TWENTY-YEAR MEDALS AWARDED A FEW more members of the Force have joined the growing num- ber of those displaying the coveted “Long Service and Good Conduct’”’ ribbon. Since the beginning of this year 11 members have completed the re- quisite twenty years, the last ten of which have been served without rep- rimand, and either have been pre- sented with the medal, or will be in the near future. It is customary to await an appropriate occasion to make the presentation with some ceremony in the presence of brother officers. This token of appreciation for long and faithful service, was inaug- urated in October, 1946, when the first medals were presented at a num- ber of ceremonies in various parts of the Province. The following were awarded the medal since January 1, 1949:— Sgt. A. E. Jarvis, Ashcroft Police District, qualified Jan 1, 1949. Sgt. S. E. Raybone, Kamloops Police District, qualified Jan 1, 1949. Sgt. A. J. Pomeroy, C.I.B. Head- quarters, Victoria, qualified Jan. 1, 1949. Sgt. N. O. DeWitt, Prince George City Detachment, qualified Jan. 1, 1949. Const. J. Kirkup, Vancouver Detach- ment, qualified April 1, 1949. Corporal A. B. Wellens, Nanaimo Detachment. Staff-Sgt. J. W. Hooker, Vancouver Detachment, qualified July 8, 1949 Corporal W. H. Davidson, Kelowna Detachment, qualified, July 12, 1949. Sgt. J. White, Revelstoke Detach- ment, qualified July 20, 1949. Constable J. A. Quesnel, Lumby De- tachment, qualified July 27, 1949. Corporal A. H. Taylor, Prince Rup- ert City Detachment. qualified July 30, 1949. Inspector Duncan Moves To Headquarters ON JULY 1, 1949, a change was made in the command of the Peace River District. Inspector G. J Duncan, who had been in charge of that District since October Ist, 1945, was transferred to Headquart- ers Staff as Relieving Officer. Taking over from Inspector Duncan, Staff Sergeant G. A. Johnson, formerly of Prince Rupert District, is presently in charge of the Peace River District, to which has been added the north west- erly detachment of Atlin. Inspector Duncan relieved Sub- Inspector A. Macdonald of Chilli- wack District for his annual leave, CITY PHONE NANAIMO, B. C. OUR TAXIS MEET ALL BOATS 183 Commercial Street and then took over Nanaimo Dis- trict from Sub-Inspector Thomson during the latter’s absence. It is ex- pected that the Inspector will also relieve at other districts before com- mencing his own retirement leave on October 31. At the termination of this leave, Inspector Duncan will take a well earned rest after 35% years with the B.C. Police. In our next issue we will have more to say about his colorful career in South Africa, of his work with the Royal North West Mounted Police in Can- ada, and of his long service with our own Force. TAXI PHONE Page One Hundred and Fourteen [Ee ie role. | (From The Windsor Star) A NEW JERSEY penologist, speaking at the Canadian Penal Con- gress in Kingston, made a strong case for generous use of paroles. Among other points, he maintained that prisoners who serve their full terms return to crime more frequently than parolees. As this claim has sta- tistical support, it must be consid- ered seriously. Public opinion holds two view- points on this matter, however, and there is considerable truth in each. One argues for the second chance: for a broader humanization in penal affairs. The other cites the offences repeated by parolees, and demands greater protection against perverts and other chronic lawbreakers. Obviously, the approach needed is not so much a compromise of those two positions, as a merger of their common sense features. There can be no denying the trend to greater humanization in penal matters. Perhaps a hundred years hence Canada’s attitude toward those who have broken the law will be as far removed from today’s as the pro- cedures at early 19th century New- gate differ from modern prison prac- tices. This trend should be encour- aged. In any event, it can’t be stop- ped, and it will mean more paroles. At the same time, parole boards should use greater discretion in parol- ing men who may repeat the crimes that sent them to prison in the first place. To say that a standard formu- la has made a prisoner eligible for parole is not enough. That amounts to a surrender of responsibility to a time-table. The sex offender, speci- fically, is not entitled to freedom un- til medical testimony points to a cure. This even may mean that persons sentenced to stated terms should not be freed when this course is run un- less they too, provide evidence of re- habilitation. Society’s interests are the main principle at stake in this matter, and they should not be slighted or overlooked. MEN OUTNUMBER women re- ceiving jail sentences in British Co- lumbia by approximately eight to one. Approximately 150,000 check- ups a year made under the Motor- Vehicle Act are made by the Pro- vincial Police. THE SHOULDER STRAP