non-
Month
Male
Female
Juvenile Residents Residents
January
4
0
2
1
5
February
1
0
0
1
0
March
8
1
0
5
4
April
6
0
0
5
1
May
13
0
0
7
6
124
143
176
1934]
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
155
June
23
1
3
4
23
July
38
3
3
9
35
August
16
2
0
9
9
September
3
0
0
1
2
October
4
0
0
0
4
November
3
0
1
1
3
December
8
0
0
1
7
Totals for year
127
7
9
44
99
Miscellaneous Records
Accidents reported and assistance rendered
28
Auto accidents reported ..
105
Passengers reported injured
74
Passengers reported killed
1
Pedestrians reported injured
20
Pedestrians killed
2
Autos tagged for traffic violations
386
tempts, investigated
66
Complaints investigated
In regard to dogs
46
Miscellaneous complaints
352
Defects in streets and sidewalks reported and lanterns furnished
Disturbances quelled
42
Dogs reported killed by motor vehicles
7
Dogs found and turned over to owner or dog officer
56
Dogs shot by police
3
Doors and windows found unlocked and secured
238
Gas leaks reported
2
Lights burning in vacant buildings
12
Messages delivered
90
Missing persons located and returned home
37
Obstructions reported and removed or lighted
8
Police signal system:
77
Calls to fires
88
Miscellaneous calls
220
Duty calls reported
23,363
Residences temporarily unoccupied and special attention requested
70
Sale or transfer of motor vehicle reports filed
277
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle reports filed
421
Sick persons assisted
16
Street excavations reported
6
Street lamps reported defective
242
Suicides reported
3
Suicide attempts reported
2
Suspicious persons interviewed
73
Water leaks reported
3
Windows broken-reports investigated
52
Wires reported broken or burning
Stolen Property Amount of property stolen here and recovered by this department $524.67
6
Dogs reported injured by motor vehicles
17
Dogs reported missing
82
Calls to hospital
14
Breaking, entering and larceny cases, including at-
156
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Amount of property stolen and not recovered
By breaking and entering
2,929.76
By robbery
151.00
Miscellaneous larceny
1,193.19
Automobiles reported stolen here and recovered else- where
8
Automobiles reported stolen here and recovered here
1
Automobiles reported stolen here and not recovered ....
2
Automobiles reported stolen elsewhere and recovered here
11
Days Off in Addition to Regular Days
On Account of Sickness Excused by Request
Eugene P. Brogan
11
3
Charles Connell
94
1
John P. Costin
7
2
Francis E. Delano
0
2
Herbert F. Frazier
15
2
Samuel Hooper
65
2
George D. Horton
3
4
James T. Jordan
3
1
James M. Kennedy
0
5
Almon B. Owens
15
0
J. Henry Pedrick
2
0
Frank T. Roach
46*
3
Joseph P. Ryan
0
5
Joseph L. Shanahan
4
4
Francis P. Wall
0
7 **
Totals
265
41
*Injury in performance of duty.
** Three because of death in family.
Commendations
Commended by Board of Selectmen, Frank T. Roach.
Commended by Chief of Police, Frank T. Roach, Joseph L. Shannahan and Almon B. Owens.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. REEVES, Chief of Police.
157
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1934]
Board of Fire Engineers
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: The following is the report of the Board of Fire Engineers and the Chief of the Fire Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1934:
Important Notice
We would ask all persons discovering fires in buildings to ring the nearest box (if within reasonable distance) as it is quicker and more accurate than the telephone. If you think you must use the telephone be sure to ask for Emergency, Breakers 82. Do not simp- ly ask for the Fire Department.
Fire Alarm and Service Record
Swampscott box alarms
76
Swampscott telephone alarms
200
Swampscott still alarms
13
Lynn line boxes
18
All other Lynn calls
2
Marblehead boxes
20
Marblehead telephone calls
3
Marblehead special calls
2
Total
334
Hose, Ladders and Chemicals Used at Fires
3 inch hose laid
2,000 ft.
21/2 inch hose laid
40,750 ft.
11/2 inch hose laid
600 ft.
Chemical and booster hose laid
8,800 ft.
Ladders used
1,359 ft.
Chemical and booster tanks used
5,245 gals.
Indian pumps used
865 gals.
Drills
10
Foamite extinguishers used
24 gals.
Hours of duty
255 hours and 38 min.
Combination A answered
131 calls
Engine 1 answered
102 calls
Ladder 1 answered
110 calls
Hose 3 and service car answered
181 calls
Salvage covers used
252 sq. ft.
Valuation, Losses and Insurance
Value on buildings
$81,325.00
Damage to buildings
6,704.47
Insurance on buildings
97,075.00
Insurance paid on buildings
4,419.45
Loss on buildings over insurance
2,285.02
Value of contents
58.845.00
Damage to contents
1,966.00
Insurance on contents
31,110.00
Insurance paid on contents
1,196.00
Loss over insurance
770.00
Automobile fires
17
Dump fires
58
158
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Permits Issued
There have been 242 permits issued (after inspection) for the storage of fuel oil used in connection with oil burners for heating and cooking.
There have been 5 permits issued for the use of dynamite in blasting rock.
There have been 18 garage building applications approved and inspections made.
Apparatus
During the past year we have made quite extensive repairs on the engine and braking system of ladder one. It is now in first class condition. The rest of our apparatus with the exception of the ma- chine at the Phillips Beach station is also in good shape. This ma- chine is now over 23 years old and has long since outlived its use- fulness, and must be replaced by something more reliable as soon as possible.
We have visited quite a number of other fire departments dur- ing the past year and have seen the latest apparatus in action and are unamiously of the opinion that on account of the great improve- ments that have been made recently in some types of 600-gallon pumps that a machine of this capacity costing $8,100, fully equipped, would be adequate to protect the Phillips Beach section of the town without the addition of any more permanent men to the department. We have therefore placed an article in the warrant asking for an appropriation for the same.
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