From The Law Desk: BRADY MATERIAL
It�s important that investigators be familiar with parts of the law they encounter during the normal course of their work. Some items of particular interest and/or concern will be discussed under this heading, �From The Law Desk�.
Brady Material: Items that are exculpatory in nature, that could prove the innocence of the defendant, are classified as �Brady Material�. These are items which must be turned over to the defense, as they could aid the defense in proving his/her innocence. Examples of Brady Material follows:
Your complainant/victim views photos in an effort to identify the perpetrator, and identifies a photograph as the person who committed the crime. You conduct an In/Out check of the suspect and discover that this person is in jail, and was incarcerated at the time of the incident and could not have committed the crime. Weeks later, you arrest another subject who confesses to the crime and is later identified in a lineup by the victim. The facts concerning the earlier identification must be revealed to the prosecutor, who must turn it over to the defense, as �Brady Material�. Although these items most often can be readily explained, they must be revealed.
Using the example cited above, there are many valid reasons for the mis-ID on the photos � similarity in appearance, poor quality of a photo vs. in person identification, etc. As Brady Material, they must be turned over to the defense, and can be answered out during prosecution presentation.
SURVIVORS OF THE SHIELD
If you haven�t already done so, you should take down this information and write out a check to this organization. We all hope to never need their services, but more importantly we should do it for those we know who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
The Survivors Of The Shield is an organization of surviving spouses of NYPD member�s who have been killed in the line of duty. They assist in providing counseling, financial assistance, and scholarships for the spouses and children of our brothers and sisters who have been killed in the line of duty.
You can contribute directly each payday through the Combined Municipal Campaign � if you haven�t already signed up to do so, I encourage you looking into this. Any amount, no matter how small you feel it is, can be utilized fully by this group.
If you wish, you may contact them directly as follows. Any contribution you provide will help this organization provide their services. Perhaps a small donation made in memory of a loved one? Please consider helping them.
Survivors of the Shield
PO Box 10017
Staten Island, NY 10310
INTERESTING WEB SITES
NEW: UPDATED PI NEWS ON THE HOUR EVERY HOUR!
News For Investigators with several new subjects!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/nf/nfset.htm
Parole Watch closed their web site. Where can you go for
parolee information? Go to Sex Offendors/Inmates link
Parole and Dept of Corrections links are there.
This link has other investigative search sites as well. Not sure if it�s of any use to us, though. Worth checking out at least.
Go to http://www.investigate-claims.com/
The following site is a pay-for service site, geared for Private Investigators, charging you a fee per search performed. Don�t think it is of much use for us in general, but I�m going to look into it anyway. We can probably get anything they offer from HIDTA. Maybe for those in the private field may find it valuable.
www.locateplus.com
FROM THE ROLODEX (PalmPilot)�..
International Homicide Investigators Association
723 West 2nd Av
Cheyenne, WY 82001
1-800-742-1007/ 307-433-1222
www.ihia.org
Major Case Squad � Coalition Investigations
718-526-6661
LEST WE FORGET�..
March 26, 1949 Ptl Anthony Oetheimer #5201 114 Pct Shot-Robbery in Progress
March 26, 1992 PO Joseph Alcamo #24524, 100 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
March 27, 1921 Ptl Joseph Connelly #3606, 10Div, Shot-Investigation
March 27, 1944 Ptl Arthur Eggers, 1109, Traffic C, Auto accident on patrol
March 28, 1922 Ptl James Baker, #10542, 83 Pct, Motorcycle accident
March 31, 1914 Ptl Thomas Wynn, #7226, 155 Pct, Arrest-Robbery
REMEMBER.... You Can contact the Minister of Investigations to make suggestions, comments, etc. at
www.Ltjac77@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 29, 2001
Tuesday, March 27, 2001
THE LINEUP
A standard practice for Detective�s dating back to at least the 1940�s and into the 1960�s was known as �The Lineup�. Regularly scheduled detectives attended the Lineup at Police Headquarters (Centre Street), each day Monday � Thursday, starting at 9am. The Lineup was conducted by the Chief of Detectives, for the purpose of allowing detectives to personally observe the �characteristics and appearance of recently apprehended prisoners�. The main purpose, as outlined in a SPRING3100 profile of 1954, was to �acquaint detectives with the many types of prisoners arrested by the department and to help them to close pending cases if a prisoner should be wanted for another crime�. In 1954 the department was beginning to experiment with televising the Lineup to detective Squads, in an effort to eliminate the travel time lost to detective�s from outlying commands. Remember, this was before Polaroid photographs, fax machines, or any of the other �modern� means of disseminating information on those arrested that we enjoy now. (OK, so we still don�t have film for the camera, and there�s no internet capability, but at least we don�t have to stand and watch dozens of prisoners walk by, right?)
THE UNTOUCHABLES
�Stick �Em Up � We�re government officers and this is a federal raid�.
Beginning in 1929, and for the next two and a half years, these were the words spoken hundreds of times by Eliot Ness and his hand picked group of Federal Prohibition Agents as they executed the search warrants that eventually dismantled the Chicago crime syndicate.
Prohibition, from 1920 to 1933, led to the largest gang wars the country had ever seen, and Chicago was the base of the action. �Scarface� Al Capone led Chicago, and eventually the country, as his sphere of influence in organized crime spread from liquor to legitimate operations as well. One group more than any other broke the stranglehold that Capone and his mob had on Chicago and the nation. This was the US Department of Justice�s Prohibition Detail. It was these agents that eventually smashed the alcohol empire, cutting off the large cash income that was feeding Capone and his gang, and which eventually ended his ability to pay graft. They also gathered the information for his income tax evasion case, which finally sent Capone to a federal prison and crumbled his crime syndicate.
The leader of this group was Eliot Ness. It was Ness and his handpicked group of 10 gangbusters that destroyed the myth of Capone�s immunity. Ness was an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes as a youth, and began his investigative career with a Credit Company after graduating from business school. He yearned for police work, and soon after entered the US Department of Justice�s Prohibition Bureau. He was quickly disheartened, however, as he saw the lack of Prohibition convictions in a city as �wet� as Chicago as a testament to the bribery and corruption that had taken hold. He made a presentation to the US Attorney, and was soon put in charge of a small group of hand-picked agents that would work outside of the mainstream, and dismantle Chicago�s organized syndicates. His group of ten agents soon became dubbed �The Untouchables�, as they were beyond bribery or bullets.
Despite numerous attempts on their lives, only one of these agents lost his life in the line of duty. Capone�s crew was eventually dismantled, and in 1932 Ness was promoted to Chief Investigator of the Prohibition Bureau. He later worked for the FBI, the Alcohol Unit of the US Treasury, and became Chief of Police in Cleveland . Perhaps the most interesting job title Ness held was during WWII, from 1941-1945. He was the Director of Social Protection for the Federal Security Agency � responsible for combating venereal disease in and near every military establishment in the U.S.!
A passage that exemplifies those throughout the book is recounted here. Ness, visiting his girlfriend, spies a figure lurking in the shadows outside her window. He was aware that a contract was out on his life by Capone and his enforcer Frank Nitti, and had become accustomed to �looking over his shoulder�. On this particular night Ness sneaks out of the house and confronts his would-be assassin. �Grabbing him by the lapels of his coat, I slammed him viciously against the side of the house. As he made a motion to reach for his gun, I gave him a judo chop across the side of the neck with the flat edge of my hand. His legs buckled. I straightened him up savagely and frisked him, and later brought him before the US Magistrate�. I must confess, it�s the �judo chop across his neck� that I�m particularly fond of!
Ness died of a heart attack in 1957 prior to the publication of his memoir, �The Untouchables�.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Cemetery Records online
Over two million records from nearly 4,00Cemeterites worldwide
This site is very well organized and allows visitors to browse cemeteries by locale or perform a surname search of the entire site.
http://interment.net/
Find a grave. Here is another surname search--results returned of include name, date of birth, date of death, and the place of burial.
You can also search for a specific cemetery.
http://www.findagrave.com/index.html
WHAT IS THAT PLACE?
Travelers through the 79 Precinct, passing by Vernon & Tompkins Avenues, may have wondered what that police-looking building on the south-east corner was. It has all the markings of a once operating police station house, and in fact it once was.
You would probably think it was the �old� 79 Precinct, but that�s not it. The �old� 79 Precinct was on the north-west corner of Gates & Throop Avenues, an empty lot now. That building was in operation until the current 79 stationhouse at Tompkins & Greene opened up, and was the scene of the earlier exploits of the Minister Father.
The building at Vernon & Tompkins was used as a stationhouse for the offices of the 19th Division, which later was changed to the 13th Division. Division offices included the Division commanders, division units such as Plainclothes (gambling and vice enforcement as it was known then) and other records facilities. Prior to being a Division office, it was the stationhouse for one of the Traffic commands. Back in the �old days� traffic control duties were performed solely by police officers, or Patrolman. Parking enforcement, traffic direction, etc. were all part of the �Traffic Cop� duties, and were broken down into Traffic commands throughout the city.
A standard practice for Detective�s dating back to at least the 1940�s and into the 1960�s was known as �The Lineup�. Regularly scheduled detectives attended the Lineup at Police Headquarters (Centre Street), each day Monday � Thursday, starting at 9am. The Lineup was conducted by the Chief of Detectives, for the purpose of allowing detectives to personally observe the �characteristics and appearance of recently apprehended prisoners�. The main purpose, as outlined in a SPRING3100 profile of 1954, was to �acquaint detectives with the many types of prisoners arrested by the department and to help them to close pending cases if a prisoner should be wanted for another crime�. In 1954 the department was beginning to experiment with televising the Lineup to detective Squads, in an effort to eliminate the travel time lost to detective�s from outlying commands. Remember, this was before Polaroid photographs, fax machines, or any of the other �modern� means of disseminating information on those arrested that we enjoy now. (OK, so we still don�t have film for the camera, and there�s no internet capability, but at least we don�t have to stand and watch dozens of prisoners walk by, right?)
THE UNTOUCHABLES
�Stick �Em Up � We�re government officers and this is a federal raid�.
Beginning in 1929, and for the next two and a half years, these were the words spoken hundreds of times by Eliot Ness and his hand picked group of Federal Prohibition Agents as they executed the search warrants that eventually dismantled the Chicago crime syndicate.
Prohibition, from 1920 to 1933, led to the largest gang wars the country had ever seen, and Chicago was the base of the action. �Scarface� Al Capone led Chicago, and eventually the country, as his sphere of influence in organized crime spread from liquor to legitimate operations as well. One group more than any other broke the stranglehold that Capone and his mob had on Chicago and the nation. This was the US Department of Justice�s Prohibition Detail. It was these agents that eventually smashed the alcohol empire, cutting off the large cash income that was feeding Capone and his gang, and which eventually ended his ability to pay graft. They also gathered the information for his income tax evasion case, which finally sent Capone to a federal prison and crumbled his crime syndicate.
