An Autobiography · Chapter
VI: The New York Police explained
Roosevelt recounts his appointment as Police Commissioner of New York City in 1895 under Mayor Strong, his collaboration with Jacob Riis to reform the police force and improve conditions for the poor, and the challenges of overcoming politi
What happens
Roosevelt recounts his appointment as Police Commissioner of New York City in 1895 under Mayor Strong, his collaboration with Jacob Riis to reform the police force and improve conditions for the poor, and the challenges of overcoming political corruption and a flawed governance structure. He details the successful efforts to increase police honesty and efficiency, emphasizing the importance of rewarding bravery and maintaining discipline.
Themes in this chapter
Political Reform and Anti-Corruption
Roosevelt's central mission to remove partisan politics from the police department and fight corruption, including smashing corrupt contractors.
Courage and Vigor
Emphasis on rewarding acts of heroism among police officers, such as saving lives from drowning or fires, and the importance of personal prowess in the force.
Balance of Idealism and Practicality
Roosevelt advocates for 'realizable ideals' and translating words into deeds, combining high principles with practical action in police reform.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Appointed Police Commissioner and President of the Police Commission; leads reform efforts to eliminate partisan politics and improve police efficiency and honesty.
- Jacob Riis
Close ally and guide; his book 'How the Other Half Lives' inspired Roosevelt, and they worked together to improve tenement conditions and police reform.
- Narrator (I)
Roosevelt narrates in first person, reflecting on his experiences and philosophy of governance.
- Congress
Mentioned as having passed special laws to authorize rewards for a veteran policeman's heroism.
- Mr. Grosvenor
Referenced in the context of political opposition to reform efforts.
Key passages
“I have always had a horror of words that are not translated into deeds, of speech that does not result in action—in other words, I believe in realizable ideals and in realizing them, in preaching what can be practiced and then in practicing it.”
Roosevelt detests empty rhetoric and insists that ideals must be put into practice; he values achievable goals and acting on one's principles.
Reflects Roosevelt's pragmatic idealism and commitment to tangible reform.
“The only way to get good service is to give somebody power to render it, facing the fact that power which will enable a man to do a job well will also necessarily enable him to do it ill if he is the wrong kind of man.”
Effective governance requires concentrating authority in capable hands, accepting that the same power can be misused by the wrong person.
Roosevelt critiques the 'division of powers' theory and argues for accountable leadership.