Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 15, 1941.

Police Duty Is Discussed Here Friday

Tell the truth; be fair and impartial and give an unbiased account of the facts as they are gathered; be courteous and do not try to enact the role of prosecutor.

These were the recommendations made to Lake and Porter county police officers attending the eight weekly session of the regional training course in traffic enforcement and public safety held Friday afternoon at city hall.

The speaker was Attorney William Davis, of Chicago, assistant manager of the Automobile Protective and Information Bureau. Attorney Davis spoke at a meeting two weeks ago on “The Basic Laws of Evidence.” Yesterday’s lecture pertained to the powers and duties of police; the law and manner of arrests and use of force.

Discusses Arrests

“Police have the power to make arrests for any misdemeanor within view without a warrant,” Davis said. “However, in case of a traffic violation he must be acting within his territorial limits. Police have the power to make arrests outside their jurisdiction for state offenses but not for violation of city ordinances.”

According to Davis Valparaiso police have power to make arrests while in civilian clothes if they inform the offender that they are a police officer. Civilians also have the power to make arrests, but their powers are more limited than that of a police officer.

County police and constables have county-wide authority, and Valparaiso police, by virtue of being deputized by the sheriff, also have authority to make arrests in any part of the county.

Next Friday, Paul Beverforden, sergeant of Indiana police, stationed at Indianapolis, who is in charge of the local school, will speak on state laws and city ordinances. Professor J.L. Lingo of Purdue university, will show police how to compute speeds of automobiles by skid marks.