The leader of this group was Eliot Ness. It was Ness and his handpicked group of 10 gangbusters that destroyed the myth of Capone�s immunity. Ness was an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes as a youth, and began his investigative career with a Credit Company after graduating from business school. He yearned for police work, and soon after entered the US Department of Justice�s Prohibition Bureau. He was quickly disheartened, however, as he saw the lack of Prohibition convictions in a city as �wet� as Chicago as a testament to the bribery and corruption that had taken hold. He made a presentation to the US Attorney, and was soon put in charge of a small group of hand-picked agents that would work outside of the mainstream, and dismantle Chicago�s organized syndicates. His group of ten agents soon became dubbed �The Untouchables�, as they were beyond bribery or bullets.
Despite numerous attempts on their lives, only one of these agents lost his life in the line of duty. Capone�s crew was eventually dismantled, and in 1932 Ness was promoted to Chief Investigator of the Prohibition Bureau. He later worked for the FBI, the Alcohol Unit of the US Treasury, and became Chief of Police in Cleveland . Perhaps the most interesting job title Ness held was during WWII, from 1941-1945. He was the Director of Social Protection for the Federal Security Agency � responsible for combating venereal disease in and near every military establishment in the U.S.!
A passage that exemplifies those throughout the book is recounted here. Ness, visiting his girlfriend, spies a figure lurking in the shadows outside her window. He was aware that a contract was out on his life by Capone and his enforcer Frank Nitti, and had become accustomed to �looking over his shoulder�. On this particular night Ness sneaks out of the house and confronts his would-be assassin. �Grabbing him by the lapels of his coat, I slammed him viciously against the side of the house. As he made a motion to reach for his gun, I gave him a judo chop across the side of the neck with the flat edge of my hand. His legs buckled. I straightened him up savagely and frisked him, and later brought him before the US Magistrate�. I must confess, it�s the �judo chop across his neck� that I�m particularly fond of!
Ness died of a heart attack in 1957 prior to the publication of his memoir, �The Untouchables�.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Cemetery Records online
Over two million records from nearly 4,00Cemeterites worldwide
This site is very well organized and allows visitors to browse cemeteries by locale or perform a surname search of the entire site.
http://interment.net/
Find a grave. Here is another surname search--results returned of include name, date of birth, date of death, and the place of burial.
You can also search for a specific cemetery.
http://www.findagrave.com/index.html
WHAT IS THAT PLACE?
Travelers through the 79 Precinct, passing by Vernon & Tompkins Avenues, may have wondered what that police-looking building on the south-east corner was. It has all the markings of a once operating police station house, and in fact it once was.
You would probably think it was the �old� 79 Precinct, but that�s not it. The �old� 79 Precinct was on the north-west corner of Gates & Throop Avenues, an empty lot now. That building was in operation until the current 79 stationhouse at Tompkins & Greene opened up, and was the scene of the earlier exploits of the Minister Father.
The building at Vernon & Tompkins was used as a stationhouse for the offices of the 19th Division, which later was changed to the 13th Division. Division offices included the Division commanders, division units such as Plainclothes (gambling and vice enforcement as it was known then) and other records facilities. Prior to being a Division office, it was the stationhouse for one of the Traffic commands. Back in the �old days� traffic control duties were performed solely by police officers, or Patrolman. Parking enforcement, traffic direction, etc. were all part of the �Traffic Cop� duties, and were broken down into Traffic commands throughout the city.
Friday, March 23, 2001
INTERESTING WEB SITES
If you need to identify a cell phone carrier and city of issue, the following site can help. By submitting the area code and the 3-digit exchange, it will identify which cell carrier it is issued by, and from which city it originates. Also can help with international numbers.
www.primeris.com
OLD HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK
Many of our everyday nomenclature has its origin from outdated sources. Here�s a short sample of the origin of some of the terms we regularly use � yet may not know where they came from:
124 Room: This derived from the original Manual Of Procedure section that had to do with the preparation and reporting of crime complaints (Section 1.24), and NOT the room number!
DD5: Department forms were prefaced by the Bureau/Division within the department that used the form. Thus, DD5 refers to the Detective Division form #5, which was and remains the Complaint Follow-Up Report. There were no different colors, and the form simply was known as a DD5, or a �5�. When the department �streamlined� the report process by making it a snap-out form � eliminating the detective from having to insert carbon paper between each page and make sure he/she �typed hard� so the print would go through � the form was then re-numbered under a new department procedure. These re-numbered forms replaced the �old� Division/Bureau designations, and the �DD5� became the PD-313-081A! It just sounds so much easier � and more �detective-like�, to call it a �DD5� instead of a �PD313081A�! So, if DD5 was report #5 of the Detective Division, what were reports #1-4? I don�t know yet, but you can be sure I�m trying to find out!
61: Originated (see DD5 above) as the Uniform-Force (UF) report #61. Under the process prior to the computerized OLCS system, complaint reports were typewritten (with carbon sheet inserts!), and complaints were added to an Index Sheet as they were numbered. This Index Sheet was the UF60 sheet, hence detectives used to �check the 60 sheets to see what�s coming in�.
No matter what number the department assigns to them, Complaint Reports will always be known as �61�s�, and detectives will �check the 60 sheets� and prepare �DD5�s� on their cases. Some things are hard to change!
Others, however, evolve and change with the origin lost somewhere.
Chief of Department: As we now know it, originated as the �Chief Inspector�. It was Chief Inspector until the early 70�s, when, for a short time it became Chief of Operations (under P.C. Patrick Murphy), eventually being changed to the Chief of Department. The other Chief titles at the time included the �Inspector� category: Deputy Chief was the Deputy Chief Inspector (DCI), and Assistant Chief was the Assistant Chief Inspector (ACI). Of course, we all know � as noted in an earlier posting � of the change from Patrolman to Police Officer.
CONGRATULATIONS
To the recent promotees, including Brooklyn North�s:
Joseph McKeever, BN Narcotics promoted to Inspector
Mike Harrington, 79 Pct and formerly of Bklyn North Detective Ops to DepInsp
Stacy Bridgeman, 83 Squad to Sgt-SDS
Steve Feely, Bklyn North Homicide Sqd to Detective 1st Grade
Joseph Quinn, 75 Detective Squad to Detective 2nd Grade
I just want to note the promotion to Detective 1st Grade of two Detectives who have proven themselves to be true friends to us in Brooklyn North, Detective John Ross of TARU and Detective Hal Sherman of Crime Scene Unit.
Congratulations to these Members� on their well-deserved recognition!
ON A PERSONAL ASIDE.....
Go Manhattanville Lacrosse! Go Lynbrook Lacrosse! Go Duke Go!
FUTURE POSTINGS:
Scotland Yard; Chicago crime-fighting; The Lineup; and many more.........
(The Minister has some new-old books on back order, and should be chock-full of information very soon).
Will also be adding a "Law Desk" topic as well.
If you need to identify a cell phone carrier and city of issue, the following site can help. By submitting the area code and the 3-digit exchange, it will identify which cell carrier it is issued by, and from which city it originates. Also can help with international numbers.
www.primeris.com
OLD HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK
Many of our everyday nomenclature has its origin from outdated sources. Here�s a short sample of the origin of some of the terms we regularly use � yet may not know where they came from:
124 Room: This derived from the original Manual Of Procedure section that had to do with the preparation and reporting of crime complaints (Section 1.24), and NOT the room number!
DD5: Department forms were prefaced by the Bureau/Division within the department that used the form. Thus, DD5 refers to the Detective Division form #5, which was and remains the Complaint Follow-Up Report. There were no different colors, and the form simply was known as a DD5, or a �5�. When the department �streamlined� the report process by making it a snap-out form � eliminating the detective from having to insert carbon paper between each page and make sure he/she �typed hard� so the print would go through � the form was then re-numbered under a new department procedure. These re-numbered forms replaced the �old� Division/Bureau designations, and the �DD5� became the PD-313-081A! It just sounds so much easier � and more �detective-like�, to call it a �DD5� instead of a �PD313081A�! So, if DD5 was report #5 of the Detective Division, what were reports #1-4? I don�t know yet, but you can be sure I�m trying to find out!
61: Originated (see DD5 above) as the Uniform-Force (UF) report #61. Under the process prior to the computerized OLCS system, complaint reports were typewritten (with carbon sheet inserts!), and complaints were added to an Index Sheet as they were numbered. This Index Sheet was the UF60 sheet, hence detectives used to �check the 60 sheets to see what�s coming in�.
No matter what number the department assigns to them, Complaint Reports will always be known as �61�s�, and detectives will �check the 60 sheets� and prepare �DD5�s� on their cases. Some things are hard to change!
Others, however, evolve and change with the origin lost somewhere.
Chief of Department: As we now know it, originated as the �Chief Inspector�. It was Chief Inspector until the early 70�s, when, for a short time it became Chief of Operations (under P.C. Patrick Murphy), eventually being changed to the Chief of Department. The other Chief titles at the time included the �Inspector� category: Deputy Chief was the Deputy Chief Inspector (DCI), and Assistant Chief was the Assistant Chief Inspector (ACI). Of course, we all know � as noted in an earlier posting � of the change from Patrolman to Police Officer.
CONGRATULATIONS
To the recent promotees, including Brooklyn North�s:
Joseph McKeever, BN Narcotics promoted to Inspector
Mike Harrington, 79 Pct and formerly of Bklyn North Detective Ops to DepInsp
Stacy Bridgeman, 83 Squad to Sgt-SDS
Steve Feely, Bklyn North Homicide Sqd to Detective 1st Grade
Joseph Quinn, 75 Detective Squad to Detective 2nd Grade
I just want to note the promotion to Detective 1st Grade of two Detectives who have proven themselves to be true friends to us in Brooklyn North, Detective John Ross of TARU and Detective Hal Sherman of Crime Scene Unit.
Congratulations to these Members� on their well-deserved recognition!
ON A PERSONAL ASIDE.....
Go Manhattanville Lacrosse! Go Lynbrook Lacrosse! Go Duke Go!
FUTURE POSTINGS:
Scotland Yard; Chicago crime-fighting; The Lineup; and many more.........
(The Minister has some new-old books on back order, and should be chock-full of information very soon).
Will also be adding a "Law Desk" topic as well.
