State Papers and Addresses

MARYLAND STATE POLICE ASSOCIATION
SOUTHERN HOTEL

December 3, 1941
Baltimore

IN these troubled times* possibly the greatest compliment that could be paid
to the law enforcement agencies of our State is to say that our people and
our duly elected officials have the fullest confidence in them, and in their ability
to handle intelligently and forcefully any problems that may arise incident to
any phase of National Defense.

No matter what may lie ahead, it is most gratifying to be able to assure
you gentlemen that the policing of our State will remain entirely in your hands.
You have shown yourself capable and resourceful in meeting changing condi-
tions, and-1 find it most difficult now to envision any developments that would
be beyond the scope of the exisiting agencies.

In a contemplation of the ominous international situation facing our people,
we can never for a moment lose sight of the fact that there are dangers
threatening also from within—menacing not only our bodily safety and our
property, but also the fundamental freedoms upon which American Democracy
is based.

Because of officers like yourself, men who have trained themselves not only
in the detection and apprehension of criminals and law-breakers of all types,
but also in the studious and continuing respect for the. rights of the individual,
the popular attitude towards law enforcement agencies has achieved the ideal
here in America.

Thus you have been able to cope with the skill of the confirmed criminal
and to hold his, and lesser depredations in check, while at the same time build-
ing up within the public consciousness an appreciation of the fact that there is
more true romance in law enforcement than there ever was in law violation.
Thanks to you, the day of the heroic desperado is gone forever in this Country.
In its place is the calm acceptance of law enforcement as the most important
protective force in our lives today.

More and more our people give added respect to your activities and to those
of the other law enforcement agencies, because they see how seriously and
objectively you have addressed yourself to the task of wiping out lawlessness.

They see that you are taking advantage of every new development of
science to help match your activities against those of criminals; they see you
working in the laboratories, in the record room, they see you making use of
the most modern scientific instruments.

Furthermore, they are becoming more and more impressed with the fact
that yours is a task that forms the very basis of our National safety. They are
convinced that as long as you are on the job there can never arise within our