Thursday, June 21, 2001

HAWAII FIVE-0

�Book him, Dan-O. Murder One�.

Hawaii Five-O was the longest continuous-running police series in television history, airing from September 1968 to April 1980. With few exceptions, it was filmed entirely on location in Hawaii.

It was noted for it�s wonderful title theme (regarded by one critic as "the greatest TV theme of all time") and was further enhanced by the use of many local Island residents in guest roles.

Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett, head of an elite four-man state police unit investigating "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, felonies of every type." Exactly what was McGarrett�s rank on this series? Conflicting information has him as either a Chief or a Detective. (If you can provide any insight to this, please drop an e-mail to the Minister). His second in command was played by James MacArthur as Danny ("Danno") Williams. McGarrett�s direction to Dan-O, usually provided at the end of the show to �Book him, Dann-O � Murder One� has been replayed thousands of times every day in real life law enforcement roles. McGarrett's nemesis, the evil Wo Fat � "a Red Chinese agent in charge of the entire Pacific Asiatic theatre" was often the subject of the weekly plot. In New York, we have the Mob, Chicago has the Outfit, and Hawaii has Wo Fat!. (I believe New York does as well; it�s a small place on Bayard Street, great Peking Duck).

McGarrett�s organization, Five-O, is a purely fictional command. In fact, there is no state police agency performing similar duties. It was the allure of the pacific islands that cast this series. Although there are numerous collectors items available that display the �Five-O� logo, there is no real agency like that.

Where did the title name originate from? Hawaii is the fiftieth state in the union (of course you knew that), so the creators became real creative and developed the name �Five-O�. The original title for the series was �The Man�.

Perhaps the most photographed television car in existence is the 1968 Mercury Parklane Brougham 4-door that was used by McGarrett during the life of the series. This car appeared in the series premier on September 26, 1968 and was used through the 1973 season. He was issued a new car in 1974, a black �74 Marquis that continued to the series end. They apparently had a very good Fleet Services operation in Hawaii! Just in case are interested, his license plate was F6-3958.


CRIMINAL VERNACULAR: MORE FROM THE BOOK OF PRIVATE EYE SLANG

The following terms are used to refer to a woman:

Ankle Chippy (woman of easy virtue)
Dish Kitten
Looker Moll (girlfriend)
Skirt Tomato
Gams: Womans legs
Getaway Sticks: Legs, especially a womans

Terms for a man and/or gangster:

Bruno: A tough guy, enforcer
Can Opener: A Safecracker
Chopper squad: Machine gun toting gangsters
Daisy: An un-masculine male
Droppers: Hired killers
Dummerer: Someone who pretends to be deaf/dumb while begging
Egg: Fellow
Gunsel: Gunman
Jasper: A man
Palooka: A man who is a little stupid
Shylock: Loanshark
Torpedoes: Gunmen
Trouble Boys: Gangsters
Wrong Number: Not a good fellow


A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATIONS:

The Minister will be on a one week sabbatical, working on my Manifesto.

Watch for return postings the week of July 2.

You can always contact the Minister at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com


Monday, June 18, 2001

INTERVIEWING VS. INTERROGATION


The John Reid site previously noted on this page (www.reid.com) offers as it�s Investigator�s Tip of June 2001, the difference between INTERVIEW and INTERROGATION.

We have � of recent � eliminated both of these terms from our �detective� vocabulary, preferring the use of the term �debriefing�. While this antiseptic term �debriefing� actually encompasses the procedures of Interviewing and Interrogating, it is of value to see what the experts on �Interviewing and Interrogation� have to say about the two.

An interview is a non-accusatory question and answer session with a suspect, victim or witness. The goal of the interview is to gather information and make an assessment of the subject�s credibility.

The purpose for an interrogation is to elicit the truth from a person whom the investigator believes has lied during an interview. In represents, therefore, an effort to persuade the subject to tell the truth.

The interrogation should not consist of accusatory questions for this will only lead to further denials from the subject. Rather, it should consist of a monologue during which the investigator makes statements designed to persuade the subject to tell the truth. Logic and rationale arguments � based on evidence � may be used to persuade the subject to tell the truth.

The investigator�s use of understanding toward the subject�s criminal behavior during the interrogation is a valuable tactic. It is psychologically much easier for a subject to tell the truth to someone who appears to understand why he/she committed the crime.

During an interview the investigator should talk 20% of the time and the person being interviewed 80%. The investigator should keep his questions succinct and, whenever possible, elicit a narrative response from the subject.

