FRANK BOLZ
Frank A. Bolz Jr. served with the New York City Police Department for more than 27 years. He rose through the ranks to that of Detective Captain. In 1972, after the tragedy of the Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, Bolz took part in the formation of the Department's "Guidelines for Barricaded Felons and Hostage Confrontations". He, with Dr. Harvey Schlossberg, selected and trained the new Hostage Negotiating Team, and became the Commanding Officer and Chief Negotiator.
He remained in that role for almost ten years, during which time he personally negotiated in more than 285 incidents, bringing about the safe release of more than 850 hostages, without the loss of life. Frank Bolz was also the City-Wide Kidnap Taskforce Coordinator, training Detectives in all phases of Kidnap Investigation and personally participating in 25 actual investigations.
Now retired, Frank continues to conduct hostage negotiation training, lecturing nationally and internationally on Hostage Recovery, Kidnapping and Terrorism. He has authored many articles on the subject of negotiations, as well as co-authored the book
What few may realize is that Frank Bolz is responsible for initiating the �situation-jacket�, the wind-breakers and baseball caps used by members of this department as a police uniform item. This year will mark the 28th anniversary of the first ID wind-breaker used as part of our equipment.
After responding to a bank robbery-hostage incident in 1973, Bolz became aware of the need for a quick, inexpensive and unmistakeable means of identification at a hostage/barricade situation. He had his wife sew the NYPD patch on the sleeves of a blue windbreaker he had at home, then painted the word �POLICE� with white spray paint on the back of the jacket, and the first Police Uniform Wind-Breaker was born! Shortly after, realizing that a police hat is the �single most identifying piece of police uniform� (!), he took a baseball cap and sewed an NYPD patch on them to go along with the wind-breaker.
The Minister first met Frank when Bolz was the President of the Steuben Association and the Minister was just a young Minister in Training, running around the Police Camp (remember that earlier posting on the Police Camp?). Frank was a pretty good softball player in his time, and always livened up the Police Camp when he was there.
THE POLICE FOUNDATION
The New York City Police Foundation is a tax-exempt, non profit organization dedicated to improving police services in New York City and to strengthening the relationship between the police and the public.
Established by business and civic leaders, the Foundation works with the Department to help supplement specific projects that cannot be supported by the city budget.
Since it began, the Foundation has invested over $30 million in more than 300 programs designed to improve the quality of police services. Among the most notable programs include bullet-proof vest funding and the Crime Stoppers Unit.
The Foundation is a major supporter to Crime Stoppers and the TIPS Hotline. Anyone who has ever used the TIPS hotline can attest to the benefit this unit is to the investigator in the field. The dedicated detectives at Crime Stoppers, such as Det. Laura Roemer, can assist in bringing the right media attention to a case that can help solve an otherwise mystery.
It is the funding provided by the Police Foundation and the input of those involved on the Foundation�s Board that make it all happen.
MORE ON HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS
A web site dedicated to hostage negotiating can be found at:
www.hostagenegotiation.com
Retired NYPD Det. Dominick Misino, a 22 year veteran of the department and a former hostage negotiator, was personally involved in over 200 hostage/barricade incidents. This web site is dedicated to the hostage negotiator and contains a lot of background information and current news on the topic.
AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE PINS??
The Minister has confirmed through independent sources that the original "DB" pins were serial numbered on the back, and made of high quality enamel. They were made up by a Chief of Detectives prior to Chief Borelli, and were later found in a drawer by a staff member cleaning up. They were handed out without any rhyme or reason at the time; much later, under Chief Allee, they became a source of pride as having been personally bestowed by the Chief of Detectives for a job well done.
This investigation is very much continuing. If you can contribute any information about this topic, please pass it on to the Minister.
REMEMBER.... Our fallen brothers and sisters, and the work that the Survivors of the Shield perform. Please consider a donation to them at:
Survivors of the Shield
PO Box 10017
Staten Island, NY 10310
"LEST WE FORGET"... The NYPD Memorial
July 29, 1906 Ptl William Hedeman, 35 Pct, Drowned-rescue
July 30, 1945 Ptl Howard Hegerich #19731, 28 Pct, Shot-investigation
July 31, 1947 Ptl William Panczyk #13123, Traffic, Auto accident on patrol
July 31, 1965 Ptl Maifland Mercer #15815, 76 Pct, Shot-off duty arrest
Tuesday, July 31, 2001
Friday, July 27, 2001
CRIME STORY
Maybe you�ve seen the reruns playing on the A&E (Arts & Entertainment, NOT Arson & Explosion) channel. This show, which originally aired from 1986-1988, is a portrayal of the fictional Lt. Mike Torello, the commander of the Chicago Police Dept�s Major Crimes Unit. This show, when it aired, was a major network production, which each episode costing close to $1 million to produce.
It takes place in 1963 Chicago (pronounced Chi-cawgo if you live there). It�s first season started off as a serious drama, with Torello and his squad in pursuit of his nemesis, Ray Luca. It was on a slightly higher plane than the average cop show at the time. The second � and last � season moved the squad into Las Vegas in continued pursuit of Luca. It is generally believed by anyone who watched this that the move to LV killed the show.
The basic premise is that these detectives � fedora wearing, 1960�s cool � know how the system works and know how to work around the system to catch the bad guys. The music is 1960�s period, with the theme song �Runaway� by Del Shannon opening up the show.
If you get a chance to watch an episode on A&E, it�s probably better than whatever else is on at the time. If nothing else, the music and clothing are fun to watch.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
This site is set up for Private Investigators, and contains several links including one for People Searches that includes Reverse Lookup, etc.
http://www.detectivehelp.com/
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL CRIMES INVESTIGATORS -
Initally begun as an organization to represent the credit card
industry, IAFCI is now an organization which represents the
professional fraud investigator. The Association is non-compet-
itive and provides a neutral ground for the industry, concen-
trating on training and communications to prevent and suppress
financial transaction fraud worldwide.
http://www.iafci.org/start.html
FROM THE HUMIDOR
Some Q&A for the cigar smoker, thanks to the Texas Cigar Club. You can check out their site for more info at: www.texascigarclub.com
Lighting the Cigar: Holding the cigar, rotate the foot just above the flame. Warming or pre-heating the foot primes the cigar to light faster. Then without letting the flame touch the cigar, draw gently while rotating the cigar to ensure an even burn.
What about the ash? The ash on a premium cigar should be even and tight. Remember a premium cigar has a long leaf filler and the ash will be long, therefore you want the ash length to show, noting your selection of a fine cigar. When the ash is about to drop, you may let it drop naturally into the ashtray or with your index finger lightly tap the cigar over the ashtray. If the ash falls on your clothing, don�t panic, the fire is on the cigar not in the ash. You can stand up and let the ash fall to the floor, or gently brush the ash away.
What about the band? To remove the band or not is a personal preference. It�s completely up to you. (The Minister leaves the band on).
Can you relight the cigar? To relight the cigar, tap off any ash. Warm the foot, gently blow OUT any residue first, then relight as normal. You can also cut off the smoked end and finish it later, relighting as normal.
What about a cigar that doesn�t draw? Remember premium cigars are hand rolled and there will be imperfections. You can try loosening the tobacco by applying gently pressure between your thumb and index finger. If this doesn�t work, your cigar may have a plug, where the tobacco is rolled so tight that no matter how hard you draw, you will not be able to smoke the cigar. RETURN IT. Any reputable tobacconist will exchange a bad cigar.
