One must always remember that the result of the prosecution is not always in
accordance with the belief of the person in charge of it. The defence always has
an advantage. The onus is always on the Crown and the benefit of a reasonable
doubt always goes to the prisoner. This is as it should be. If reasonable doubt
was not given in favour of the prisoner the result would be guess-work, and it is
against all the tradition of British justice that we would guess a man into gaol.

The prosecutor is always restricted by the very nature of the position which
the prisoner holds. On the other hand, the defence counsel is fighting for the
life and liberty of a man. He has the advantage of the two rules I have mentioned,
and is always given great latitude. Sometimes this latitude is abused. Counsel
will sometimes go beyond the bounds, even to the extent of insolence. With a strong
judge this will be checked, but sometimes the tribunal is not as alert as one would
wish it to be in order to prevent the abuse of the defence privilege.

I think it is in the witness box that the police officer probably meets the
most severe test. Certainly calmness is a great asset under these circumstances.
To never get angry and to never get flustered will save many a case and many an
officer in giving evidence. The reverse will very often result in the losing
of a case.

I want to say a word now about our relationship with the public. We are all
servants of the people. Whether it be a judge on the bench, a Minister of the .
Crown, counsel in the courts, or police officer doing his duty, courtesy is a great
asset. One should always keep in mind*the fact that matters which may seem trivial
to us are matters of major importance to the other fellow. You can never hurt
yourself by kindness and courtesy to all people with whom you come in contact. You
can always enhance your reputation and enlarge your circle of friends. Lack of
ability to be courteous should debar a man from holding offices such as I am dis-
cussing in this article.

When I accepted the position of Attorney-General I announced that the
responsibility of the Force was upon the shoulders of the Commissioner of Police.
As long as I hold this office there will be no interference, political or other-
wise, and all I ask of the various members of the British Columbia Police is that
they be loyal to their superior officers. Complaints, criticisms and suggestions
are welcome things, but they should be made to a superior officer, and should not
be the matter of gossip with people who have no connection with the Force.

I wish to identify myself with the Force, and I want every man to know that
I am personally interested in his welfare and success.

Yours faithfully,

Attorney-General for
British Columbia.