Minnie Barton was helping women who were released from jail prior to the appointment of Wells. Barton was well-known within the LAPD and she eventually was paid for her service in 1916. If I recall correctly, Wells was pushing for a raise and the Chief did not believe it to be fair to have some paid policewomen while other women were doing the same job for free. Barton was also in a unique position since she was paid by the LAPD but technically worked for the police courts. Barton started the Big Sister League in 1917 which was involved in establishing the Los Angeles Woman’s Training Home (i.e., the Minnie Barton Home), first on Santee St in the prior Chittenden mission, and then on Trinity St.

Wells did serve in the Crime Prevention / Juvenile branch of the LAPD, her boss was Minnie Barton. This raises some interesting points in that Wells would later go on to be LAPD historian and establish the LAPD museum. I know of one museum photo showing the two together where the caption is “Wells and unidentified woman.” There also might have been friction between the two given their backgrounds. Wells was college educated and promoted the role of policewoman as a professional job. Barton saw serving her less fortunate sisters as a calling, a demonstration of her faith, regardless of pay.

To the best of my knowledge, Wells was not involved in the Big Sister League nor the Training Home. She may have appeared as a speaker at a fund raising luncheon, but her name does not come up as a key player. That is why I am writing you to inquire as to your source. I’ve compiled extensive material regarding the life of Minnie Barton and her Big Sister League, not so much on the life of Wells. Thank you for your time and help.