"LEST WE FORGET"...The NYPD Memorial
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter #6864, 27 Pct, Drowned- rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe #5275, 78 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley #25696, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn #30991, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed-robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Poltie #16489, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton #29130, 73 Pct, Stabbed-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella #5920, 29 Pct, Shot-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds #7027, 116 Pct, Shot by perp
July 26, 1924 Ptl John Hyland #2794, 42A Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
July 26, 1957 Ptl Edward O�Leary #16061, 7Div, Auto accident transp prisoner
July 27, 1942 Ptl Michael Keene #3753, Traffic A, Auto accident on patrol
July 27, 1950 Ptl Roderick O�Connor #2575, Mcy 2, Motorcycle accident
July 27, 1964 Ptl Richard Walburger #13659, 9 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 28, 1929 Ptl William Kerlin #11017, ESU, auto accident
July 28, 1930 Ptl Dominick Caviglia #9216, 20 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 28, 1930 Det Thomas Hill #1273, 48 Sqd, Shot-investigation
July 29, 1906 Ptl William Hedeman, 35 Pct, Drowned-rescue
WHAT ABOUT THE PINS????
What's the story behind the "DB" pins? The Minister has it on information from the Wizard of Stats that the original "DB" pins are close to 20 years old, and were enameled with a serial # on the back.
The Minister is in the process of finding out more on this. Watch for more info in later postings.
Maybe you�ve seen the reruns playing on the A&E (Arts & Entertainment, NOT Arson & Explosion) channel. This show, which originally aired from 1986-1988, is a portrayal of the fictional Lt. Mike Torello, the commander of the Chicago Police Dept�s Major Crimes Unit. This show, when it aired, was a major network production, which each episode costing close to $1 million to produce.
It takes place in 1963 Chicago (pronounced Chi-cawgo if you live there). It�s first season started off as a serious drama, with Torello and his squad in pursuit of his nemesis, Ray Luca. It was on a slightly higher plane than the average cop show at the time. The second � and last � season moved the squad into Las Vegas in continued pursuit of Luca. It is generally believed by anyone who watched this that the move to LV killed the show.
The basic premise is that these detectives � fedora wearing, 1960�s cool � know how the system works and know how to work around the system to catch the bad guys. The music is 1960�s period, with the theme song �Runaway� by Del Shannon opening up the show.
If you get a chance to watch an episode on A&E, it�s probably better than whatever else is on at the time. If nothing else, the music and clothing are fun to watch.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
This site is set up for Private Investigators, and contains several links including one for People Searches that includes Reverse Lookup, etc.
http://www.detectivehelp.com/
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL CRIMES INVESTIGATORS -
Initally begun as an organization to represent the credit card
industry, IAFCI is now an organization which represents the
professional fraud investigator. The Association is non-compet-
itive and provides a neutral ground for the industry, concen-
trating on training and communications to prevent and suppress
financial transaction fraud worldwide.
http://www.iafci.org/start.html
FROM THE HUMIDOR
Some Q&A for the cigar smoker, thanks to the Texas Cigar Club. You can check out their site for more info at: www.texascigarclub.com
Lighting the Cigar: Holding the cigar, rotate the foot just above the flame. Warming or pre-heating the foot primes the cigar to light faster. Then without letting the flame touch the cigar, draw gently while rotating the cigar to ensure an even burn.
What about the ash? The ash on a premium cigar should be even and tight. Remember a premium cigar has a long leaf filler and the ash will be long, therefore you want the ash length to show, noting your selection of a fine cigar. When the ash is about to drop, you may let it drop naturally into the ashtray or with your index finger lightly tap the cigar over the ashtray. If the ash falls on your clothing, don�t panic, the fire is on the cigar not in the ash. You can stand up and let the ash fall to the floor, or gently brush the ash away.
What about the band? To remove the band or not is a personal preference. It�s completely up to you. (The Minister leaves the band on).
Can you relight the cigar? To relight the cigar, tap off any ash. Warm the foot, gently blow OUT any residue first, then relight as normal. You can also cut off the smoked end and finish it later, relighting as normal.
What about a cigar that doesn�t draw? Remember premium cigars are hand rolled and there will be imperfections. You can try loosening the tobacco by applying gently pressure between your thumb and index finger. If this doesn�t work, your cigar may have a plug, where the tobacco is rolled so tight that no matter how hard you draw, you will not be able to smoke the cigar. RETURN IT. Any reputable tobacconist will exchange a bad cigar.
"LEST WE FORGET"...The NYPD Memorial
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter #6864, 27 Pct, Drowned- rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe #5275, 78 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley #25696, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn #30991, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed-robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Poltie #16489, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton #29130, 73 Pct, Stabbed-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella #5920, 29 Pct, Shot-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds #7027, 116 Pct, Shot by perp
July 26, 1924 Ptl John Hyland #2794, 42A Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
July 26, 1957 Ptl Edward O�Leary #16061, 7Div, Auto accident transp prisoner
July 27, 1942 Ptl Michael Keene #3753, Traffic A, Auto accident on patrol
July 27, 1950 Ptl Roderick O�Connor #2575, Mcy 2, Motorcycle accident
July 27, 1964 Ptl Richard Walburger #13659, 9 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 28, 1929 Ptl William Kerlin #11017, ESU, auto accident
July 28, 1930 Ptl Dominick Caviglia #9216, 20 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 28, 1930 Det Thomas Hill #1273, 48 Sqd, Shot-investigation
July 29, 1906 Ptl William Hedeman, 35 Pct, Drowned-rescue
WHAT ABOUT THE PINS????
What's the story behind the "DB" pins? The Minister has it on information from the Wizard of Stats that the original "DB" pins are close to 20 years old, and were enameled with a serial # on the back.
The Minister is in the process of finding out more on this. Watch for more info in later postings.
Tuesday, July 24, 2001
IT�S A FEDERAL CASE
A review of the Federal Criminal Code and Rules (Title 18 has to do with Crimes and Criminal Procedure) has uncovered some little known federal crimes. I bet you didn�t know it was a federal offense to:
Shanghaiing Sailors � Yes, that�s exactly how the code is written. It�s punishable by up to 1 year in prison! (Sect. 18-2194)
False Crop Reports � Punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years! (Sect. 18-2072)
False Weather Reports � Punishable by imprisonment up to 90 days. I guess that means that if you falsely tell others that �the corn is ready to be picked� you can go to jail longer than if you tell them to �watch out for that hurricane�! (Sect. 18-2074)
Misuse of Smokey The Bear Character � Yes, this is a federal offense that could send you to jail for 6 months. (Sect. 18-711)
Misuse of Woody The Owl Character � This includes the misuse of the slogan �Give a Hoot � Don�t Pollute�! This can also land you in jail for 6 months! (Sect 18-711a)
Transportation Of Dentures � If you send artificial teeth through the mails you can end up in jail for up to 1 year. (Sect 18-1821)
What happens if you dress like Smokey the Bear, go around telling people to �Give a Hoot � Don�t Pollute�, while uttering that �You better watch out for the storm, and pull up the rutabagas before they spoil�? You could end up with adjoining rooms to John Gotti!
FROM THE LEGAL DICTIONARY
Some Legal terms for familiarization.
Best Evidence � Primary evidence. The best available. Evidence short of this is �secondary evidence�. Ex. An original letter is �best evidence�, a photocopy is �secondary evidence�.
Case Law � Law that has been established by previous decisions of appellate or district courts.
Circumstantial Evidence � all evidence except eyewitness testimony. Physical evidence i.e. fingerprints, from which an inference can be drawn.