Too often, investigators reveal so much information through their questions that following an interview the subject has learned much more about the investigation than what the investigator has learned about the subject�s possible involvement in the crime.


INTERESTING WEB SITES

This site has alot of information about Crime Scene Investigation.
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/index.html

New to cigars? Enroll in Cigars 101:
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Aficionado/cigar101.html

To enter the Women of Cigar Aficionado photo gallery:
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Aficionado/WomenOfCA/index.html


"LEST WE FORGET..." NYPD Memorial

June 18, 1932 Ptl Joseph Burke #4470, 32 Pct, Shot: Robbery in progress
June 19, 1980 PO Joseph Keegan #2639, TD1, Shot during arrest
June 20, 1930 Ptl Patrick Mitchell #6055, 30 Pct, Shot during arrest
June 20, 1942 Ptl William Rooney #15300, 30 Pct, Shot during arrest
June 20, 1974 Lt Henry Schmiermann, Insp.Srvcs, Shot: Off duty robbery arrest
June 22, 1942 Ptl Joseph Swoboda #3771, Traffic C, Traffic accident
June 24, 1922 Ptl William Deanes #8183, 113 Pct, Line of duty injury


Thursday, June 14, 2001

CHICAGO CRIME COMMISSION

The Chicago Crime Commission serves the greater Chicago area as a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization combating crime. It was founded in 1919 by 35 members of the Chicago business community, and is the oldest and most respected citizens' crime commission in the nation. The Chicago Crime Commission is a volunteer organization comprised of over 200 business and professional leaders from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Commission is not affiliated with any agency of government. It�s main objective is the eradication of organized crime in all of its forms. The mission of the Crime Commission is to eradicate organized crime, and the corruption stemming from it, in order to enhance the safety and quality of life of the Chicago area citizens.
If you recall an earlier posting to this site regarding Elliot Ness and �the Untouchables�, it was the Crime Commission that was instrumental in establishing Ness in his capacity as lead crime fighter.
The Chicago Crime Commission performs work in various areas, including public education, legislative recommendation, and maintaining a resource center on crime-related activities in the Chicago area dating to 1919. The most notorious function, though, is in the area of organized crime. They have historically kept a file on the organized crime figures in Chicago, including the hierarchy and organization tables of the leading �Outfit� families. (In Chicago, the mafia is known as the �Outfit�). Through the tabs it keeps on organized crime they have surfaced as the leading authority in this regard. Along with it�s tracking organized crime comes its role in eradicating the organized crime � local politics relationship. Integrity: ensuring the integrity of law enforcement and criminal justice � is what the Commission has been most notorious for.
They have presented documentation concerning corruption involving all levels of politics and the law enforcement community, dating to its origin in 1919. It was in this area that the Crime Commission was born � in the year that Al Capone came to town. During this time Chicago was notorious for political complicity in organized crime, as local politicians and the police department, local political officials, and organized crime were known to be working together. �When the hoodlums owned Chicago�s cops, judges, and politicians, the Chicago Crime Commission was often the only incorruptible line between them and us�. At that time, it was Al Capone and his mobsters involved in liquor and gambling.
Their efforts regarding organized crime has of recent expanded to include involvement in the �new� scourge of organized crime � youth gangs. They provide assistance through research and education in this area, as well as providing the means to establish an Anonymous Crime Reporting Hotline. They are totally funded through private enterprise and contributions, and are unaffiliated with any government organization.

In order to perform their voluminous tasks, the have one full time investigator � Chief Investigator Wayne Johnson � a retired Chicago PD Homicide Detective, the �most honest man in the world�.
To read more about Wayne Johnson and the Chicago Crime Commission, I suggest you pick up a copy of the July 2001 ESQUIRE, that features an article about Johnson.

�YA GOTTA LOVE IT!� (You couldn�t make this stuff up!)

Male enters a convenience store and asks the clerk if he can break a $20 bill. The clerk opens the register, as the male then produces a handgun, announces a �Stick Up�, and demands cash from the drawer. The clerk hands over the money, and the male flees. Leaving behind� you guessed it! His wallet that he originally took the $20 bill out of! Yes, the wallet contained all his personal papers as well as photo drivers license, which helped to easily make his arrest. Oh yea, he also left the $20 bill behind. As the cash register contained a total of $24 as the robbery proceeds, the thief actually netted a total of $4 � and an Armed Robbery conviction! Great work!

