harge of the House of Detention for Witnesses, No.
203 Mulberry street. The Sanitary Squad consists of a captain, four
sergeants, and fifty-seven patrolmen. Some of these are on duty at the
ferries and steamboat landings. Others are detailed to examine the steam
boilers in use in the city. Others execute the orders of the Board of
Health. Another detachment, nine in number, look after truant children.
Others are detailed for duty at banks and other places. The Detectives
will be referred to hereafter.

[Picture: FEMALE PRISONERS IN THE FOURTH POLICE STATION]

The qualifications demanded of an applicant for admission into the force
are thus set down in the book of Regulations: "No person will be
appointed a Patrolman of the Metropolitan Police Force unless, he

"First, is able to read and write the English language understandingly.

"Second, is a citizen of the United States.

"Third, has been a resident of this State for a term of one year next
prior to his application for the office.

"Fourth, has never been convicted of a crime.

"Fifth, is at least five feet eight inches in height.

"Sixth, is less than thirty-five years of age.

"Seventh, is in good health, and of sound body and mind.

"Eighth, is of good moral character and habits.

"Applicants for the office must present to the Board of Commissioners a
petition signed by not less than five citizens of good character and
habits, and verified by the affidavit of one of them."

As none but "sound" men are wanted, the applicant is then subjected to a
rigid medical examination; and the writer is informed by one of the most
efficient surgeons of the force, that scarcely one applicant in ten can
stand this test. The applicant must also give, under oath, an exact
statement as to his parentage, nationality, education, personal condition
in every respect, business or employment, and physical condition.

The strictest discipline is maintained in the force, and offences are
rigidly reported and punished. All members are required at once to
communicate intelligence of importance to their superior officers. The
men are regularly drilled in military exercises, to fit them for dealing
efficiently with serious disturbances. The writer can testify, that
during their parade in the Spring of 1871, they presented as fine an
appearance, and executed their manoeuvres as correctly as any body of
regular troops.

The finest looking and largest men are det