Concurrent Sentence � Sentences for more than one crime that are to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other � which is Consecutive Sentence.
Direct Evidence � Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken
Enjoining � An order by the court telling a person to stop performing a specific act.
Malfeasance � The commission of an unlawful act.
Misfeasance � Improper performance of an act.
Nonfeasance � Non performance of an act which should be performed. Omission to perform a required duty or total neglect of duty.
Motionj in Limine � A motion made prior to trial by counsel requesting that information which might be prejudicial not be allowed in a case. (Ex. Telling a jury that the defendant has been arrested 10 times before for robbery could be prejudicial to the current robbery trial!)
Prima Facie Case � A case that is sufficient and has the minimum amount of evidence necessary to allow it to continue in the judicial process.
Exculpatory Statements � Evidence/statements which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from fault or guilt.
Inculpatory Statement � Statement that implicates in guilt of the offense.
DET NICK DIMONDA
Det Nicky Dimonda, in case you don�t know, is beginning his terminal leave. No, he�s not retiring, he�s �taking some time off to decide what to do�. Nick has been in the 77 Squad for the last 3 years � a true legend. As someone recently said, �If there was no Nick Dimonda, someone would have had to create him�. Rumor has it that Nicky will be returning after terminal with a new hairdo. This is Nick�s second time through the gold shield rank � his first time cut short due to a �large animal head � not a moose head�. (It was a boar, but official department transcripts reflect �a large animal head�). You will always know when Nick is in the room, his legacy of laughter and stories are second to none.
On any given day Nicky could be heard arguing that �Whitey Ford pitched the most one hitters in the major leagues�, or that �Einstein�s theory of relativity isn�t real�. He is conversant in topics including opera (�In the three tenors, who was the fourth guy?�) to rap (�Puff Daddy copied all his music from the Beatles�). Who hasn�t heard how he made it from a car wash in the Bronx to the 67 Pct on a gun run, and was the first car on the scene (they made the collar!). �The car was smoking; they were parting on the FDR like Jesus Christ was coming through�.
As for baseball, Nicky�s knowledge is unquestioned. �The year Babe Ruth won the triple crown was the greatest offensive year in the history of baseball�. �Willie Mays was the best centerfielder to ever play the game, and Joe DiMaggio was second�. �The year Carl Yastrzemski won the triple crown he had a .301 batting average � big deal!� �I see it all the time � once these pitchers get their first injury, they�re hampered the rest of their career. I saw it with Guidry, I saw it with Koufax. A guy like Pedro Martinez, he could be finished�.
After deduction for �time served� etc, I think his actual terminal leave will consist of 9 days give or take a few hours. Nicky will be missed in the 77 Squad by many, we�re just not certain exactly who they may be. Come back soon, Nicky!!!!!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Law Enforcement Site Link
http://www.ih2000.net/ira/ira1c.htm
REMEMBER....
To Contact the Minister of Investigations, you can e-mail to.....
Ltjac77@cs.com
A review of the Federal Criminal Code and Rules (Title 18 has to do with Crimes and Criminal Procedure) has uncovered some little known federal crimes. I bet you didn�t know it was a federal offense to:
Shanghaiing Sailors � Yes, that�s exactly how the code is written. It�s punishable by up to 1 year in prison! (Sect. 18-2194)
False Crop Reports � Punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years! (Sect. 18-2072)
False Weather Reports � Punishable by imprisonment up to 90 days. I guess that means that if you falsely tell others that �the corn is ready to be picked� you can go to jail longer than if you tell them to �watch out for that hurricane�! (Sect. 18-2074)
Misuse of Smokey The Bear Character � Yes, this is a federal offense that could send you to jail for 6 months. (Sect. 18-711)
Misuse of Woody The Owl Character � This includes the misuse of the slogan �Give a Hoot � Don�t Pollute�! This can also land you in jail for 6 months! (Sect 18-711a)
Transportation Of Dentures � If you send artificial teeth through the mails you can end up in jail for up to 1 year. (Sect 18-1821)
What happens if you dress like Smokey the Bear, go around telling people to �Give a Hoot � Don�t Pollute�, while uttering that �You better watch out for the storm, and pull up the rutabagas before they spoil�? You could end up with adjoining rooms to John Gotti!
FROM THE LEGAL DICTIONARY
Some Legal terms for familiarization.
Best Evidence � Primary evidence. The best available. Evidence short of this is �secondary evidence�. Ex. An original letter is �best evidence�, a photocopy is �secondary evidence�.
Case Law � Law that has been established by previous decisions of appellate or district courts.
Circumstantial Evidence � all evidence except eyewitness testimony. Physical evidence i.e. fingerprints, from which an inference can be drawn.
Concurrent Sentence � Sentences for more than one crime that are to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other � which is Consecutive Sentence.
Direct Evidence � Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken
Enjoining � An order by the court telling a person to stop performing a specific act.
Malfeasance � The commission of an unlawful act.
Misfeasance � Improper performance of an act.
Nonfeasance � Non performance of an act which should be performed. Omission to perform a required duty or total neglect of duty.
Motionj in Limine � A motion made prior to trial by counsel requesting that information which might be prejudicial not be allowed in a case. (Ex. Telling a jury that the defendant has been arrested 10 times before for robbery could be prejudicial to the current robbery trial!)
Prima Facie Case � A case that is sufficient and has the minimum amount of evidence necessary to allow it to continue in the judicial process.
Exculpatory Statements � Evidence/statements which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from fault or guilt.
Inculpatory Statement � Statement that implicates in guilt of the offense.
DET NICK DIMONDA
Det Nicky Dimonda, in case you don�t know, is beginning his terminal leave. No, he�s not retiring, he�s �taking some time off to decide what to do�. Nick has been in the 77 Squad for the last 3 years � a true legend. As someone recently said, �If there was no Nick Dimonda, someone would have had to create him�. Rumor has it that Nicky will be returning after terminal with a new hairdo. This is Nick�s second time through the gold shield rank � his first time cut short due to a �large animal head � not a moose head�. (It was a boar, but official department transcripts reflect �a large animal head�). You will always know when Nick is in the room, his legacy of laughter and stories are second to none.
On any given day Nicky could be heard arguing that �Whitey Ford pitched the most one hitters in the major leagues�, or that �Einstein�s theory of relativity isn�t real�. He is conversant in topics including opera (�In the three tenors, who was the fourth guy?�) to rap (�Puff Daddy copied all his music from the Beatles�). Who hasn�t heard how he made it from a car wash in the Bronx to the 67 Pct on a gun run, and was the first car on the scene (they made the collar!). �The car was smoking; they were parting on the FDR like Jesus Christ was coming through�.
As for baseball, Nicky�s knowledge is unquestioned. �The year Babe Ruth won the triple crown was the greatest offensive year in the history of baseball�. �Willie Mays was the best centerfielder to ever play the game, and Joe DiMaggio was second�. �The year Carl Yastrzemski won the triple crown he had a .301 batting average � big deal!� �I see it all the time � once these pitchers get their first injury, they�re hampered the rest of their career. I saw it with Guidry, I saw it with Koufax. A guy like Pedro Martinez, he could be finished�.
After deduction for �time served� etc, I think his actual terminal leave will consist of 9 days give or take a few hours. Nicky will be missed in the 77 Squad by many, we�re just not certain exactly who they may be. Come back soon, Nicky!!!!!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Law Enforcement Site Link
http://www.ih2000.net/ira/ira1c.htm
REMEMBER....
