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STATE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS 147
important parts in the work done in the Technical Laboratory. This
work includes spectrographic examinations, firearms identification,
microscopic examinations, lie detector tests, examination of tool marks,
restoration of obliterated serial numbers on metal and rubber objects
and the examination of glass fractures, to mention only a few.
The services of this bureau, including testimony of the Special Agents
and technicians in court, are services of this department of State government
which are available without charge to all duly constituted law enforcement
agencies and the courts of this State upon their request.
Division of Fire Protection and Investigation
JOHN W. STROHM, Clinton County, Fire Marshal.
The principal duties of the State Fire Marshal are to cause immediate
investigation to be made of the cause, origin and circumstances of every
fire occurring within the state, when so requested by any official with
proper authority; to determine if any buildings or structures, by reason
of want of proper repair or by reason of age and dilapidated conditions
are especially liable to fire and to order their repair or removal; to
require teachers in public and private schools to have at least one fire
drill a month and instruct the pupils at least four times a year in the
causes and dangers of fires; and to inspect fire escapes. For the purpose
of enforcing the orders of the fire marshal suitable penalties and fines
are provided and he and his deputy are empowered to administer oaths
and compel the attendance of witnesses. If the state fire marshal shall be
of the opinion that there is evidence sufficient to charge any person with
the crime of arson or criminal conduct in connection with any fire, he
shall cause such person to be arrested. Reports are required to be made
to the fire marshal by all chiefs of fire departments of each and every
fire, and where there is no established fire department the report is to be
made by mayors and by township clerks outside of incorporated cities
and towns.
Division of Highway Patrol
C. A. KNEE, Dallas County, Chief.
The Iowa Highway Safety Patrol was created by the Forty-sixth General
Assembly with a personnel of fifty-three men which was expanded
by the Forty-seventh General Assembly to one hundred twenty-eight
men. This number was increased to one hundred sixty by the Fifty-first
General Assembly.
The original duties of the Iowa Highway Safety Patrol were to enforce
all provisions of the motor vehicle laws relating to the regulation of
motor vehicles and laws of the road, with power to arrest without warrant
any person or persons committing or attempting to commit within
their presence or view a breach of peace or other violation of the law.
The Forty-eighth General Assembly broadened the scope of their powers
by providing that they shall have and exercise all the powers of any
peace officer of the state. There are, however, certain restrictions on the
exercise of their general powers, which restrictions, as well as duties,
v ill be enumerated in full in Chapter 67.1 of the Code of Iowa, 1939.
Members of the Highway Safety Patrol give examination to applicants
for operators' and chauffeurs' licenses, conduct hearings in connection
with suspension and revocation of operators' and chauffeurs' licenses,
and investigate serious accidents occurring upon the highways of the
state, in addition to their duties as law enforcement officers.
Division of Operators' and Chauffeurs' License
CLARENCE A. SHIRER, Butler County, Superintendent.
The primary functions of this division of the Department of Public
Safety are: (1) the issuance of operators' licenses to those qualifying