Report of the General Superintendent of Police ... - Chicago Cop.com

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
TRAFFIC.
Congestion of traffic in the loop district has been given our
most serious attention. I believe that the control of pedestrians
at street corners is a step in the right direction. The plan
to regulate traffic in alleys should be adopted, and, I think, would
materially assist in relieving congested traffic. Provisions should
be made to take care of automobiles in the loop district during
t.he day.
MOUNTED SQUADRON.
On January 1, 1912, the Mounted Squadron was composed
of 77 men, including officers, and 59 horses; the territory covered
was the business district from Kinzie to 16th streets and Canal
street to Michigan avenue. Today the roster consists of 158 men
and 136 horses, and the territory covered during the year was
extended along the principal thoroughfares such as Milwaukee
avenue, Clark street, North avenue, Blue Island avenue, Harrison
and Halsted fltreets. In addition to this extension of the mounted
Rervice, mounted officers have been detailed at seven of the outlying
precincts to perform regular patrol duty as well as to regulate
traffic. This branch of the service has been favorably commented
upon by citizens and I believe that it should be increased
at least 50 per cent.
MOTORCYCLE SQUADRON.
Notwithstanding the fact that the members of the Motorcycle
Squadron were detailed on the newspaper strike for several
months during the past year, they made 3,190 arrests. Fines in
these cases amounting to $27,270 were imposed, and $23,755 worth
of stolen property was recovt:red. As soon as the finances of the
city will permit, I believe that at least two motorcycles should
be provided for each station for emergency and patrol work.
MOTOR BOAT.
Motor Boat No.2, launched last summer, has more than
paid for itself if we can reckon the value of lives saved. Eighteen
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