To Contact the Minister of Investigations, you can e-mail to.....
Ltjac77@cs.com
Thursday, July 19, 2001
JAMAICAN POSSES
The Jamaican Posses are known as a large, multi-state Drug Trafficking Organization.
The Jamaican Posse entered the drug and weapons scene in the early 80s. Prior to 1986, they were involved in guns and marijuana. They are now into the crack market. The centers of trafficking are New York and Miami, with Connecticut's major cities as secondary distribution points (Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport).
The Jamaican Posse's have been dealing in narcotics and weapons since the early 80's. In 1986 they were primarily involved in weapons and marijuana. In the mid-1990's they entered in the crack cocaine market, with major drug trafficking in New York, Miami and Washington D.C. Although they are neighborhood based, they mirror the behavior of Los Angeles based Chicano gangs.
Posse members do not associate with Rastafarians, and there exists some basic ideological differences between the two even though both originate from Jamaica. In the early 70's, Rastafarians controlled a good portion of the New York drug market. The 80's and 90's appear to be in control of the Posse members. Recent infomation indicates the the major rift is over cocaine production in Jamaica. The "posse" is for the production and The "Rastarians: are againist but for the production and sale of marijuana in Jamaica.
There are two basic Posses, the "Spangler Posse" and the "Shower Posse." All Posses are politically aligned with either the People's National Party PNP (socialistic tendencies rumored to be aligned with Fidel Castro) or the Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) (reportedly aligned with the US and CIA). The Spangler Posse is aligned with PNP, and the Shallow Showeo is aligned with JLP.
Posse members are known for drive by shootings involved in disputes with rival gangs over drug turf. Posse members are known for ritualized killings of members who "rip off" profits on drugs. The killing ritual usually involves the shooting of the individual five times; four to the chest and one to the head. Posse members have little regard for public safety or human life. Posse violence can be directed at anyone they feel has crossed them or is in their way.
Criminal Activity associated with them include weapons violations, drive by shootings, murder, falsification of documents, sale and distribution of illegal drugs, sale and distribution of crack cocaine, sale and distribution of marijuana. They are also notorious for using illegal passports or green cards to reenter U.S.A. after expulsion.
Current intelligence indicates no formal Posse hierarchy within the different Posses. There appears to be a self identification with other Jamaicans which share similar values (inclination towards criminal and anti-social behavior) that leads to the appearance of a formal body. However, with the various Posses, there does exist strong individual leadership. Strong leadership is prevalent in the Posses engaged in terrorist activities or sophisticated criminal activity.
There are no formal gang colors. There are over 40 different Posses. Colors which may be associated with Posse members are yellow, green, and red.
The identification of Posse members is often difficult. They may be known by different names in each city in which they operate and usually adopt names from the home island.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Corporate Investigator site with Links
http://www.webspy.org/legal.htm
NATIONAL CYBERCRIME TRAINING PARTNERSHIP - The NCTP
provides guidance and assistance to local, state, and federal law
enforcement agencies in an effort to ensure that the law
enforcement community is properly trained to address electronic
and high technology crime.
http://www.nctp.org/index.html
The Skip Trace Portal
Huge links and free searches featured just for skip tracing!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/SKIPTRACE.HTM
CRIMINAL VERNACULAR: More slang from the detective noir
Terms for a Detective:
Shamus Gumshoe Bulls
Flatfoot Hammer and Saws
Uncle John Peeper Snooper
QUOTABLE QUOTE
This should probable be emblazoned on every gang/intell/narco operation's walls:
"Target the Individual, Not the Geography"
As quoted by Deputy Commissioner Garry McCarthy at a recent COMPSTAT Meeting.
"LEST WE FORGET"... The NYPD Memorial
As noted in a prior posting, due to some "technical difficulties", these listings are being compiled now covering the period
of July 1 to July 22.
Remember our fallen brothers and sister in your thoughts and prayers........
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch #7077, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty #233, Det Div, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio #27238, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident on patrol
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas Sparks, No further info available
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood #4154, 31 Pct, Head injury assault
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson #2175, HAPD, Drowned during rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch #1433, Bomb Sqd, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1940 Det Ferdinand Socha #1117, Bomb Sqd, Explosion � investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas #3438, PSA3, Shot-off duty
July 5, 1946 Sgt Isaac Price #916, 28 Pct, Heart attack during arrest
July 6, 1979 PO Ignatius Gentile #31804, 77 Pct, Fell under train
July 7, 1872 Ptl John Donohue, 5 Pct, Ambushed- head injury
July 9, 1938 Ptl Arthur Howarth #16275, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 10, 1968 Ptl Nicolo Danisi #8908, PA, Shot-off duty, mistaken ID
July 11, 1938 Ptl Angelo Favata #16344, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 12, 1924 Det Timothy Connell #496, DetDiv, Shot-robbery
July 13, 1868 Ptl Henry Corlett, 32 Pct, Drowned-rescue
July 14, 1922 Ptl Frank Mundo #4589, Traffic, Auto accident in pursuit
July 14, 1936 Det Lawrence Gallagher #4733, 47 Pct, Shot
July 14, 1941 Ptl Norman Dixon #17469, 120 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 14, 1980 Det Abraham Walton #3223, SCU, Shot-robbery off duty
July 15, 1977 PO Edward Mitchell #6179, 34 Pct, Shot-robbery
July 16, 1987 PO George Scheu #11089, 115 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
July 17, 1938 Ptl Harry Padian #9516, 32 Pct, Shot by prisoner
July 18, 1992 PO Paul Heidelberger #3960, PSA4, Shot-off duty
July 20, 1857 Ptl Eugene Anderson 14 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 20, 1964 Ptl John Polarolo #16297, Harbor, Auto accident on patrol
July 21, 1950 Ptl Alfred Loreto #1524, 24 Pct, Shot-Off duty pursuit
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter #6864, 27 Pct, Drowned- rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe #5275, 78 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley #25696, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn #30991, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed-robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Poltie #16489, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton #29130, 73 Pct, Stabbed-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella #5920, 29 Pct, Shot-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds #7027, 116 Pct, Shot by perp
The Jamaican Posses are known as a large, multi-state Drug Trafficking Organization.
The Jamaican Posse entered the drug and weapons scene in the early 80s. Prior to 1986, they were involved in guns and marijuana. They are now into the crack market. The centers of trafficking are New York and Miami, with Connecticut's major cities as secondary distribution points (Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport).
The Jamaican Posse's have been dealing in narcotics and weapons since the early 80's. In 1986 they were primarily involved in weapons and marijuana. In the mid-1990's they entered in the crack cocaine market, with major drug trafficking in New York, Miami and Washington D.C. Although they are neighborhood based, they mirror the behavior of Los Angeles based Chicano gangs.
Posse members do not associate with Rastafarians, and there exists some basic ideological differences between the two even though both originate from Jamaica. In the early 70's, Rastafarians controlled a good portion of the New York drug market. The 80's and 90's appear to be in control of the Posse members. Recent infomation indicates the the major rift is over cocaine production in Jamaica. The "posse" is for the production and The "Rastarians: are againist but for the production and sale of marijuana in Jamaica.
There are two basic Posses, the "Spangler Posse" and the "Shower Posse." All Posses are politically aligned with either the People's National Party PNP (socialistic tendencies rumored to be aligned with Fidel Castro) or the Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) (reportedly aligned with the US and CIA). The Spangler Posse is aligned with PNP, and the Shallow Showeo is aligned with JLP.