Monday, March 19, 2001
REMEMBER�.. You Can Contact the Minister of Investigations, with comments or suggestions, at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com
MURDER MACHINE
The group noted as the largest Serial-Murder gang in New York City history was known as �The Murder Machine�. Operating during the 1970�s, this group � led by Roy DeMeo- was responsible for at least 75 murders. Headquartered in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatlands/Canarsie, DeMeo started a loan-sharking operation out of the Gemini Lounge, and was responsible for distributing drugs and selling scores of luxury stolen cars overseas to Kuwait. When the inevitable business disputes arose, the group simply made the other parties disappear: Luring them into a clubhouse behind the Gemini Lounge, where they were shot and dismembered, then secured in a HeftyBag and tossed into the Canarsie dump off of Fountain Avenue. The murders became so easy to the crew that soon the �Gemini Method� � as it was known � was being used on anyone who got in their way. As a gift, DeMeo presented three of his crew members with a set of custom carving knives, which they kept in their car trunks in case a quick assignment arose! A special task force of NYPD/FBI investigators eventually cracked the gang, and were able to tag at least 75 murders to this crew. (DeMeo, who was rubbed out by fellow crew members as the cops closed in, bragged of over one-hundred murders). The exploits of this crew are recounted in the book �Murder Machine� by Gene Mustain and Jerry Capeci � and provides great reading material of this notorious Brooklyn gang.
IBIS AND 22 CAL �HITS�
Contrary to some unknown rumor source, 22 cal ammo and shell casings CAN be identified via traditional �rifling� in the firearm. The 22 cal round, however, has a very low hit ratio when submitted through the IBIS System. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) is a computerized analysis method of ballistic rounds utilized by the department � and many other departments nationwide. However, the 22 cal rifling is not readily picked up by the computer system, and is much more reliably analyzed by hand (or eye!). Also, because the 22 cal rifle and ammo uses a rim-fire method, leaving no strike marks on the casing, identification is more difficult but IS ABLE TO BE DONE by a trained Microscopist (as in the Firearms Analysis Section). So, the bottom line is that: Yes, 22 cal rounds DO have rifling marks and CAN be identified by a ballistics examination, but are NOT readily identified via the computerized IBIS System. Whenever dealing with a 22 cal round, and seeking ballistics analysis, check with the Firearms Analysis Section and make sure all relevant property vouchers, etc, are noted for proper evaluation.
Firearms Analysis Section���. 718-558-4031
�YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
An e-mail that was sent to the Minister, that I thought I should share, notes some of the stupid label instructions that are taken from actual consumer products. Some of them are noted here:
On a Bag of Fritos: �You could be a winner. No Purchase Necessary! Details Inside�
(The shoplifters special?)
On Tiramisu dessert printed on BOTTOM of box: �Do Not Turn Upside Down�
On bread pudding box: �Product Will Be Hot After Heating�
On Nytol Sleeping Aid: �Warning: May Cause Drowsiness�
On a child�s Superman costume: �Wearing Of This Garment Does NOT Enable You To Fly�
MORE INTERESTING WEB SITES
This site advertises FREE Business Cards! Worth checking out:
www.vistaprint.com
US Army Locator Service
http://www.erec.army.mil/wwl/default.htm
Another site that advertises help for Private Investigators doing searches:
http://www.investigate-claims.com/
Columbia Encyclopedia_, Sixth Edition -- Bartleby.com
Bartleby.com has relaunched its electronic version of the Columbia
Encyclopedia with numerous updates, including improved search and
navigation features. Visitors may search the encyclopedia by keyword (either full-text or
entry word), browse the entries alphabetically, or browse the
biographical entries by 140 categories. Definitely one of the
standard online general reference works.
http://www.bartleby.com/65/
�LEST WE FORGET� : MOS Who Gave Their Lives In The Line Of Duty:
March 19, 1943 Ptl James Donovan #2352, 75 Pct, Shot during off duty investigation
March 20, 1804 Ptl Hugh Enright, 24 Pct, Shot during Burglary Arrest
March 20, 1963 Ptl John Tuohy, #415, TD2, Heart Attack Chasing Felon
March 22, 1932 Ptl George Myers (No further Info Available)
March 23, 1986 PO James Holmes #2493 PSA3 Shot During Off Duty Robbery
MURDER MACHINE
The group noted as the largest Serial-Murder gang in New York City history was known as �The Murder Machine�. Operating during the 1970�s, this group � led by Roy DeMeo- was responsible for at least 75 murders. Headquartered in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatlands/Canarsie, DeMeo started a loan-sharking operation out of the Gemini Lounge, and was responsible for distributing drugs and selling scores of luxury stolen cars overseas to Kuwait. When the inevitable business disputes arose, the group simply made the other parties disappear: Luring them into a clubhouse behind the Gemini Lounge, where they were shot and dismembered, then secured in a HeftyBag and tossed into the Canarsie dump off of Fountain Avenue. The murders became so easy to the crew that soon the �Gemini Method� � as it was known � was being used on anyone who got in their way. As a gift, DeMeo presented three of his crew members with a set of custom carving knives, which they kept in their car trunks in case a quick assignment arose! A special task force of NYPD/FBI investigators eventually cracked the gang, and were able to tag at least 75 murders to this crew. (DeMeo, who was rubbed out by fellow crew members as the cops closed in, bragged of over one-hundred murders). The exploits of this crew are recounted in the book �Murder Machine� by Gene Mustain and Jerry Capeci � and provides great reading material of this notorious Brooklyn gang.
IBIS AND 22 CAL �HITS�
Contrary to some unknown rumor source, 22 cal ammo and shell casings CAN be identified via traditional �rifling� in the firearm. The 22 cal round, however, has a very low hit ratio when submitted through the IBIS System. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) is a computerized analysis method of ballistic rounds utilized by the department � and many other departments nationwide. However, the 22 cal rifling is not readily picked up by the computer system, and is much more reliably analyzed by hand (or eye!). Also, because the 22 cal rifle and ammo uses a rim-fire method, leaving no strike marks on the casing, identification is more difficult but IS ABLE TO BE DONE by a trained Microscopist (as in the Firearms Analysis Section). So, the bottom line is that: Yes, 22 cal rounds DO have rifling marks and CAN be identified by a ballistics examination, but are NOT readily identified via the computerized IBIS System. Whenever dealing with a 22 cal round, and seeking ballistics analysis, check with the Firearms Analysis Section and make sure all relevant property vouchers, etc, are noted for proper evaluation.
Firearms Analysis Section���. 718-558-4031
�YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
An e-mail that was sent to the Minister, that I thought I should share, notes some of the stupid label instructions that are taken from actual consumer products. Some of them are noted here:
On a Bag of Fritos: �You could be a winner. No Purchase Necessary! Details Inside�
(The shoplifters special?)
On Tiramisu dessert printed on BOTTOM of box: �Do Not Turn Upside Down�
On bread pudding box: �Product Will Be Hot After Heating�
On Nytol Sleeping Aid: �Warning: May Cause Drowsiness�
On a child�s Superman costume: �Wearing Of This Garment Does NOT Enable You To Fly�
MORE INTERESTING WEB SITES
This site advertises FREE Business Cards! Worth checking out:
www.vistaprint.com
US Army Locator Service
http://www.erec.army.mil/wwl/default.htm
Another site that advertises help for Private Investigators doing searches:
http://www.investigate-claims.com/
Columbia Encyclopedia_, Sixth Edition -- Bartleby.com
Bartleby.com has relaunched its electronic version of the Columbia
Encyclopedia with numerous updates, including improved search and
navigation features. Visitors may search the encyclopedia by keyword (either full-text or
entry word), browse the entries alphabetically, or browse the
biographical entries by 140 categories. Definitely one of the
standard online general reference works.
http://www.bartleby.com/65/
�LEST WE FORGET� : MOS Who Gave Their Lives In The Line Of Duty:
March 19, 1943 Ptl James Donovan #2352, 75 Pct, Shot during off duty investigation
March 20, 1804 Ptl Hugh Enright, 24 Pct, Shot during Burglary Arrest
March 20, 1963 Ptl John Tuohy, #415, TD2, Heart Attack Chasing Felon
March 22, 1932 Ptl George Myers (No further Info Available)
March 23, 1986 PO James Holmes #2493 PSA3 Shot During Off Duty Robbery
Wednesday, March 14, 2001
QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
The Nassau County Police Department has a method of restoring old papers so that they are able to be read. The Questioned Documents Unit of the NCPD received some notoriety when they put to use their VSC2000 System, that exposes documents to different light allowing it to be read, in 1999 when a body was found in a barrel in the basement of a residence. This procedure allowed the papers, that appeared to contain no visible print, to be examined which eventually led to the identification of the victim, and the arrest of the perp.
The NCPD Questioned Documents Unit can be reached through the main number at
(516) 573-7000. Sgt. Dennis Ryan and Det. Joan Fiertner were responsible for this work.
FROM THE ROLODEX (my PalmPilot)
Medicaid Fraud (212) 417-4722, 417-5424
US State Dept. Diplomatic Security Service (Can assist in verification of a passport status) (212) 264-1293 S/A Rob Terwilliger and Supv S/A Prendergast have been helpful in the past
THE CRIMINAL VERNACULAR
Bludget ��.. A female thief
Hamlet ��... A Captain of Police
My Uncle �.. A Pawnbroker
Pigeon ��.. An informer
�LEST WE FORGET�: Member�s who have given their lives in the performance of duty, are recognized here.
