Police Department of the City of New York
Office of the Commissioner

December 20, 1917.
Hon. John Pueroy Mitchel,

Mayor, City of New York,

City Hall, New York City.

Sir:

This report of some of the activities of the Police Department during my
administration is herewith respectfully submitted to you. It is not complete,
but is an effort to describe some of the work we have tried to do, in perhaps
rather new ways, to make the Police Force of greater service to the City, and to
try to make the City not merely safer, but a more wholesome and a happier place
to live in.

I wish to say that whatever success has attended the Police Administration
would not have been possible without your unfailing understanding and support.
Police conditions in New York are of such a character that a Police Com¬
missioner cannot be successful unless he is master of his job, and unless at the
same time he has no doubt as to the backing and confidence of the Mayor. You
have given me an entirely free hand to run the Department, yet I have always
found that when I needed advice or support you were ready with it in large
measure.

It has been a satisfaction and a privilege to work in your Administration.

Respectfully yours,

POUCB COMMISSIONBR.