Posse members are known for drive by shootings involved in disputes with rival gangs over drug turf. Posse members are known for ritualized killings of members who "rip off" profits on drugs. The killing ritual usually involves the shooting of the individual five times; four to the chest and one to the head. Posse members have little regard for public safety or human life. Posse violence can be directed at anyone they feel has crossed them or is in their way.
Criminal Activity associated with them include weapons violations, drive by shootings, murder, falsification of documents, sale and distribution of illegal drugs, sale and distribution of crack cocaine, sale and distribution of marijuana. They are also notorious for using illegal passports or green cards to reenter U.S.A. after expulsion.
Current intelligence indicates no formal Posse hierarchy within the different Posses. There appears to be a self identification with other Jamaicans which share similar values (inclination towards criminal and anti-social behavior) that leads to the appearance of a formal body. However, with the various Posses, there does exist strong individual leadership. Strong leadership is prevalent in the Posses engaged in terrorist activities or sophisticated criminal activity.
There are no formal gang colors. There are over 40 different Posses. Colors which may be associated with Posse members are yellow, green, and red.
The identification of Posse members is often difficult. They may be known by different names in each city in which they operate and usually adopt names from the home island.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Corporate Investigator site with Links
http://www.webspy.org/legal.htm
NATIONAL CYBERCRIME TRAINING PARTNERSHIP - The NCTP
provides guidance and assistance to local, state, and federal law
enforcement agencies in an effort to ensure that the law
enforcement community is properly trained to address electronic
and high technology crime.
http://www.nctp.org/index.html
The Skip Trace Portal
Huge links and free searches featured just for skip tracing!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/SKIPTRACE.HTM
CRIMINAL VERNACULAR: More slang from the detective noir
Terms for a Detective:
Shamus Gumshoe Bulls
Flatfoot Hammer and Saws
Uncle John Peeper Snooper
QUOTABLE QUOTE
This should probable be emblazoned on every gang/intell/narco operation's walls:
"Target the Individual, Not the Geography"
As quoted by Deputy Commissioner Garry McCarthy at a recent COMPSTAT Meeting.
"LEST WE FORGET"... The NYPD Memorial
As noted in a prior posting, due to some "technical difficulties", these listings are being compiled now covering the period
of July 1 to July 22.
Remember our fallen brothers and sister in your thoughts and prayers........
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch #7077, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty #233, Det Div, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio #27238, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident on patrol
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas Sparks, No further info available
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood #4154, 31 Pct, Head injury assault
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson #2175, HAPD, Drowned during rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch #1433, Bomb Sqd, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1940 Det Ferdinand Socha #1117, Bomb Sqd, Explosion � investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas #3438, PSA3, Shot-off duty
July 5, 1946 Sgt Isaac Price #916, 28 Pct, Heart attack during arrest
July 6, 1979 PO Ignatius Gentile #31804, 77 Pct, Fell under train
July 7, 1872 Ptl John Donohue, 5 Pct, Ambushed- head injury
July 9, 1938 Ptl Arthur Howarth #16275, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 10, 1968 Ptl Nicolo Danisi #8908, PA, Shot-off duty, mistaken ID
July 11, 1938 Ptl Angelo Favata #16344, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 12, 1924 Det Timothy Connell #496, DetDiv, Shot-robbery
July 13, 1868 Ptl Henry Corlett, 32 Pct, Drowned-rescue
July 14, 1922 Ptl Frank Mundo #4589, Traffic, Auto accident in pursuit
July 14, 1936 Det Lawrence Gallagher #4733, 47 Pct, Shot
July 14, 1941 Ptl Norman Dixon #17469, 120 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 14, 1980 Det Abraham Walton #3223, SCU, Shot-robbery off duty
July 15, 1977 PO Edward Mitchell #6179, 34 Pct, Shot-robbery
July 16, 1987 PO George Scheu #11089, 115 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
July 17, 1938 Ptl Harry Padian #9516, 32 Pct, Shot by prisoner
July 18, 1992 PO Paul Heidelberger #3960, PSA4, Shot-off duty
July 20, 1857 Ptl Eugene Anderson 14 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
July 20, 1964 Ptl John Polarolo #16297, Harbor, Auto accident on patrol
July 21, 1950 Ptl Alfred Loreto #1524, 24 Pct, Shot-Off duty pursuit
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter #6864, 27 Pct, Drowned- rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe #5275, 78 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley #25696, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn #30991, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed-robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Poltie #16489, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton #29130, 73 Pct, Stabbed-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella #5920, 29 Pct, Shot-investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds #7027, 116 Pct, Shot by perp
Monday, July 16, 2001
MORE ABOUT MONEY LAUNDERING
A recap of general terms, as outlined in an earlier posting, follows.
"Placement" of funds is the initial step in the money laundering process. It is the step in which the funds are deposited into a financial institution or taken out of the country. If a money laundering scheme is detected, it is most often detected at this stage.
"Layering" involves the creation of numerous
transactions to prevent detection, such as moving
between bank accounts, transferring funds from one
form of currency to another, or transferring money
between businesses.
The final stage in the laundering process is the "integration" of the asset back into
the economy in such a way as to make it appear as if it were derived from a legitimate business transaction.
FROM THE HUMIDOR
Some Q&A for the cigar smoker, thanks to the Texas Cigar Club. You can check out their site for more info at: www.texascigarclub.com
How do you prepare a new humidor? A new humidor must be conditioned before you store any cigars.
The humidor is made of wood and cigars need moisture, so you must put moisture inside the humidor, otherwise the humidor would suck all the moisture out of your cigars.
To prepare the humidor, first wipe down the inside with a damp sponge. Do NOT use a paper towel, it may leave lint in the box. Do not use a sponge laying in the sink � it could have soap or bacteria on it. Buy a new one!)
Close the lid, then let it dry and repeat the process once again.
Soak the humidifier in distilled water for about 10 minutes. Wipe off any water and place inside the lid of the humidor. Close the lid and let it stand over night. Re-soak the humidifier again the next day before putting in the cigars.
Keep your humidor in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. The more you open your humidor the more you will need to refill the humidifier.
FROM THE CRIMINAL VERNACULAR....
Fancy Terms:
Coffee and doughnut: Cheap, as in �these coffee and doughnut guns are no good�
Chicago Overcoat: A Coffin
Do the Dance: To be hanged
Elbows: The cops, as in �there�s no elbows tagging along�. Also: to be arrested.
�Having your elbows checked� refers to getting arrested
Glad Rags: Fancy clothes
Harlem Sunset: Fatal injury caused by a knife
Smell from the Barrel: Have a drink of liquor
Step Off: To be hanged or to hang oneself.
Trip for Biscuits: Making a trip for no reason.
Wooden Kimono: A Coffin
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
http://www.cfenet.com/
Searches for People and Businesses
http://www.bigbook.com/
http://www.infospace.com/
http://www.teldir.com/
A recap of general terms, as outlined in an earlier posting, follows.
"Placement" of funds is the initial step in the money laundering process. It is the step in which the funds are deposited into a financial institution or taken out of the country. If a money laundering scheme is detected, it is most often detected at this stage.
"Layering" involves the creation of numerous
transactions to prevent detection, such as moving
between bank accounts, transferring funds from one
form of currency to another, or transferring money
between businesses.
The final stage in the laundering process is the "integration" of the asset back into
the economy in such a way as to make it appear as if it were derived from a legitimate business transaction.