March 10, 1917 Ptl Deforest Fredenburg and Ptl John Lober (No info available)
March 10, 1994 PO Sean McDonald #11686, 44 Pct, shot during robbery
March 11, 1930 Ptl Joseph Scott #8786, 32 Pct : Auto accident on patrol
March 11, 1947 Ptl Winthrop Paris #10600 30 Pct Shot during off duty investigtn
March 11, 1959 Ptl Robert Forrest #6640 24 Pct Off duty LOD Heart attack
March 11, 1987 Det Louis Miller #1793 FTU10 Shot-Burglary in progress
March 12, 1909 Lt Joseph Petrosino, Det Div Killed in Italy during investigation
March 12, 1931 Ptl James Flanagan #1312 25 Pct Shot during off duty investigtn
March 14, 1872 Ptl Phillip Lambreck #1126 19 Pct Injuries sustnd during assault
March 14, 1967 Det John Pollins #1968 Narcotics Buy/Bust arrest
March 14, 1996 PO Kevin Gillespie, Street Crime Unit, shot during investigation
March 15, 1922 Ptl James McMail #3029 85 Pct Shot during arrest for assault
March 15, 1930 Ptl Walter DeCastillo #10115 84 Pct Shot-robbery in progress
March 15, 1934 Ptl Philip Clarius #4323 78 Pct Shot-robbery in progress
March 15, 1936 Ptl Dioniso Pasquarella #17695 75 Pct Shot-off duty altercation
March 16, 1940 Ptl Francis Dolan #14186 10 Pct Fell from auto
March 17, 1956 Ptl George Lessler 10 Pct Heart Attack
March 18, 1926 Ptl William Higgins #10611 13 Div Line of duty incident
March 18, 1948 Ptl John Casey #5114 20 Pct Line of duty incident
March 18, 1972 Ptl Elijah Stroud #4204 80 Pct Shot during Robbery
INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE WEB SITES
This site, although it�s set up as Resources for an Attorney, has some good links for People Searches, etc. Check it out! (I must admit, though, that I had some problems getting into some of the links � looks interesting anyway)
http://www.mother.com/~randy/tools.html
TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
http://www.freeality.com/findt.htm
http://primeris.com/fonefind/index.php3
World Nasa View: This site probably can�t help you solve anything, but it�s worth taking a look at anyway. (Maybe here is where you can check for the NASA satellite�s view of a Brooklyn rooftop?)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg
This site has One of the Better List of WEB Based Phone Books
http://www.the-acr.com/codes/resource.htm
SOME NYPD-DETECTIVE HISTORY Reprinted from an earlier posting, for those who missed it
The person recognized as the "Father of Detectives": is Thomas Byrnes. In 1878 he was a Captain of a local precinct when the Manhattan Savings Bank at Bleeker/Broadway was robbed. As a result of this crime, and several other notorious incidents, Thomas Byrnes was promoted to Inspector and placed in charge of a newly formed Detective Bureau. Up to that point there was merely a small group of "detectives" working out of HQ. The job of Detective was essentially the same as a patrolman, and there was no prestige in it; it was considered a secondary police function.
Byrnes shaped the Detective Bureau and detective work in general. His template for detective work is the basis for every modern police department's detectives. Byrnes believed that the way detectives should catch criminals is through intelligence - from criminals and informants - and under Byrnes intelligence gathering became an organized enterprise. He started using photographs in this process, and established the "Rogues Gallery", ensuring that suspects and those arrested were photographed.
The Nassau County Police Department has a method of restoring old papers so that they are able to be read. The Questioned Documents Unit of the NCPD received some notoriety when they put to use their VSC2000 System, that exposes documents to different light allowing it to be read, in 1999 when a body was found in a barrel in the basement of a residence. This procedure allowed the papers, that appeared to contain no visible print, to be examined which eventually led to the identification of the victim, and the arrest of the perp.
The NCPD Questioned Documents Unit can be reached through the main number at
(516) 573-7000. Sgt. Dennis Ryan and Det. Joan Fiertner were responsible for this work.
FROM THE ROLODEX (my PalmPilot)
Medicaid Fraud (212) 417-4722, 417-5424
US State Dept. Diplomatic Security Service (Can assist in verification of a passport status) (212) 264-1293 S/A Rob Terwilliger and Supv S/A Prendergast have been helpful in the past
THE CRIMINAL VERNACULAR
Bludget ��.. A female thief
Hamlet ��... A Captain of Police
My Uncle �.. A Pawnbroker
Pigeon ��.. An informer
�LEST WE FORGET�: Member�s who have given their lives in the performance of duty, are recognized here.
March 10, 1917 Ptl Deforest Fredenburg and Ptl John Lober (No info available)
March 10, 1994 PO Sean McDonald #11686, 44 Pct, shot during robbery
March 11, 1930 Ptl Joseph Scott #8786, 32 Pct : Auto accident on patrol
March 11, 1947 Ptl Winthrop Paris #10600 30 Pct Shot during off duty investigtn
March 11, 1959 Ptl Robert Forrest #6640 24 Pct Off duty LOD Heart attack
March 11, 1987 Det Louis Miller #1793 FTU10 Shot-Burglary in progress
March 12, 1909 Lt Joseph Petrosino, Det Div Killed in Italy during investigation
March 12, 1931 Ptl James Flanagan #1312 25 Pct Shot during off duty investigtn
March 14, 1872 Ptl Phillip Lambreck #1126 19 Pct Injuries sustnd during assault
March 14, 1967 Det John Pollins #1968 Narcotics Buy/Bust arrest
March 14, 1996 PO Kevin Gillespie, Street Crime Unit, shot during investigation
March 15, 1922 Ptl James McMail #3029 85 Pct Shot during arrest for assault
March 15, 1930 Ptl Walter DeCastillo #10115 84 Pct Shot-robbery in progress
March 15, 1934 Ptl Philip Clarius #4323 78 Pct Shot-robbery in progress
March 15, 1936 Ptl Dioniso Pasquarella #17695 75 Pct Shot-off duty altercation
March 16, 1940 Ptl Francis Dolan #14186 10 Pct Fell from auto
March 17, 1956 Ptl George Lessler 10 Pct Heart Attack
March 18, 1926 Ptl William Higgins #10611 13 Div Line of duty incident
March 18, 1948 Ptl John Casey #5114 20 Pct Line of duty incident
March 18, 1972 Ptl Elijah Stroud #4204 80 Pct Shot during Robbery
INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE WEB SITES
This site, although it�s set up as Resources for an Attorney, has some good links for People Searches, etc. Check it out! (I must admit, though, that I had some problems getting into some of the links � looks interesting anyway)
http://www.mother.com/~randy/tools.html
TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
http://www.freeality.com/findt.htm
http://primeris.com/fonefind/index.php3
World Nasa View: This site probably can�t help you solve anything, but it�s worth taking a look at anyway. (Maybe here is where you can check for the NASA satellite�s view of a Brooklyn rooftop?)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg
This site has One of the Better List of WEB Based Phone Books
http://www.the-acr.com/codes/resource.htm
SOME NYPD-DETECTIVE HISTORY Reprinted from an earlier posting, for those who missed it
The person recognized as the "Father of Detectives": is Thomas Byrnes. In 1878 he was a Captain of a local precinct when the Manhattan Savings Bank at Bleeker/Broadway was robbed. As a result of this crime, and several other notorious incidents, Thomas Byrnes was promoted to Inspector and placed in charge of a newly formed Detective Bureau. Up to that point there was merely a small group of "detectives" working out of HQ. The job of Detective was essentially the same as a patrolman, and there was no prestige in it; it was considered a secondary police function.
Byrnes shaped the Detective Bureau and detective work in general. His template for detective work is the basis for every modern police department's detectives. Byrnes believed that the way detectives should catch criminals is through intelligence - from criminals and informants - and under Byrnes intelligence gathering became an organized enterprise. He started using photographs in this process, and established the "Rogues Gallery", ensuring that suspects and those arrested were photographed.
Thursday, March 08, 2001
NEW YORK�S FIRST MURDER
A while back, Joe Herbert (my idol!) came across a book that he thought would be well appreciated by me, knowing that I am a collector of True Crime. The book, MURDER WON�T OUT, was written in 1932 by Russel Crouse, and is a great historical collection of murder cases in New York up to that time. I thank Joe publicly for his gift, and relate the following.
The first murder of which any record is to be found in the annals of New York took place in 1626. Having just begun to be settled by the Dutch in 1623, some 30 families pitched huts after Peter Minuit bought the island from the Indians. It took 3 years for violent bloodshed to be recorded. In November 1626, on a mission to sell furs to the settlers, and Indian (whose name is not known) and his nephew showed their wares to 3 Dutch farm laborers. The Indians hoped to sell the furs, but greed took over and the Indian was quickly killed with an axe and his furs were taken; his nephew escaped.
Remaining unsolved for 15 years, the nephew waited to get his revenge. In 1641, the nephew went on his own on a similar mission to sell furs. He met a Mr. CLAES SMITS, who was willing to barter some blankets for the nephews furs. The nephew instead took hold of an axe, and killed Smits in revenge for his uncle�s earlier death.
After first demanding he be turned over to them, and getting no response, the Dutch took their own action against the Indians, setting off a Dutch-Indian war on the island.
As far as I can tell, neither of these cases was closed with an arrest!
JUVENILE CRIME
The Juvenile Crime Section of the Fugitive Enforcement Division has recently sent around a flyer reminding all investigators of the services they can assist with. These include checking juvenile records, access to the Juvenile BADS system, and a soon�to� come database of available photos. They can be reached at:
Bklyn/SI Juvenile Crime Squad�.. 718-222-2382
Queens Juvenile Crime Squad �� 718-657-5452
Bronx Juvenile Crime Squad ��. 718-537-8788
Manhattan Juvenile Crime Squad . 718-442-0811
Wheel � Fugitive Division 718-217-8484
A NOTE ON CELL SITES
When reviewing a cell phone dump, keep in mind that the cell-site can be somewhat misleading. You could use a cell phone standing in the same spot and �hit� a different cell-site on subsequent calls. The cell-site is chosen when the phone �sends� the signal, and is chosen based on the activity at the cell-sites in the area. A metropolitan area like New York � that has many cell-sites to choose from � can especially make isolating a specific location that much more difficult. The more calls you have to review, the better � and the more you know about the area the better. It is something to keep in mind, but not a major obstacle. TARU can provide VALUABLE assistance when tracking cell phone usage, and attempting to locate your caller � Reach out to them and make their services available.
CELL PHONE PEN REGISTER
Thanks to the contribution of an adjoining Squad Commander, the following info is being related regarding Cell Phone Pen Registers. A Pen Register, which requires a court order- signed by a judge � can help when you have an active cell phone being used by a perp. The pen register will provide you with �real time� information on the numbers being called by that cell phone (as they are being made), the cell site being called from (see note above), as well as information on incoming calls. Incoming call information, however, is limited to telephone number and subscriber info � if a published number. (Think of it as giving you what you would get if you had a caller ID box).
The great part about setting up the pen register is that it can be done right in the squad office from a free-standing PC that is on-line. Most recently, the 79 Squad accessed a site on-line and, provided with a Password that was assigned once the Court Order was acted on by the phone carrier (TARU provided it), they were able to view the cell phone activity as the calls were being made.
Keep in mind, though, that this pen register requires a court order. That means you essentially have to spell out probable cause in the application (think DA�s Office involvement and arrest authorization). You will need to be able to show that (1) the phone is being used by your perp, (2) that he is in fact the perp, and (3) he is still using the phone.
Once again, I would urge you to contact TARU and be guided by their assistance.
MORE FROM THE ROLODEX (PalmPilot)
Con Ed Security 212-460-2444
NYC Consumer Affairs 212-487-6334
Their Special Investigations Unit can assist with licensed locations i.e. Pawnbrokers, gold dealers, etc.
DMV Inspector General�s Office 212-447-1311
Can assist in obtaining Drivers License photos and info
NYC Department of Corrections Gang Intelligence
718-546-4993/4885
Who did your perp/gang member associate with while incarcerated, etc.
