Cops Cleaning Up Act: 44% Fewer Cops in Hot Water Since Trial Board Shake-Up

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. has made a significant leap towards discipline and efficiency since the reorganization of its police trial board, according to a report submitted to Superintendent Edwin B. Hesse by Inspector William S. Shelby, the department’s personnel officer.

The new trial board, which began functioning on September 15, 1928, made a stark contrast to its predecessor. In the two-month period following its inception, the board ordered 69 policemen to face disciplinary action – a 44% reduction from the number of officers who faced the old board during its last two months of existence, spanning from July 15 to September 15.

However, not all the officers chose to be tried by Superintendent Hesse. Five policemen opted to have a trial, but their cases are still included in the overall reduction. The statistics suggest a clear shift towards a more disciplined force under the new trial board.

The report, based on a study and analysis of the cases disposed of by the new trial board in its first two months, shows a marked improvement in the department’s handling of disciplinary cases. The data paints a picture of a force that is taking steps towards accountability and transparency.

Inspector Shelby’s report highlights the progress made by the police department in a relatively short period. The new trial board has set a precedent for a more efficient and disciplined force, one that prioritizes justice and accountability.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s efforts to reform its disciplinary practices are a step in the right direction. As the city continues to grapple with crime and corruption, the department’s commitment to reform is a beacon of hope for a safer and more just Washington, D.C.