A male engages another male to come to his room for the purpose of sex. Once there, after both disrobing, the invited male grabs a knife and proceeds to rob the victim, taking his money and jewelry. Dressing quickly, the perp flees. Only problem, he put the wrong pants on! Leaving behind his own pants, that had � you guessed again! � his wallet and identification. Case closed by arrest!


INTERESTING WEB SITES

"Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service
Providers"
A brochure to describe the value of DNA evidence for victim
service providers is available on line. It helps understand the potential
significance of DNA evidence. Access it at:
http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles1/nij/bc000657.txt


THE CRIMINAL VERNACULAR

Taking a cue from the hardboiled slang of the 40�s detective novel, featuring the likes of Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Mike Hammer, and the assorted characters associated with them, here is a listing of some of the more interesting terms.

Ameche Telephone
Bean shooter Gun
Bent cars Stolen cars
The Big Sleep Death
Box job Safecracking
Butter and egg man The money man; the man with the bankroll
Buzzer A policeman�s badge
Chicago overcoat Coffin
Do the Dance To be hanged
Flogger Overcoat
Ice Diamonds
Mill Typewriter
Oyster fruit Pearls
Rats and Mice Dice

Watch for more in future postings on the criminal-private eye vernacular!

Monday, June 11, 2001

MORE FROM THE MARINES

The US Marine Corps Book Of Strategy, WARFIGHTING, lays out some simple tenets regarding leadership that can easily be applied to the police service (a para-military organization, remember?). Some more of these principles are noted here.

We will not accept lack of orders as justification for inaction. It is your DUTY to take initiative as the situation demands.

Until a commander has reached and stated a decision, each subordinate should consider it his duty to provide his honest, professional opinion � even though it may be in disagreement with his senior�s. However, once the decision has been reached, the junior must support it as if it were his own.

A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.

The senior must make perfectly clear the result he expects, but in such a way that does not inhibit initiative.

Further, they should understand the intent of the commander two levels up. In other words, a platoon commander should know the intent of his battalion commander, or a battalion commander the intent of his division commander.

Compiled from: Warfighting: The US Marine Corps Book of Strategy (1994)


FASHION POLICE

The Minister was never one for wearing of tie tacs or lapel pins. Recently, though, after purchasing as a gift (for himself included) � and taking a cue from the Minister in the 79 � a tie tac has been added to the Minister�s wardrobe. The question remains, is this fashionably correct? After consulting with the sartorial experts at Esquire Magazine (the magazine read when you outgrow MAXIM), the following fashion tips concerning tie tacs is presented for your information.

Tie tacs are questionable to wear, although they �are stylish�. The tie clip and tie pin are two ways to �keep your tie from flapping about in the wind or dipping into your soup�. That said, though, the final fashion rule on tie tacs is not good for those who wear them. �The best option among the choices of tie clasps (tie tac or tie clip) is no choice at all�. Why not take an extra second or two and move your tie away from the soup?

So, while many of us will continue to wear our tie tacs, it is for other than fashion reasons. Fashionably, no tie tacs. For personal reasons, okay.

What about lapel pins on suit jackets? That�s a whole other issue!

Just in case you were interested.


INTERESTING WEB SITES: IDENTITY THEFT

The following web sites are of interest in the area of "IDENTITY THEFT". This is becoming a major cause of concern, and one that is NOT easily investigated, nor are there any department-provided resources. You may find some of these of value.

This site details a story about a fraud investigator who works for E-Bay.
Internet Cop: EBay Fraud Investigator
http://www.forbes.com/best/2001/0625/042.html

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
List of Publications available to the public
Note: some can be downloaded from this site
http://www.ustreas.gov/fincen/pubs.html

This site will alot of information about ID Theft.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

NOTE: In addition to these sites, the Minister has prepared a booklet for use by the investigators in his squad concerning the Investigation of Identity Theft. This is a general guideline outlining the steps to take in investigating these cases; if you are interested - and would like a copy for your review - drop me a note to my e-mail: LTJAC77@yahoo.com