FROM THE HUMIDOR
Some Q&A for the cigar smoker, thanks to the Texas Cigar Club. You can check out their site for more info at: www.texascigarclub.com
How do you prepare a new humidor? A new humidor must be conditioned before you store any cigars.
The humidor is made of wood and cigars need moisture, so you must put moisture inside the humidor, otherwise the humidor would suck all the moisture out of your cigars.
To prepare the humidor, first wipe down the inside with a damp sponge. Do NOT use a paper towel, it may leave lint in the box. Do not use a sponge laying in the sink � it could have soap or bacteria on it. Buy a new one!)
Close the lid, then let it dry and repeat the process once again.
Soak the humidifier in distilled water for about 10 minutes. Wipe off any water and place inside the lid of the humidor. Close the lid and let it stand over night. Re-soak the humidifier again the next day before putting in the cigars.
Keep your humidor in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. The more you open your humidor the more you will need to refill the humidifier.
FROM THE CRIMINAL VERNACULAR....
Fancy Terms:
Coffee and doughnut: Cheap, as in �these coffee and doughnut guns are no good�
Chicago Overcoat: A Coffin
Do the Dance: To be hanged
Elbows: The cops, as in �there�s no elbows tagging along�. Also: to be arrested.
�Having your elbows checked� refers to getting arrested
Glad Rags: Fancy clothes
Harlem Sunset: Fatal injury caused by a knife
Smell from the Barrel: Have a drink of liquor
Step Off: To be hanged or to hang oneself.
Trip for Biscuits: Making a trip for no reason.
Wooden Kimono: A Coffin
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
http://www.cfenet.com/
Searches for People and Businesses
http://www.bigbook.com/
http://www.infospace.com/
http://www.teldir.com/
Friday, July 13, 2001
MONEY LAUNDERING
The goal of a large number of criminal acts is to generate a profit for the individual or group that carries out the act. Money laundering is the processing of these criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin. This process is of critical importance, as it enables the criminal to enjoy these profits without jeopardizing their source.
When a criminal activity generates substantial profits, the individual or group involved must find a way to control the funds without attracting attention to the underlying activity or the persons involved. Criminals do this by disguising the sources, changing the form, or moving the funds to a place where they are less likely to attract attention.
Money laundering is the process used by drug traffickers to convert bulk amounts of drug profits into legitimate money. The need to launder conspicuously large amounts of small-denomination bills renders the traffickers vulnerable to law enforcement interdiction. Tracking and intercepting this illegal flow of drug money is an important tool in identifying and dismantling international drug trafficking organizations.
The money laundering process usually involves three stages: the placement, layering, and integration stages. In the placement stage, the ill-gotten funds enter commercial financial systems. After the funds are in the system they are moved from place to place, or layered, to obscure their trail. Finally they are reintroduced, or integrated, into the economy as "clean" money to be utilized in any way the trafficker wishes. In many drug source countries, the drug trafficker uses the laundered money to pay employees for services and buy properties and businesses. The money is then contributing to the economic growth and stability of the micro economies of the source countries, albeit only temporarily. The sophistication in obscuring the money trail once it has entered into the financial system has increased exponentially in recent years with cyber-banking and e-cash. However, it is at the placement stage that the money laundering operation is most vulnerable to law enforcement. Current Money Laundering Trends indicate that Drug traffickers have recently begun shipping their profits out of the United States in lesser amounts but in more shipments. As a result, bulk movement of cash through the country to its ports has not lessened in recent years. Trailer trucks with hidden compartments have been found to carry large quantities of money.
In law enforcement investigations into organized criminal activity, it is often the connections made through financial transaction records that allow hidden assets to be located and that establish the identity of the criminals and the criminal organization responsible. When criminal funds are derived from robbery, extortion, embezzlement or fraud, a money laundering investigation is frequently the only way to locate the stolen funds and restore them to the victims.
Most importantly, however, targeting the money laundering aspect of criminal activity and depriving the criminal of his ill-gotten gains means hitting him where he is vulnerable. Without a usable profit, the criminal activity will not continue.
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS
The International Homicide Investigators Association has a web site that can provide much information for the homicide investigator. As well as providing information on upcoming training symposiums and organization news, they have a link for investigative resources � phone lookups, etc. Check it out.
www.ihia.org
REID�S INVESTIGATIVE TIP OF THE MONTH
The July issue of the John E. Reid and Associates web site for Investigators deals with the issue of Interrogating Children.
Interviews and/or interrogations of children are truly a specialty, and certain issues as they differ from an adult interrogation must be recognized.
Check out the full text of this �Investigative Tip of the Month� at the John Reid site:
www.reid.com
"LEST WE FORGET"... The NYPD Memorial
Just to let you know that I have NOT stopped writing this part of the column, but that I have encountered a recent "technical difficulty". My efforts to secure a "hard copy" of the NYPD Memorial has yet proved no results; promises to send have not been met. In any event, the way that I have been compiling this column - by hand by looking through the NYPD web page and copying by month - has been hampered these past several weeks.
Look for the July postings next week; we must never forget our brother and sister officers who have gone before us. Remember these officers and their families.
The goal of a large number of criminal acts is to generate a profit for the individual or group that carries out the act. Money laundering is the processing of these criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin. This process is of critical importance, as it enables the criminal to enjoy these profits without jeopardizing their source.
When a criminal activity generates substantial profits, the individual or group involved must find a way to control the funds without attracting attention to the underlying activity or the persons involved. Criminals do this by disguising the sources, changing the form, or moving the funds to a place where they are less likely to attract attention.
Money laundering is the process used by drug traffickers to convert bulk amounts of drug profits into legitimate money. The need to launder conspicuously large amounts of small-denomination bills renders the traffickers vulnerable to law enforcement interdiction. Tracking and intercepting this illegal flow of drug money is an important tool in identifying and dismantling international drug trafficking organizations.
The money laundering process usually involves three stages: the placement, layering, and integration stages. In the placement stage, the ill-gotten funds enter commercial financial systems. After the funds are in the system they are moved from place to place, or layered, to obscure their trail. Finally they are reintroduced, or integrated, into the economy as "clean" money to be utilized in any way the trafficker wishes. In many drug source countries, the drug trafficker uses the laundered money to pay employees for services and buy properties and businesses. The money is then contributing to the economic growth and stability of the micro economies of the source countries, albeit only temporarily. The sophistication in obscuring the money trail once it has entered into the financial system has increased exponentially in recent years with cyber-banking and e-cash. However, it is at the placement stage that the money laundering operation is most vulnerable to law enforcement. Current Money Laundering Trends indicate that Drug traffickers have recently begun shipping their profits out of the United States in lesser amounts but in more shipments. As a result, bulk movement of cash through the country to its ports has not lessened in recent years. Trailer trucks with hidden compartments have been found to carry large quantities of money.
In law enforcement investigations into organized criminal activity, it is often the connections made through financial transaction records that allow hidden assets to be located and that establish the identity of the criminals and the criminal organization responsible. When criminal funds are derived from robbery, extortion, embezzlement or fraud, a money laundering investigation is frequently the only way to locate the stolen funds and restore them to the victims.
Most importantly, however, targeting the money laundering aspect of criminal activity and depriving the criminal of his ill-gotten gains means hitting him where he is vulnerable. Without a usable profit, the criminal activity will not continue.
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS
The International Homicide Investigators Association has a web site that can provide much information for the homicide investigator. As well as providing information on upcoming training symposiums and organization news, they have a link for investigative resources � phone lookups, etc. Check it out.
www.ihia.org
REID�S INVESTIGATIVE TIP OF THE MONTH
The July issue of the John E. Reid and Associates web site for Investigators deals with the issue of Interrogating Children.
