Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/485

 A MODEL MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT

the general work of their bureau. This work is divided roughly between the Division of Inspections, Contagious Diseases, Chemistry, and Bacteriology, each under the direction of a chief who is responsible to the sanitary superintendent. In this way, while the vast responsibility necessarily falls upon the shoulders of several different officers, the general efficiency, which can only result from a centralization of power in the head of the bureau is continued.

The two most important of these divisions that of Inspec- tions and that of Contagious Diseases are organized separately in the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Their work is carried on by about three hundred inspectors of all kinds, who are appointed by the board from the eligible lists of the Civil Service Commission at a yearly salary of from $ 1,200 to $1,800. All the inspectors must pass a rigid competitive examination, and, as a matter of fact, those who are not doctors of medicine by profession are mostly men trained in sanitary work or engi- neering. There are some lay inspectors in the Division of Inspection proper, most of them, however, men who have become more or less of experts in their several lines of work. On the sanitary side the inspector aims to correct defective plumbing and drainage, and other matters likely to affect the health of households. In this he has for his allies the Building and Tene- ment House Departments. 1 He also inspects all kinds of foods and drinks meats, fruit, fish, milk, and even bottled waters and has power to destroy the bad, and to compel the use by manufacturers and dealers of such methods as are likely to pro- duce wholesome food and drink. He must suppress all nuisances which are injurious to public health, such as those caused by offensive trades or excessive noise. Finally, it is the duty of the sanitary inspectors to report in writing all violations of the health laws, Sanitary Code, or other regulations of the board which come under their observation, whether such violations belong to the class of work under their special charge or not. And such reports must be accompanied with recommendations and suggestions for the consideration of the sanitary superin- 1 See note 4, p. 455.