"LEST WE FORGET..." NYPD Memorial

June 11, 1925 Ptl James Cullen #11131, 37 Pct, Motorcycle accident
June 12, 1991 PO Kenneth Hansen #6679, Harbor, Drowned
June 14, 1960 Ptl William Ramos Jr #16532, 80 Pct, Shot:Robbery arrest
June 15, 1944 Ptl Eliote Holmes #12071, 13 Det Sq, Line of duty injury
June 15, 1967 Ptl Walter Ferguson #2530, DetDiv, LOD Heart Attack
June 15, 1979 PO Ted Donald #3310, PSA7, Shot: Burglary arrest
June 15, 1980 PO John Patwell #12098, 43 Pct, Head injury on patrol
June 15, 1983 PO John Mandia #11228, 25 Pct, Fell under train
June 15, 1984 PO Juan Andino #14339, 40 Pct, Shot: Robbery arrest
June 16, 1927 Sgt Joseph Weckesser #194, 71 Pct, Fire rescue
June 16, 1967 Ptl Lloyd Innes #1157, TD30, Shot by male he prev. arrested
June 16, 1988 PO Gary Peaco #4017, PSA7, Auto accident on patrol
June 17, 1912 Ptl Thomas O�Connell #4159, 29 Pct, Drowned during rescue
June 17, 1973 PO Ralph Stanchi #29647, 32 Pct, Shot during investigation







Thursday, June 07, 2001

COMPSTAT

Is it COMPSTAT? Or COMSTAT?

Where did the term originate? Many times you will find the spelling of this process �COMSTAT�. It is generally pronounced that way, however, the proper spelling is �COMPSTAT�. Thanks to the Wizard of Stats (Chris Cincotta), the following is a brief derivation of COMPSTAT.
Most people believe that it is derived from �Computerized Statistics�. It may have developed into this, however, that�s wrong. COMPSTAT was a DOS file name back in 1994 � (computer talk) � which simply meant �Compare Statistics�. It was this way of comparing statistics � in the DOS file � that started the �COMPSTAT Experience�.

MORE ON WANTED CARDS AND NAME HITS

One more thing relative to Wanted Cards. The only way a want card WITHOUT a
NYSID number will hit is if the A/O does a name check. No name check� NO HIT.
Simple as that. In Addition, if your subject has a warrant, make sure you attach a note on his warrant papers downtown with the docket records. Put your business card on the jacket of the court folder with a note. A warrant officer will probably check when he receives the warrant, if the individual is wanted for anything else, but if you want card drops after, he may not check. An AOW ( arrest on warrant) doesn't not generate prints, therefore no hit from Wanted Desk. Theoretically a subject could be stopped for a summons, have the warrant hit and be returned on the warrant without any notification that he has been in custody. Attaching a note to the docket papers is extra insurance that a notification be made if the subject is taken into custody.

FROM THE HUMIDOR

An old favorite stop of the Minister when in Manhattan was Sanchez's on 30th Street near Penn Station. Mr. Sanchez's cigars are made right at the shop. He is usually seen wearing a Panama hat, and his hands appear to be stained from years of tobacco rolling. He has a staff of cigar rollers on hand as well. His finished cigars are wrapped inside a cellophane that carry the label "SANCHEZ'S CUBAN HAND MADE". A favorite of John Miller�s, Mr. Sanchez explained how his label is technically accurate: Although not true Habano cigars, they are made by hand, by people who are Cuban, thus they are really Cuban Hand Made Cigars! The price is VERY reasonable, and the quality is super. Next time you�re in the area, stop in and pick a few up � and if you like them, remember, the Minister prefers Churchills!

�LEST WE FORGET�� NYPD Memorial

June 4, 1927 Sgt Benjamin Cantor #723, DetDiv Shot: Robbery arrest
June 4, 1932 Ptl Thomas Burns #6441, Mcy Unit, Injured on patrol
June 5, 1973 PO Sid Thompson #3801, TD12, Shot making arrest
June 6, 1939 Ptl Emmitt Cassidy #492, 120 Pct, Shot- Off duty incident
June 8, 1958 Ptl Herman Corn #17854, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
June 9, 1931 Sgt William O�Shaughnessy #784, 28 Pct, Shot:Robbery arrest
June 9, 1939 Ptl Alexander Stult #15164, ESU, Asphyxiation during rescue
June 9, 1969 Sgt Edward Henninger #16569, AIS, LOD Heart Attack



Monday, June 04, 2001

CHIEF AL SEEDMAN

In 1971, Police Commissioner Patrick Murphy appointed a flamboyant detective commander to the Chief of Detectives position. Known for his flashy jewelry, tough talk and cigar chomping manner, Albert Seedman had once been passed over for promotion for a photo that appeared in the newspapers.

In 1969, while still a Captain and in charge of the 10th Detective District, Seedman had been photographed jerking the head of a cop-killer to make him pose for a picture. This resulted in his being passed over for his promotion to Deputy Inspector that had been pending.