Interviews and/or interrogations of children are truly a specialty, and certain issues as they differ from an adult interrogation must be recognized.
Check out the full text of this �Investigative Tip of the Month� at the John Reid site:
www.reid.com
"LEST WE FORGET"... The NYPD Memorial
Just to let you know that I have NOT stopped writing this part of the column, but that I have encountered a recent "technical difficulty". My efforts to secure a "hard copy" of the NYPD Memorial has yet proved no results; promises to send have not been met. In any event, the way that I have been compiling this column - by hand by looking through the NYPD web page and copying by month - has been hampered these past several weeks.
Look for the July postings next week; we must never forget our brother and sister officers who have gone before us. Remember these officers and their families.
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
ASIAN GANGS
Some of the major gangs in New York City include the Ghost Shadows, Flying Dragons, Tung On, and Born-to-Kill. The New York City gangs, like the Fuk Ching, mainly operate extortion and protection rackets in defined neighborhoods in New York�s Chinatown. Their victims are mostly businesses in Chinatown.
The major Vietnamese gang operating in New York City as well as throughout other major cities in the US are the �Born To Kill� gang. Most of the members of the Born to Kill gang are Vietnamese street-youths, commonly known as bui doi (dust of life). The Born To Kill gangs are noted for their violence in enforcing their extortion enterprises.
Asian gangs engage in a wide range of criminal activities including extortion, home invasion, prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking; however, robbery is still their crime of choice. A common method of robbery or "home-invasion" is for gang members to break into the homes of Asian immigrants or Asian business owners, tie up the victims and beat them until the victims produce valuable items or money. Asian gangs are most active in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and the major cities in Canada
Several factors have made fellow Asians their primary target. First, Asians, especially the recent immigrants and business owners, often do not put money in banks. For many of them, banking is a completely new experience since many Asians came from countries where banking services have yet to be fully established. Thus, instead of putting money in the banks as most Americans do, they keep their money at home or invest it in jewelry, especially gold.
The gangs know also that they are not likely to get prosecuted for their crimes against other Asians because most Asians are unlikely to call or report the crimes to the police. It is unfortunate but true that many Asians resist or avoid dealing with law enforcement officials or agencies for as long as possible. This problem is not the result of police actions or practices, but rather an ill-conceived notion about the role of law enforcement officials in the community. To many Asians, law enforcement officials represent a source of extreme terror rather than a source of help or service. This misconception was deeply cultivated by the social and political conditions in the places from which they came. For years, many Asian governments have used the police as a political weapon to suppress political discontents and to protect their powers rather than as an instrument to enforce justice.
One of the structural characteristics that makes Chinese organized crime different from other forms is the relationship between some of the street gangs and certain adult organizations. The latter are called tongs. The Fuk Ching, for example, are affiliated with the Fukien American Association. The Fukien American Association � as with other tongs and their relationships with gangs � provide the Fuk Ching with a physical place to gather and hang out. They allow the gang to operate on their (the tong�s) territory, thus legitimizing them with the community. They also provide criminal opportunities (such as protecting gambling operations), as well as supplying money and guns. The Fuk Ching originally emerged in New York in the mid-1980s, and as with other gangs, their main criminal activity in Chinatown was extortion. They were founded by a collection of young men (youth in their late teens and early twenties) from Fujian province in China -- many if not all of whom had criminal records in China. Fuk Ching recruitment today continues to be among Fujianese teenagers.
The Ghost Shadows were a notorious and deadly Chinatown gang of the 1970s and 80s who put the fear of God into that unarticulated community�thugs who preyed on Chinese storeowners with shakedown schemes and strong-arm dues. They knew that older Chinese residents would be afraid to ask the cops�or anyone else�for help. The gang was also alleged to be involved with drug- and gun-running. They got their marching orders from the supposedly legitimate businessmen who ran the On Leong tong.
Lately the Ghost Shadows have kept a low profile. Back in the mid 90s, the authorities used RICO to rip the gang apart. But that doesn�t mean they�re not around. It could be they�re just working a different side of the street. When Manhattan�s Chinatown gets too hot you can go out to Flushing, Queens, which now has a Chinatown that�s even bigger than the original one. It�s difficult for cops, much less any outsiders, to figure out Chinatown, and a gang like the Ghost Shadows could float off the criminal radar screen and still remain in full operation. That�s because what�s been true for 100 years in Chinatown still holds true today: No one talks. The Chinese make the Mob�s vaunted oath of omerta look like an empty promise at an office water-cooler.
MORE BOOK NEWS
As you probably have guessed, I finished reading Dan Mahoney's new book "THE TWO CHINATOWNS". I highly recommend this novel, as it really captures the chinatown gangs very well. In addition, for the Brooklyn North Detectives, it's nice to see two of the characters in the book who are dear to us. In the book, there are two FBI Agents assigned to the Joint Organized Crime Task Force that you might recognize: Steve Chmil and Lou Scarcella! If you're looking for a book to take with you to the beach this summer, pick up THE TWO CHINATOWNS. You won't be disappointed.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Subscribe here to a weekly Spy-Tech/Investigations newsletter Free
http://www.spytechagency.com/Intel%20Bulletin/Intel%20Bulletin%20Newsletter%20Archives.htm
This site can verify your address information.
http://www.iraves.com/Template.cfm?Section=Demo&Template=Demo.cfm
Investigative Resources on the Web
http://www.webgator.org/
INFO ON MONEY LAUNDERING
The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) is an inter-governmental body which develops and promotes policies, both nationally and internationally, to combat money laundering. This is a very good site for research on the topic of money laundering.
http://www.oecd.org/fatf/
More on Money Laundering:
The International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN), an Internet-based network assisting governments, organizations and individuals in the fight against money laundering. IMoLIN has been developed with the cooperation of the world�s leading anti-money laundering organizations. Included herein is a database on legislation and regulation throughout the world (AMLID), an electronic library, and a calendar of events in the anti-money laundering field.
https://www.imolin.org/
Some of the major gangs in New York City include the Ghost Shadows, Flying Dragons, Tung On, and Born-to-Kill. The New York City gangs, like the Fuk Ching, mainly operate extortion and protection rackets in defined neighborhoods in New York�s Chinatown. Their victims are mostly businesses in Chinatown.
The major Vietnamese gang operating in New York City as well as throughout other major cities in the US are the �Born To Kill� gang. Most of the members of the Born to Kill gang are Vietnamese street-youths, commonly known as bui doi (dust of life). The Born To Kill gangs are noted for their violence in enforcing their extortion enterprises.
Asian gangs engage in a wide range of criminal activities including extortion, home invasion, prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking; however, robbery is still their crime of choice. A common method of robbery or "home-invasion" is for gang members to break into the homes of Asian immigrants or Asian business owners, tie up the victims and beat them until the victims produce valuable items or money. Asian gangs are most active in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and the major cities in Canada
Several factors have made fellow Asians their primary target. First, Asians, especially the recent immigrants and business owners, often do not put money in banks. For many of them, banking is a completely new experience since many Asians came from countries where banking services have yet to be fully established. Thus, instead of putting money in the banks as most Americans do, they keep their money at home or invest it in jewelry, especially gold.