THE INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE WEB SITE SECTION
SkipEase
http://www.skipease.com/index.html
SkipEase is a massive META link list providing you links to dozens and
dozens of search sites very useful for skip tracing and locating
missing persons. It's one of the best of it's kind on the net!
HUGE INVESTIGATIVE EQUIPMENT
RESOURCES AND REVIEWS!
http://www.spy-exchange.com/
Remember.... You can Contact the Minister of Investigations at
www.Ltjac77.yahoo.com
A while back, Joe Herbert (my idol!) came across a book that he thought would be well appreciated by me, knowing that I am a collector of True Crime. The book, MURDER WON�T OUT, was written in 1932 by Russel Crouse, and is a great historical collection of murder cases in New York up to that time. I thank Joe publicly for his gift, and relate the following.
The first murder of which any record is to be found in the annals of New York took place in 1626. Having just begun to be settled by the Dutch in 1623, some 30 families pitched huts after Peter Minuit bought the island from the Indians. It took 3 years for violent bloodshed to be recorded. In November 1626, on a mission to sell furs to the settlers, and Indian (whose name is not known) and his nephew showed their wares to 3 Dutch farm laborers. The Indians hoped to sell the furs, but greed took over and the Indian was quickly killed with an axe and his furs were taken; his nephew escaped.
Remaining unsolved for 15 years, the nephew waited to get his revenge. In 1641, the nephew went on his own on a similar mission to sell furs. He met a Mr. CLAES SMITS, who was willing to barter some blankets for the nephews furs. The nephew instead took hold of an axe, and killed Smits in revenge for his uncle�s earlier death.
After first demanding he be turned over to them, and getting no response, the Dutch took their own action against the Indians, setting off a Dutch-Indian war on the island.
As far as I can tell, neither of these cases was closed with an arrest!
JUVENILE CRIME
The Juvenile Crime Section of the Fugitive Enforcement Division has recently sent around a flyer reminding all investigators of the services they can assist with. These include checking juvenile records, access to the Juvenile BADS system, and a soon�to� come database of available photos. They can be reached at:
Bklyn/SI Juvenile Crime Squad�.. 718-222-2382
Queens Juvenile Crime Squad �� 718-657-5452
Bronx Juvenile Crime Squad ��. 718-537-8788
Manhattan Juvenile Crime Squad . 718-442-0811
Wheel � Fugitive Division 718-217-8484
A NOTE ON CELL SITES
When reviewing a cell phone dump, keep in mind that the cell-site can be somewhat misleading. You could use a cell phone standing in the same spot and �hit� a different cell-site on subsequent calls. The cell-site is chosen when the phone �sends� the signal, and is chosen based on the activity at the cell-sites in the area. A metropolitan area like New York � that has many cell-sites to choose from � can especially make isolating a specific location that much more difficult. The more calls you have to review, the better � and the more you know about the area the better. It is something to keep in mind, but not a major obstacle. TARU can provide VALUABLE assistance when tracking cell phone usage, and attempting to locate your caller � Reach out to them and make their services available.
CELL PHONE PEN REGISTER
Thanks to the contribution of an adjoining Squad Commander, the following info is being related regarding Cell Phone Pen Registers. A Pen Register, which requires a court order- signed by a judge � can help when you have an active cell phone being used by a perp. The pen register will provide you with �real time� information on the numbers being called by that cell phone (as they are being made), the cell site being called from (see note above), as well as information on incoming calls. Incoming call information, however, is limited to telephone number and subscriber info � if a published number. (Think of it as giving you what you would get if you had a caller ID box).
The great part about setting up the pen register is that it can be done right in the squad office from a free-standing PC that is on-line. Most recently, the 79 Squad accessed a site on-line and, provided with a Password that was assigned once the Court Order was acted on by the phone carrier (TARU provided it), they were able to view the cell phone activity as the calls were being made.
Keep in mind, though, that this pen register requires a court order. That means you essentially have to spell out probable cause in the application (think DA�s Office involvement and arrest authorization). You will need to be able to show that (1) the phone is being used by your perp, (2) that he is in fact the perp, and (3) he is still using the phone.
Once again, I would urge you to contact TARU and be guided by their assistance.
MORE FROM THE ROLODEX (PalmPilot)
Con Ed Security 212-460-2444
NYC Consumer Affairs 212-487-6334
Their Special Investigations Unit can assist with licensed locations i.e. Pawnbrokers, gold dealers, etc.
DMV Inspector General�s Office 212-447-1311
Can assist in obtaining Drivers License photos and info
NYC Department of Corrections Gang Intelligence
718-546-4993/4885
Who did your perp/gang member associate with while incarcerated, etc.
THE INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE WEB SITE SECTION
SkipEase
http://www.skipease.com/index.html
SkipEase is a massive META link list providing you links to dozens and
dozens of search sites very useful for skip tracing and locating
missing persons. It's one of the best of it's kind on the net!
HUGE INVESTIGATIVE EQUIPMENT
RESOURCES AND REVIEWS!
http://www.spy-exchange.com/
Remember.... You can Contact the Minister of Investigations at
www.Ltjac77.yahoo.com
Monday, March 05, 2001
Technical Difficulty:Due to a problem with the Web-site server, the posting of March 2 is duplicated again on March 5. Sorry for any inconvenience. Accordingly, I will extend everyones subscription to make up the difference. Keep reading!
I will post some of my earlier postings which may not have been read by all of our new site-viewers.
SPRING 3100
What exactly is SPRING 3100? In March of 1930, the first issue of SPRING 3100 was published. It was established as a monthly magazine for the benefit and entertainment of all members of the department and their families. In a contest to name the new magazine over 200 entries were submitted, and twelve of them were for SPRING 3100. The name was the telephone number used by the public to call police headquarters. The magazine was published for 41 years until May 1971 when it ceased publication for fiscal reasons. After several years it returned as the premier law enforcement department�s magazine.
I READ IT IN SPRING 3100
April 1965: The Department was beginning a campaign to urge the public to use a newly established emergency telephone number: 440-1234 � to report emergencies. This number was the originator of the 911 concept.
Johnny Cordes � Famous Detective
Johnny Cordes (COR�-deez) is, according to NYPD by Lardner and Repetto, the only NYC Police Officer to be awarded 2 Medal of Honor�s. (This may not be entirely accurate, as Patrick Townsend, formerly of the Transit PD and now NYPD, also was awarded 2 Medal of Honors as a Transit Police Officer). Anyway, Cordes was awarded his first Medal of Honor in March 1923, when he walked into a cigar store on Lexington Ave and 69th St to pick up a pack of Optimo Blunts. His brother was outside in a car, and Cordes walked into a stickup. Cordes was unarmed, as he never carried his gun off-duty. After being shot, he was able to wrestle the gun away from one of the bad guys and chase the perps into a back room. He then staggered outside, calling out to his brother, when he was fired on and struck by a passing off-duty sergeant who mistook Cordes for one of the stickup men. Despite his multiple gunshot wounds he was able to successfully apprehend both the stickup yeggs. He continued his practice of leaving his gun in his locker long after this incident
I will post some of my earlier postings which may not have been read by all of our new site-viewers.
SPRING 3100
What exactly is SPRING 3100? In March of 1930, the first issue of SPRING 3100 was published. It was established as a monthly magazine for the benefit and entertainment of all members of the department and their families. In a contest to name the new magazine over 200 entries were submitted, and twelve of them were for SPRING 3100. The name was the telephone number used by the public to call police headquarters. The magazine was published for 41 years until May 1971 when it ceased publication for fiscal reasons. After several years it returned as the premier law enforcement department�s magazine.
I READ IT IN SPRING 3100
April 1965: The Department was beginning a campaign to urge the public to use a newly established emergency telephone number: 440-1234 � to report emergencies. This number was the originator of the 911 concept.
Johnny Cordes � Famous Detective
Johnny Cordes (COR�-deez) is, according to NYPD by Lardner and Repetto, the only NYC Police Officer to be awarded 2 Medal of Honor�s. (This may not be entirely accurate, as Patrick Townsend, formerly of the Transit PD and now NYPD, also was awarded 2 Medal of Honors as a Transit Police Officer). Anyway, Cordes was awarded his first Medal of Honor in March 1923, when he walked into a cigar store on Lexington Ave and 69th St to pick up a pack of Optimo Blunts. His brother was outside in a car, and Cordes walked into a stickup. Cordes was unarmed, as he never carried his gun off-duty. After being shot, he was able to wrestle the gun away from one of the bad guys and chase the perps into a back room. He then staggered outside, calling out to his brother, when he was fired on and struck by a passing off-duty sergeant who mistook Cordes for one of the stickup men. Despite his multiple gunshot wounds he was able to successfully apprehend both the stickup yeggs. He continued his practice of leaving his gun in his locker long after this incident
�DETECTIVE FIRST�
What is �Detective First�? It is an idea I had a little over a year ago for a database of investigative ideas, hints, tips, etc. What happens when the 30-year detective retires, and takes all those years of experience with him/her? There is no database of tips, etc. for detectives to replace the retiring sleuth. I set up a program using Microsoft ACCESS, and have been playing around with the idea since. I titled it �Detective First�, as in the Detective First Grade who has all the ideas and tips that you go to in the squad room. As I print these investigative ideas on this site I will categorize them under the heading �Detective First�, and continue to hammer out the database idea.
Metro Card Tracking and the Transit Bureau Special Investigations Unit:
More From the Rolodex-PalmPilot
Most everyone should be aware that MetroCards can be tracked for usage on the Transit System. Each card is numbered, and every �swipe� of a MetroCard is recorded by the TA. This can be a very valuable investigative tool in tracking a fugitive or in a follow-up of an individuals alibi, etc. It�s been used in the past on an alleged kidnapping report, where we were able to indicate to the �victim� every usage he made on the subway during his �reported� kidnapping over a 3 day period.
You should also keep in mind that recent purchases of MetroCards through a vending machine by a stolen credit card can also be tracked. If you have a theft of a credit card, and your inquiry with the card company reveals that it was used to purchase a MetroCard, you can track the usage of this card in an effort to apprehend who is swiping it.
Many investigative usages can be seen through the MetroCard tracking. How exactly do you get this information?
The Transit Bureau has a Special Investigations Unit, staffed with experienced detectives, who can assist in obtaining this information. Sgt. Jack Cassidy and his staff have all worked as detective-investigators, many of them in the previous Transit Major Case Squad, and have a keen investigators outlook when assisting you. When you call there for help, you�ll be dealing with a detective who not only knows how to maneuver around the TA, but can assist with an investigators point of view. They can also be invaluable assistance in tracking down (no pun intended) TA workers, their work schedule and locations, contact info, etc. They can be reached at:
Transit Special Investigations Unit: (718) 243-3840
370 Jay St, Rm. 542G
GREAT BIG �ATTA-BOY� GOES OUT TO
The 79 Squad for two recent, back-to-back, high profile success stories.
