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The Aug. 26, 1927, edition of The Enterprise (a San Mateo County newspaper) reported on a vigilante cop trying to clean up a corrupt police force.
How it happened is quite a story.
The situation began when officer Harry N. Alford, who had been on the force for approximately 18 months, "attempted a single-handed cleanup of the city." Chief of Police William Maher took Alford's badge away to stop him from pursuing the reform effort, causing Alford to go to the district attorney with several accusations against Maher, including the following:
- Maher "allowed slot machines to be operated, and bootleg resorts and other places of vice to flourish unmolested."
- Maher ordered an officer to whack Alford on the head following raids Alford led to finding criminals.
- Alford was illegally and temporarily jailed.
- That 14 blind pigs (illegal nightclubs), one liquor still, and a house of ill fame were operating openly
The District Attorney told Alford to retrieve the illegal items.
So Alford began a sweep of the businesses he suspected were involved in the criminal activity. At Frank's Restaurant, Alford easily purchased liquor. But a deputy constable, apparently in Maher's pocket, destroyed the bottle before Alford could use it as evidence.
Next up, Alford found illegal slot machines at Stringer's Smoke Shop and Joe's Pool Parlor and the Bellevue Tavern – some of the machines had been hidden on the premises when the owners were alerted to Alford's impending visit. The proprietor of Joe's Pool Parlor even pulled out a gun, threatening Alford and his own patrons.
Alford was again assaulted and roughly questioned by Maher after the raids. Accusations went the other way and accused Alford of striking Maher. This caused a judge to order the arrest of both men for assault.
Also brought before the judge were several men who had illegal slot machines in their businesses. They all pleaded guilty and were fined $100 each.
Despite his apparent honorable intentions, Alford suffered for his effort to bring about a law-abiding city. The Board of Trustees suspended him for "conduct unbecoming to an officer." He was let go as a police officer and building inspector.
Chief Maher had the last word.
He told the media that he was pursuing having Alford arrested for carrying a concealed weapon since Alford was not technically an active police officer when he raided those businesses. The Enterprise did not report on the outcome of Maher's efforts.
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