Under Chief Seedman, and P.C. Murphy, changes abound in the Detective Bureau. The 800 detectives assigned to Narcotics duties were transferred from the Detective Bureau to the newly established Organized Crime Control Bureau. Also, the detectives no longer waited to catch �squeals� on a case but began the regular assignment of a caseload. Murphy also saw to it that no detectives were promoted past 3rd Grade. Murphy was known as having a low opinion of the Detective Bureau � probably from his earlier days in the department. Seedman also presided over the shift of detectives into specialized units within each borough: Homicide, Robbery, Burglary/Larceny, which replaced the precinct squads for a short time.

What about the promotion costing photo? On May 18, 1969, two Detective's assigned to the 70 Squad were performing taxi-decoy patrol in Brooklyn. Det's. Luke Fallon and John Finnegan left the Borough Park Tobacco Co after making a purchase, when they spied two individuals that they felt were up to no good. Driving around the corner, and entering the store to investigate, they walked into a hold-up in progress. After shots were exchanged, both officers were fatally wounded. Leading the hunt for their killers was Seedman. He was pictured with the triggerman, Tony �Red� Dellurnia, holding Red�s head high for the cameras after the arrest. Despite being held up on his promotion, Seedman eventually was promoted and later earned the Chief of Detetives shield.

Chief Seedman�s 1974 book, CHIEF, is a must for every detective�s bookcase.

I�ve located Chief Seedman in Florida, where he is comfortably enjoying his retirement. I may have the pleasure of an interview for this column in the near future! (Maybe he knows what a DD1 is??) Stand by for more!!


TACTICAL PATROL FORCE

Organized in 1959, the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF) was a citywide unit that provided an easily deployed mobile uniform force for high crime areas and for civil disorder situations. This TPF was staffed with tall, physically fit officers � a height requirement of 6 feet tall � and many of the officers were former Marines or paratroopers. They acted as a mobile anti-crime unit and were available to respond quickly to quell civil disorder. All of the members were under 30 years of age. The TPF also performed the first citywide plainclothes decoy tasks that were later taken up by the Street Crime Unit. The duties that the TPF performed were later taken up by the Borough Task Forces.

JUVENILE ARRESTS

The following items are taken from a presentation made by Peter Reinharz, Chief of the Family Court Division of the New York City Law Department, JUVENILE ISSUES DETECTIVE TRAINING. This is the first installment of some highlights of this presentation.

Statements and Parental Notification:

Once taken into custody there must be an immediate notification to a parent or a person legally responsible for the child�s care. The officer must make every reasonable effort to make the notification, including sending a patrol car for a personal notification if necessary. In addition it is noted that the police officer must make this notification, NOT the child to the parent.

When the youth is to be questioned, he/she must receive the Miranda warnings in the presence of the parent/person legally responsible. Note: The youth has the right to exercise or refuse to exercise his Miranda warnings, NOT the parent � Miranda must be read in front of the parent/person responsible however.

Before taking a statement, consider the youth�s age, presence or absence of the youth�s parent/person legally responsible, and did the officer make immediate notification to a parent/person with whom youth resides?

Note that virtually every juvenile arrest is accompanied by some form of statement from the youth. It may be that the statement is inadmissible, but it is important that the statements be taken, recorded by the officer, and relayed to the attorney handling the case. Even when the statement would not survive suppression the statement should be taken and turned over to the attorney. Even a statement that cannot be used on a direct case may preclude an alibi, or it may serve to place the offender at the scene of the crime.

If you fail to notify the parent or person legally responsible for the child�s care, any subsequent statement which is the subject of custodial interrogation will be suppressed.

Under the current law, questioning of a youth without a parent can be done so long as the criteria of the statute has been met: Every reasonable effort to notify a parent or person legally responsible must have been made!

It is a police responsibility to notify the parent; do not merely the youth he can call home.

Superficial or incomplete notifications are not sufficient; the prosecution must show adequate attempts to notify.

When the parent delays in appearing after being notified a subsequent statement will NOT be suppressed. But the length of the delay is important, and the court will consider the reasonableness of the delay.

Watch for more on Juvenile Arrests at later postings!


FROM THE HUMIDOR

The CIGAR JOURNAL is an interesting journal of a few �cigar guys�, in which they visit and comment on cigars, cigar bars, etc. Worth checking out. A great bookmark for the cigar smoker!
http://www.cigargroup.com/journal/


PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN, AND YOUR PLAN WILL WORK FOR YOU!

You May Contact the Minister of Investigation at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com