After a lot of hard work, an arrest was made by 79 Squad Detective�s Patrick Valentino and Frank Gutierrez in the arson-death of a 13 year old girl by the landlord. A lot of real hard, old fashioned detective work went into making this case viable. A trip to the Dominican Republic included, it resulted in an IBNA (indictment but not arrested) warrant being issued by the DA�s Office (and we know what�s required to get that!). When the perp, a D.R. doctor, attempted to re-enter the country through Miami to visit his mother, he was grabbed by some Customs Service agents alerted by the �hold� that the 79 Squad put in the Customs database for just such occurrence. Great job by all!
(The Minister would like to take partial credit for Valentino�s �upbringing� in the former Transit CROB Squad). But seriously, it was great work � and persistence � what Brooklyn North Detectives are noted for � that produced this arrest. Kudos� to the detectives and the supervisors in the 79 Squad who worked so hard on this case.
Any lessons to learn? Mother always remains dear to heart. Find the mother. And find the baby�s mother. Two lessons when tracking the fugitive.
The second case involving the 79 Squad was the alert actions of Det. Mike Danchuk, while off duty, that resulted in an arrest and seizure of an arsenal of weapons and Nazi souvenirs. Described by the P.C. as �an extremely dangerous and sick man�, Danchuk encountered the individual while he was jogging in Gateway Park. The individual was shooting target practice, with a picture of his mother-in-law as a target pinned to a tree (you can�t make this stuff up!). Although unarmed, Danchuk confronted the gunman, then followed him as he called 911 for assistance. The arrest resulted in a seizure of over 20 guns, some assault rifles, a lot of ammo, and photos of the perp � and his 6 month old child � dressed in Nazi uniforms holding guns!
Great work, Mike, on this arrest! (And perhaps taking a lesson from Detective Johnny Cordes, as noted in past postings?)
FROM THE HUMIDOR
The latest issue of Cigar Aficionado (with the Soprano�s cast on the cover), lists the highest rating for several size cigars. I�m recapping them here in priority order for your convenience. (Only noting those that can be purchased in THIS country).
Churchills: CAO L�Anniversaire Exrtreme $7.70 / cigar
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Lancelot $5.60
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Galahad $5.20
BAUZA Casa Grande $5.60
HOYO De Monterrrrrrrey Seleccion Royale Reina $5.75
Coronas: CAO L�Anniversaire 1968-1998 Corona $6.60
FELIPE GREGORIO Sereno $6.80
HAVANA Republic Grand Havana Royal $5.00
INDIAN Tabac Deluxe Corona Tubeo $5.00
MACANUDO Robust Hampton Court $4.95
Double Coronas: PADRON Execvutive $5.00
ASHTON Virgin Sungrown Spellbound $12.00
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Royal Salute $5.75
INDIAN Tabac Super Fuerte Double Corona$7.20
MARIA MANCINI Clemenceau $2.50
Robustos: DAVIDOFF Special R $12.10
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Merlin$4.75
LA FLOR Dominicana 2000, Cabinet #5 $4.95
Vegas De FONSECA Sobrino $4.25
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Fuente $3.35
(The Minister still prefers the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur No. 1, and the La Gloria Cubana Churchills and Double Corona�s, in case anyone cares). But I must say, the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur 1066�s that the Under-Minister�s provided were exceptional, and may take over in preference real soon!
REMEMBER�. You can contact the Minister of Investigations at:
LTJAC77@yahoo.com
Please feel free to contact me either via phone in the 77 Sqd or via e-mail with any suggestions, investigative tips, investigators web sites, etc. that you think would be helpful to others. A submission by Tom Joyce regarding cell phone tracking will appear in the next posting. Let�s face it, I could use all the help I can get!
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Lt Joyce, the 79 Squad Commander, has been sporting a black fedora (feather included), and been getting a lot of recognition for it. Wondering if this will start a trend that sees the fedora returning to its rightful place on the heads of crime sleuths once again. Watch out for this phenomena! As yet, though, the addition of a �Squad Store� to this site to enable you to by the replica �Tommy Joyce Fedora� is still under construction.
LT. JOE PETROSINO
The UFTI (UnderMinister for Theft Investigations) Mark Pouria was correct when he e-mailed me with the answer to the question : �Who was the only NYPD officer to be killed in the line of duty on foreign soil�. The answer, of course, is Lt. Giuseppe �Joe� Petrosino.
Petrosino was born in Italy in 1860, and came to New York when he was 13 years old. Although he was just 5�3� � 4 inches below the required height � he was appointed to the force by �Clubber� Williams (a subject of a future posting) after Williams worked with him during a stint in the Sanitation Department. He was first assigned to the Lower East Side precinct, and was made a detective in 1890, principally to investigate crimes involving Italians. He was known to dress in a dark suit, a Prince Albert coat, and a high black derby (not a fedora), but was also a master of disguise. Teddy Roosevelt appointed him a Detective Sergeant in 1895, and shortly after was tasked with investigating and identifying Italian anarchists in New York. He was made a Detective Lieutenant in 1906 when the �Italian Squad� was expanded to 25 people and was renamed the �Italian Legion�. In February 1909, Petrosino was sent to Italy to review Italian criminal records to help identify any immigrants in New York who were there illegally and engaged in criminal activity. With a list of over 2,000 names to check on in Italy, he left in what was intended to be a secret mission, but which was announced in the New York Herald prior to his arrival in Italy! Although offered a bodyguard, he refused, and began his intended work. On March 12, 1909, after spending several weeks talking with informants and checking criminal records, he was shot to death while waiting for a trolley in Palermo. Although first believed to have committed by 2 hired-guns, the crime remained unsolved until many years later when the mafia leader Don Vito Cascio Ferro, imprisoned in Italy, confessed to the crime. Don Vito confessed stating �Petrosino was an honorable man, and he deserved to be killed by an honorable man, not a mere hireling�.
FRENZY--Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo
FRENZY -Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo will be held from May 14-17, 2001 in
Washington, D.C. FRENZY--focuses on the critical link
between forensic and investigative professionals. The May
Conference and Exposition is a showcase for government,
legal, scientific, corporate, insurance, and industrial
professionals who use forensic science, investigative, and
crime scene technology. For further information on the
FRENZY Conference and Expo, please visit the NCJRS Calendar
of Events at http://eventcalendar.ncjrs.org/.
What is �Detective First�? It is an idea I had a little over a year ago for a database of investigative ideas, hints, tips, etc. What happens when the 30-year detective retires, and takes all those years of experience with him/her? There is no database of tips, etc. for detectives to replace the retiring sleuth. I set up a program using Microsoft ACCESS, and have been playing around with the idea since. I titled it �Detective First�, as in the Detective First Grade who has all the ideas and tips that you go to in the squad room. As I print these investigative ideas on this site I will categorize them under the heading �Detective First�, and continue to hammer out the database idea.
Metro Card Tracking and the Transit Bureau Special Investigations Unit:
More From the Rolodex-PalmPilot
Most everyone should be aware that MetroCards can be tracked for usage on the Transit System. Each card is numbered, and every �swipe� of a MetroCard is recorded by the TA. This can be a very valuable investigative tool in tracking a fugitive or in a follow-up of an individuals alibi, etc. It�s been used in the past on an alleged kidnapping report, where we were able to indicate to the �victim� every usage he made on the subway during his �reported� kidnapping over a 3 day period.
You should also keep in mind that recent purchases of MetroCards through a vending machine by a stolen credit card can also be tracked. If you have a theft of a credit card, and your inquiry with the card company reveals that it was used to purchase a MetroCard, you can track the usage of this card in an effort to apprehend who is swiping it.
Many investigative usages can be seen through the MetroCard tracking. How exactly do you get this information?
The Transit Bureau has a Special Investigations Unit, staffed with experienced detectives, who can assist in obtaining this information. Sgt. Jack Cassidy and his staff have all worked as detective-investigators, many of them in the previous Transit Major Case Squad, and have a keen investigators outlook when assisting you. When you call there for help, you�ll be dealing with a detective who not only knows how to maneuver around the TA, but can assist with an investigators point of view. They can also be invaluable assistance in tracking down (no pun intended) TA workers, their work schedule and locations, contact info, etc. They can be reached at:
Transit Special Investigations Unit: (718) 243-3840
370 Jay St, Rm. 542G
GREAT BIG �ATTA-BOY� GOES OUT TO
The 79 Squad for two recent, back-to-back, high profile success stories.
After a lot of hard work, an arrest was made by 79 Squad Detective�s Patrick Valentino and Frank Gutierrez in the arson-death of a 13 year old girl by the landlord. A lot of real hard, old fashioned detective work went into making this case viable. A trip to the Dominican Republic included, it resulted in an IBNA (indictment but not arrested) warrant being issued by the DA�s Office (and we know what�s required to get that!). When the perp, a D.R. doctor, attempted to re-enter the country through Miami to visit his mother, he was grabbed by some Customs Service agents alerted by the �hold� that the 79 Squad put in the Customs database for just such occurrence. Great job by all!
(The Minister would like to take partial credit for Valentino�s �upbringing� in the former Transit CROB Squad). But seriously, it was great work � and persistence � what Brooklyn North Detectives are noted for � that produced this arrest. Kudos� to the detectives and the supervisors in the 79 Squad who worked so hard on this case.
Any lessons to learn? Mother always remains dear to heart. Find the mother. And find the baby�s mother. Two lessons when tracking the fugitive.
The second case involving the 79 Squad was the alert actions of Det. Mike Danchuk, while off duty, that resulted in an arrest and seizure of an arsenal of weapons and Nazi souvenirs. Described by the P.C. as �an extremely dangerous and sick man�, Danchuk encountered the individual while he was jogging in Gateway Park. The individual was shooting target practice, with a picture of his mother-in-law as a target pinned to a tree (you can�t make this stuff up!). Although unarmed, Danchuk confronted the gunman, then followed him as he called 911 for assistance. The arrest resulted in a seizure of over 20 guns, some assault rifles, a lot of ammo, and photos of the perp � and his 6 month old child � dressed in Nazi uniforms holding guns!
Great work, Mike, on this arrest! (And perhaps taking a lesson from Detective Johnny Cordes, as noted in past postings?)
FROM THE HUMIDOR
The latest issue of Cigar Aficionado (with the Soprano�s cast on the cover), lists the highest rating for several size cigars. I�m recapping them here in priority order for your convenience. (Only noting those that can be purchased in THIS country).
Churchills: CAO L�Anniversaire Exrtreme $7.70 / cigar
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Lancelot $5.60
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Galahad $5.20
BAUZA Casa Grande $5.60
HOYO De Monterrrrrrrey Seleccion Royale Reina $5.75
Coronas: CAO L�Anniversaire 1968-1998 Corona $6.60
FELIPE GREGORIO Sereno $6.80
HAVANA Republic Grand Havana Royal $5.00
INDIAN Tabac Deluxe Corona Tubeo $5.00
MACANUDO Robust Hampton Court $4.95
Double Coronas: PADRON Execvutive $5.00
ASHTON Virgin Sungrown Spellbound $12.00
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Royal Salute $5.75
INDIAN Tabac Super Fuerte Double Corona$7.20
MARIA MANCINI Clemenceau $2.50
Robustos: DAVIDOFF Special R $12.10
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Merlin$4.75
LA FLOR Dominicana 2000, Cabinet #5 $4.95
Vegas De FONSECA Sobrino $4.25
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Fuente $3.35
(The Minister still prefers the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur No. 1, and the La Gloria Cubana Churchills and Double Corona�s, in case anyone cares). But I must say, the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur 1066�s that the Under-Minister�s provided were exceptional, and may take over in preference real soon!
REMEMBER�. You can contact the Minister of Investigations at:
LTJAC77@yahoo.com
Please feel free to contact me either via phone in the 77 Sqd or via e-mail with any suggestions, investigative tips, investigators web sites, etc. that you think would be helpful to others. A submission by Tom Joyce regarding cell phone tracking will appear in the next posting. Let�s face it, I could use all the help I can get!
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Lt Joyce, the 79 Squad Commander, has been sporting a black fedora (feather included), and been getting a lot of recognition for it. Wondering if this will start a trend that sees the fedora returning to its rightful place on the heads of crime sleuths once again. Watch out for this phenomena! As yet, though, the addition of a �Squad Store� to this site to enable you to by the replica �Tommy Joyce Fedora� is still under construction.
LT. JOE PETROSINO
The UFTI (UnderMinister for Theft Investigations) Mark Pouria was correct when he e-mailed me with the answer to the question : �Who was the only NYPD officer to be killed in the line of duty on foreign soil�. The answer, of course, is Lt. Giuseppe �Joe� Petrosino.
Petrosino was born in Italy in 1860, and came to New York when he was 13 years old. Although he was just 5�3� � 4 inches below the required height � he was appointed to the force by �Clubber� Williams (a subject of a future posting) after Williams worked with him during a stint in the Sanitation Department. He was first assigned to the Lower East Side precinct, and was made a detective in 1890, principally to investigate crimes involving Italians. He was known to dress in a dark suit, a Prince Albert coat, and a high black derby (not a fedora), but was also a master of disguise. Teddy Roosevelt appointed him a Detective Sergeant in 1895, and shortly after was tasked with investigating and identifying Italian anarchists in New York. He was made a Detective Lieutenant in 1906 when the �Italian Squad� was expanded to 25 people and was renamed the �Italian Legion�. In February 1909, Petrosino was sent to Italy to review Italian criminal records to help identify any immigrants in New York who were there illegally and engaged in criminal activity. With a list of over 2,000 names to check on in Italy, he left in what was intended to be a secret mission, but which was announced in the New York Herald prior to his arrival in Italy! Although offered a bodyguard, he refused, and began his intended work. On March 12, 1909, after spending several weeks talking with informants and checking criminal records, he was shot to death while waiting for a trolley in Palermo. Although first believed to have committed by 2 hired-guns, the crime remained unsolved until many years later when the mafia leader Don Vito Cascio Ferro, imprisoned in Italy, confessed to the crime. Don Vito confessed stating �Petrosino was an honorable man, and he deserved to be killed by an honorable man, not a mere hireling�.
FRENZY--Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo
FRENZY -Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo will be held from May 14-17, 2001 in
Washington, D.C. FRENZY--focuses on the critical link
between forensic and investigative professionals. The May
Conference and Exposition is a showcase for government,
legal, scientific, corporate, insurance, and industrial
professionals who use forensic science, investigative, and
crime scene technology. For further information on the
FRENZY Conference and Expo, please visit the NCJRS Calendar
of Events at http://eventcalendar.ncjrs.org/.
Friday, March 02, 2001
�DETECTIVE FIRST�
What is �Detective First�? It is an idea I had a little over a year ago for a database of investigative ideas, hints, tips, etc. What happens when the 30-year detective retires, and takes all those years of experience with him/her? There is no database of tips, etc. for detectives to replace the retiring sleuth. I set up a program using Microsoft ACCESS, and have been playing around with the idea since. I titled it �Detective First�, as in the Detective First Grade who has all the ideas and tips that you go to in the squad room. As I print these investigative ideas on this site I will categorize them under the heading �Detective First�, and continue to hammer out the database idea.
Metro Card Tracking and the Transit Bureau Special Investigations Unit:
Most everyone should be aware that MetroCards can be tracked for usage on the Transit System. Each card is numbered, and every �swipe� of a MetroCard is recorded by the TA. This can be a very valuable investigative tool in tracking a fugitive or in a follow-up of an individuals alibi, etc. It�s been used in the past on an alleged kidnapping report, where we were able to indicate to the �victim� every usage he made on the subway during his �reported� kidnapping over a 3 day period.
You should also keep in mind that recent purchases of MetroCards through a vending machine by a stolen credit card can also be tracked. If you have a theft of a credit card, and your inquiry with the card company reveals that it was used to purchase a MetroCard, you can track the usage of this card in an effort to apprehend who is swiping it.
Many investigative usages can be seen through the MetroCard tracking. How exactly do you get this information?
The Transit Bureau has a Special Investigations Unit, staffed with experienced detectives, who can assist in obtaining this information. Sgt. Jack Cassidy and his staff have all worked as detective-investigators, many of them in the previous Transit Major Case Squad, and have a keen investigators outlook when assisting you. When you call there for help, you�ll be dealing with a detective who not only knows how to maneuver around the TA, but can assist with an investigators point of view. They can also be invaluable assistance in tracking down (no pun intended) TA workers, their work schedule and locations, contact info, etc. They can be reached at:
Transit Special Investigations Unit: (718) 243-3840
370 Jay St, Rm. 542G
GREAT BIG �ATTA-BOY� GOES OUT TO
The 79 Squad for two recent, back-to-back, high profile success stories.
After a lot of hard work, an arrest was made by 79 Squad Detective�s Patrick Valentino and Frank Gutierrez in the arson-death of a 13 year old girl by the landlord. A lot of real hard, old fashioned detective work went into making this case viable. A trip to the Dominican Republic included, it resulted in an IBNA (indictment but not arrested) warrant being issued by the DA�s Office (and we know what�s required to get that!). When the perp, a D.R. doctor, attempted to re-enter the country through Miami to visit his mother, he was grabbed by some Customs Service agents alerted by the �hold� that the 79 Squad put in the Customs database for just such occurrence. Great job by all!
(The Minister would like to take partial credit for Valentino�s �upbringing� in the former Transit CROB Squad). But seriously, it was great work � and persistence � what Brooklyn North Detectives are noted for � that produced this arrest. Kudos� to the detectives and the supervisors in the 79 Squad who worked so hard on this case.
Any lessons to learn? Mother always remains dear to heart. Find the mother. And find the baby�s mother. Two lessons when tracking the fugitive.
The second case involving the 79 Squad was the alert actions of Det. Mike Danchuk, while off duty, that resulted in an arrest and seizure of an arsenal of weapons and Nazi souvenirs. Described by the P.C. as �an extremely dangerous and sick man�, Danchuk encountered the individual while he was jogging in Gateway Park. The individual was shooting target practice, with a picture of his mother-in-law as a target pinned to a tree (you can�t make this stuff up!). Although unarmed, Danchuk confronted the gunman, then followed him as he called 911 for assistance. The arrest resulted in a seizure of over 20 guns, some assault rifles, a lot of ammo, and photos of the perp � and his 6 month old child � dressed in Nazi uniforms holding guns!
Great work, Mike, on this arrest! (And perhaps taking a lesson from Detective Johnny Cordes, as noted in past postings?)
FROM THE HUMIDOR
The latest issue of Cigar Aficionado (with the Soprano�s cast on the cover), lists the highest rating for several size cigars. I�m recapping them here in priority order for your convenience. (Only noting those that can be purchased in THIS country).
Churchills: CAO L�Anniversaire Exrtreme $7.70 / cigar
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Lancelot $5.60
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Galahad $5.20
BAUZA Casa Grande $5.60
HOYO De Monterrrrrrrey Seleccion Royale Reina $5.75
Coronas: CAO L�Anniversaire 1968-1998 Corona $6.60
FELIPE GREGORIO Sereno $6.80
HAVANA Republic Grand Havana Royal $5.00
INDIAN Tabac Deluxe Corona Tubeo $5.00
MACANUDO Robust Hampton Court $4.95
Double Coronas: PADRON Execvutive $5.00
ASHTON Virgin Sungrown Spellbound $12.00
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Royal Salute $5.75
INDIAN Tabac Super Fuerte Double Corona$7.20
MARIA MANCINI Clemenceau $2.50
Robustos: DAVIDOFF Special R $12.10
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Merlin$4.75
LA FLOR Dominicana 2000, Cabinet #5 $4.95
Vegas De FONSECA Sobrino $4.25
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Fuente $3.35
(The Minister still prefers the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur No. 1, and the La Gloria Cubana Churchills and Double Corona�s, in case anyone cares). But I must say, the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur 1066�s that the Under-Minister�s provided were exceptional, and may take over in preference real soon!
REMEMBER�. You can contact the Minister of Investigations at:
LTJAC77@yahoo.com
Please feel free to contact me either via phone in the 77 Sqd or via e-mail with any suggestions, investigative tips, investigators web sites, etc. that you think would be helpful to others. A submission by Tom Joyce regarding cell phone tracking will appear in the next posting. Let�s face it, I could use all the help I can get!
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Lt Tom Joyce, the 79 Squad Commander, has been sporting a black fedora (feather included), and been getting a lot of recognition for it. Wondering if this will start a trend that sees the fedora returning to its rightful place on the heads of crime sleuths once again. Watch out for this phenomena! As yet, though, the addition of a �Squad Store� to this site to enable you to by the replica �Tommy Joyce Fedora� is still under construction.
LT. JOE PETROSINO
The UFPTI (UnderMinister for Personal Theft Investigations) Mark Pouria was correct when he e-mailed me with the answer to the question : �Who was the only NYPD officer to be killed in the line of duty on foreign soil�. The answer, of course, is Lt. Giuseppe �Joe� Petrosino.
Petrosino was born in Italy in 1860, and came to New York when he was 13 years old. Although he was just 5�3� � 4 inches below the required height � he was appointed to the force by �Clubber� Williams (a subject of a future posting) after Williams worked with him during a stint in the Sanitation Department. He was first assigned to the Lower East Side precinct, and was made a detective in 1890, principally to investigate crimes involving Italians. He was known to dress in a dark suit, a Prince Albert coat, and a high black derby (not a fedora), but was also a master of disguise. Teddy Roosevelt appointed him a Detective Sergeant in 1895, and shortly after was tasked with investigating and identifying Italian anarchists in New York. He was made a Detective Lieutenant in 1906 when the �Italian Squad� was expanded to 25 people and was renamed the �Italian Legion�. In February 1909, Petrosino was sent to Italy to review Italian criminal records to help identify any immigrants in New York who were there illegally and engaged in criminal activity. With a list of over 2,000 names to check on in Italy, he left in what was intended to be a secret mission, but which was announced in the New York Herald prior to his arrival in Italy! Although offered a bodyguard, he refused, and began his intended work. On March 12, 1909, after spending several weeks talking with informants and checking criminal records, he was shot to death while waiting for a trolley in Palermo. Although first believed to have committed by 2 hired-guns, the crime remained unsolved until many years later when the mafia leader Don Vito Cascio Ferro, imprisoned in Italy, confessed to the crime. Don Vito confessed stating �Petrosino was an honorable man, and he deserved to be killed by an honorable man, not a mere hireling�.
OF INTEREST
FRENZY--Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo
FRENZY -Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo will be held from May 14-17, 2001 in
Washington, D.C. FRENZY--focuses on the critical link
between forensic and investigative professionals. The May
Conference and Exposition is a showcase for government,
legal, scientific, corporate, insurance, and industrial
professionals who use forensic science, investigative, and
crime scene technology. For further information on the
FRENZY Conference and Expo, please visit the NCJRS Calendar
of Events at http://eventcalendar.ncjrs.org/.
Be Safe, and Remember: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
What is �Detective First�? It is an idea I had a little over a year ago for a database of investigative ideas, hints, tips, etc. What happens when the 30-year detective retires, and takes all those years of experience with him/her? There is no database of tips, etc. for detectives to replace the retiring sleuth. I set up a program using Microsoft ACCESS, and have been playing around with the idea since. I titled it �Detective First�, as in the Detective First Grade who has all the ideas and tips that you go to in the squad room. As I print these investigative ideas on this site I will categorize them under the heading �Detective First�, and continue to hammer out the database idea.
Metro Card Tracking and the Transit Bureau Special Investigations Unit:
Most everyone should be aware that MetroCards can be tracked for usage on the Transit System. Each card is numbered, and every �swipe� of a MetroCard is recorded by the TA. This can be a very valuable investigative tool in tracking a fugitive or in a follow-up of an individuals alibi, etc. It�s been used in the past on an alleged kidnapping report, where we were able to indicate to the �victim� every usage he made on the subway during his �reported� kidnapping over a 3 day period.
You should also keep in mind that recent purchases of MetroCards through a vending machine by a stolen credit card can also be tracked. If you have a theft of a credit card, and your inquiry with the card company reveals that it was used to purchase a MetroCard, you can track the usage of this card in an effort to apprehend who is swiping it.
Many investigative usages can be seen through the MetroCard tracking. How exactly do you get this information?
The Transit Bureau has a Special Investigations Unit, staffed with experienced detectives, who can assist in obtaining this information. Sgt. Jack Cassidy and his staff have all worked as detective-investigators, many of them in the previous Transit Major Case Squad, and have a keen investigators outlook when assisting you. When you call there for help, you�ll be dealing with a detective who not only knows how to maneuver around the TA, but can assist with an investigators point of view. They can also be invaluable assistance in tracking down (no pun intended) TA workers, their work schedule and locations, contact info, etc. They can be reached at:
Transit Special Investigations Unit: (718) 243-3840
370 Jay St, Rm. 542G
GREAT BIG �ATTA-BOY� GOES OUT TO
The 79 Squad for two recent, back-to-back, high profile success stories.
After a lot of hard work, an arrest was made by 79 Squad Detective�s Patrick Valentino and Frank Gutierrez in the arson-death of a 13 year old girl by the landlord. A lot of real hard, old fashioned detective work went into making this case viable. A trip to the Dominican Republic included, it resulted in an IBNA (indictment but not arrested) warrant being issued by the DA�s Office (and we know what�s required to get that!). When the perp, a D.R. doctor, attempted to re-enter the country through Miami to visit his mother, he was grabbed by some Customs Service agents alerted by the �hold� that the 79 Squad put in the Customs database for just such occurrence. Great job by all!
(The Minister would like to take partial credit for Valentino�s �upbringing� in the former Transit CROB Squad). But seriously, it was great work � and persistence � what Brooklyn North Detectives are noted for � that produced this arrest. Kudos� to the detectives and the supervisors in the 79 Squad who worked so hard on this case.
Any lessons to learn? Mother always remains dear to heart. Find the mother. And find the baby�s mother. Two lessons when tracking the fugitive.
The second case involving the 79 Squad was the alert actions of Det. Mike Danchuk, while off duty, that resulted in an arrest and seizure of an arsenal of weapons and Nazi souvenirs. Described by the P.C. as �an extremely dangerous and sick man�, Danchuk encountered the individual while he was jogging in Gateway Park. The individual was shooting target practice, with a picture of his mother-in-law as a target pinned to a tree (you can�t make this stuff up!). Although unarmed, Danchuk confronted the gunman, then followed him as he called 911 for assistance. The arrest resulted in a seizure of over 20 guns, some assault rifles, a lot of ammo, and photos of the perp � and his 6 month old child � dressed in Nazi uniforms holding guns!
Great work, Mike, on this arrest! (And perhaps taking a lesson from Detective Johnny Cordes, as noted in past postings?)
FROM THE HUMIDOR
The latest issue of Cigar Aficionado (with the Soprano�s cast on the cover), lists the highest rating for several size cigars. I�m recapping them here in priority order for your convenience. (Only noting those that can be purchased in THIS country).
Churchills: CAO L�Anniversaire Exrtreme $7.70 / cigar
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Lancelot $5.60
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Galahad $5.20
BAUZA Casa Grande $5.60
HOYO De Monterrrrrrrey Seleccion Royale Reina $5.75
Coronas: CAO L�Anniversaire 1968-1998 Corona $6.60
FELIPE GREGORIO Sereno $6.80
HAVANA Republic Grand Havana Royal $5.00
INDIAN Tabac Deluxe Corona Tubeo $5.00
MACANUDO Robust Hampton Court $4.95
Double Coronas: PADRON Execvutive $5.00
ASHTON Virgin Sungrown Spellbound $12.00
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Royal Salute $5.75
INDIAN Tabac Super Fuerte Double Corona$7.20
MARIA MANCINI Clemenceau $2.50
Robustos: DAVIDOFF Special R $12.10
HOYO De Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Merlin$4.75
LA FLOR Dominicana 2000, Cabinet #5 $4.95
Vegas De FONSECA Sobrino $4.25
ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Fuente $3.35
(The Minister still prefers the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur No. 1, and the La Gloria Cubana Churchills and Double Corona�s, in case anyone cares). But I must say, the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur 1066�s that the Under-Minister�s provided were exceptional, and may take over in preference real soon!
REMEMBER�. You can contact the Minister of Investigations at:
LTJAC77@yahoo.com
Please feel free to contact me either via phone in the 77 Sqd or via e-mail with any suggestions, investigative tips, investigators web sites, etc. that you think would be helpful to others. A submission by Tom Joyce regarding cell phone tracking will appear in the next posting. Let�s face it, I could use all the help I can get!
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Lt Tom Joyce, the 79 Squad Commander, has been sporting a black fedora (feather included), and been getting a lot of recognition for it. Wondering if this will start a trend that sees the fedora returning to its rightful place on the heads of crime sleuths once again. Watch out for this phenomena! As yet, though, the addition of a �Squad Store� to this site to enable you to by the replica �Tommy Joyce Fedora� is still under construction.
LT. JOE PETROSINO
The UFPTI (UnderMinister for Personal Theft Investigations) Mark Pouria was correct when he e-mailed me with the answer to the question : �Who was the only NYPD officer to be killed in the line of duty on foreign soil�. The answer, of course, is Lt. Giuseppe �Joe� Petrosino.
Petrosino was born in Italy in 1860, and came to New York when he was 13 years old. Although he was just 5�3� � 4 inches below the required height � he was appointed to the force by �Clubber� Williams (a subject of a future posting) after Williams worked with him during a stint in the Sanitation Department. He was first assigned to the Lower East Side precinct, and was made a detective in 1890, principally to investigate crimes involving Italians. He was known to dress in a dark suit, a Prince Albert coat, and a high black derby (not a fedora), but was also a master of disguise. Teddy Roosevelt appointed him a Detective Sergeant in 1895, and shortly after was tasked with investigating and identifying Italian anarchists in New York. He was made a Detective Lieutenant in 1906 when the �Italian Squad� was expanded to 25 people and was renamed the �Italian Legion�. In February 1909, Petrosino was sent to Italy to review Italian criminal records to help identify any immigrants in New York who were there illegally and engaged in criminal activity. With a list of over 2,000 names to check on in Italy, he left in what was intended to be a secret mission, but which was announced in the New York Herald prior to his arrival in Italy! Although offered a bodyguard, he refused, and began his intended work. On March 12, 1909, after spending several weeks talking with informants and checking criminal records, he was shot to death while waiting for a trolley in Palermo. Although first believed to have committed by 2 hired-guns, the crime remained unsolved until many years later when the mafia leader Don Vito Cascio Ferro, imprisoned in Italy, confessed to the crime. Don Vito confessed stating �Petrosino was an honorable man, and he deserved to be killed by an honorable man, not a mere hireling�.
OF INTEREST
FRENZY--Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo
FRENZY -Forensic Science and Crime Scene Technology,
Conference and Expo will be held from May 14-17, 2001 in
Washington, D.C. FRENZY--focuses on the critical link
between forensic and investigative professionals. The May
Conference and Exposition is a showcase for government,
legal, scientific, corporate, insurance, and industrial
professionals who use forensic science, investigative, and
crime scene technology. For further information on the
FRENZY Conference and Expo, please visit the NCJRS Calendar
of Events at http://eventcalendar.ncjrs.org/.
Be Safe, and Remember: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