The gangs know also that they are not likely to get prosecuted for their crimes against other Asians because most Asians are unlikely to call or report the crimes to the police. It is unfortunate but true that many Asians resist or avoid dealing with law enforcement officials or agencies for as long as possible. This problem is not the result of police actions or practices, but rather an ill-conceived notion about the role of law enforcement officials in the community. To many Asians, law enforcement officials represent a source of extreme terror rather than a source of help or service. This misconception was deeply cultivated by the social and political conditions in the places from which they came. For years, many Asian governments have used the police as a political weapon to suppress political discontents and to protect their powers rather than as an instrument to enforce justice.
One of the structural characteristics that makes Chinese organized crime different from other forms is the relationship between some of the street gangs and certain adult organizations. The latter are called tongs. The Fuk Ching, for example, are affiliated with the Fukien American Association. The Fukien American Association � as with other tongs and their relationships with gangs � provide the Fuk Ching with a physical place to gather and hang out. They allow the gang to operate on their (the tong�s) territory, thus legitimizing them with the community. They also provide criminal opportunities (such as protecting gambling operations), as well as supplying money and guns. The Fuk Ching originally emerged in New York in the mid-1980s, and as with other gangs, their main criminal activity in Chinatown was extortion. They were founded by a collection of young men (youth in their late teens and early twenties) from Fujian province in China -- many if not all of whom had criminal records in China. Fuk Ching recruitment today continues to be among Fujianese teenagers.
The Ghost Shadows were a notorious and deadly Chinatown gang of the 1970s and 80s who put the fear of God into that unarticulated community�thugs who preyed on Chinese storeowners with shakedown schemes and strong-arm dues. They knew that older Chinese residents would be afraid to ask the cops�or anyone else�for help. The gang was also alleged to be involved with drug- and gun-running. They got their marching orders from the supposedly legitimate businessmen who ran the On Leong tong.
Lately the Ghost Shadows have kept a low profile. Back in the mid 90s, the authorities used RICO to rip the gang apart. But that doesn�t mean they�re not around. It could be they�re just working a different side of the street. When Manhattan�s Chinatown gets too hot you can go out to Flushing, Queens, which now has a Chinatown that�s even bigger than the original one. It�s difficult for cops, much less any outsiders, to figure out Chinatown, and a gang like the Ghost Shadows could float off the criminal radar screen and still remain in full operation. That�s because what�s been true for 100 years in Chinatown still holds true today: No one talks. The Chinese make the Mob�s vaunted oath of omerta look like an empty promise at an office water-cooler.
MORE BOOK NEWS
As you probably have guessed, I finished reading Dan Mahoney's new book "THE TWO CHINATOWNS". I highly recommend this novel, as it really captures the chinatown gangs very well. In addition, for the Brooklyn North Detectives, it's nice to see two of the characters in the book who are dear to us. In the book, there are two FBI Agents assigned to the Joint Organized Crime Task Force that you might recognize: Steve Chmil and Lou Scarcella! If you're looking for a book to take with you to the beach this summer, pick up THE TWO CHINATOWNS. You won't be disappointed.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Subscribe here to a weekly Spy-Tech/Investigations newsletter Free
http://www.spytechagency.com/Intel%20Bulletin/Intel%20Bulletin%20Newsletter%20Archives.htm
This site can verify your address information.
http://www.iraves.com/Template.cfm?Section=Demo&Template=Demo.cfm
Investigative Resources on the Web
http://www.webgator.org/
INFO ON MONEY LAUNDERING
The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) is an inter-governmental body which develops and promotes policies, both nationally and internationally, to combat money laundering. This is a very good site for research on the topic of money laundering.
http://www.oecd.org/fatf/
More on Money Laundering:
The International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN), an Internet-based network assisting governments, organizations and individuals in the fight against money laundering. IMoLIN has been developed with the cooperation of the world�s leading anti-money laundering organizations. Included herein is a database on legislation and regulation throughout the world (AMLID), an electronic library, and a calendar of events in the anti-money laundering field.
https://www.imolin.org/
Thursday, July 05, 2001
WHAT ARE YACS?
What exactly is a �YACS�? This is the term given to the organized crime crews from Eastern Europe � which stands for the �Yugoslavian Albanian Croatian Serbian� Crew.
This nationwide network of more than 400 individuals with similar ethnic origin has been estimated by the FBI to have been active in the US since the mid 1980�s.
A majority of these YACS members reside in the New York City area, where they are based. Several of these families congregate and coordinate their activity in the Bronx, utilizing social clubs and coffee shops that cater to these ethnic cultures. Three of the main gathering locations in the Bronx were identified as Besa, Two Star and the Gurra cafes.
The YACS are known internationally as professional jewel thieves. Their organized crime activities in the US is centered around commercial burglaries. Based out of New York City, and the Bronx in particular, other members and activities have been traced as far north as Vermont and as far west as California, and south into Florida. As of 1997 a large contingent was noticed in the Chicago area of the Midwest.
Their structure, while organized, is not readily identifiable. It appears that they operate according to a hierarchical chain of command, based on the Sicilian Mafia�s system of bosses and under-bosses which revolves around blood and marriage activities. However they appear to some extent in the US to operate in a decentralized command that allows for flexibility among the small crews which carry out their activities. Following the arrest in 1996 of two of the major Albanian leaders in New York it was noticed that instead of a drop in activity, they actually increased their activity. This lends credence to the theory about a decentralized structure among these groups so that activity can continue regardless of leadership removal.
The members have a strong familial bond, whether or not related by blood. They will not discuss criminal with outsiders, nor will they discuss it with just anyone of their own ethnic descent; it is vital that a relationship has been developed. If a member is arrested he will not disclose any information regarding any associates or admit that he is part of an organized entity.
The BURGLARY CREWS consist of 3 to 6 participants, usually young adult males in top physical condition. They are very patient in the execution of a burglary and will case a target for several days up to several weeks in advance. Foodstores, jewelry stores, banks and free-standing Automated Teller Machines are the favored targets. Burglaries are usually planned for weekends and holidays.
Hours before the burglary the crews have been known to hide their tools nearby. They usually use new tools for each burglary and will frequently leave their tools behind.
Communication is vital to their operation, and the use of two-way radios, walkie-talkies and police scanners are a common item.
In their trademark entry, the YACS crew will cut a hole in the roof and lower a rope or ladder inside. Almost always the phone lines are cut. They have been known to trip the alrm of the location several times prior to the �hit� to monitor the action taken in response, as well as to place the location on a �no response� list by the alarm company until a technician has been sent out.
The level of preparedness makes it very difficult for police to catch the burglars or to solve these cases. Any suspicion that the YACS may have been involved in a burglary or similar type crime should necessitate a phone call to our Major Case Squad, that has maintained a tracking of these crews.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here�s another site that has some links to help find people, including addresses and e-mail addresses.
http://alabanza.com/kabacoff/Inter-Links/phone.html
FROM THE BOOK-CASE
DAN MAHONEY has a new book out.
You remember Dan from an earlier posting. He�s a retired NYPD Captain who has written such books as �Detective First Grade�, �Once In, Never Out�, and �Black and White�. These are pretty good fiction accounts involving NYPD characters, including Det. Brian McKenna, the homicide detective that appears in his books that is based on the real life Det. Tommy McKenna of Manhattan North Homicide.
His new book, �The Two Chinatowns�, features another re-occurring character, Cisco Sanchez, in the starring role. The Brian McKenna character is in the background in this one as Cisco battles the Hong Kong triads, as well as Born to Kill, a particularly nasty
Vietnamese-Chinese New York street gang. It was just released in hardcover, and will be reviewed by the Minister in a future posting.
A book for the Non-Fiction enthusiast:
�The Ungovernable City�, by Vincent Cannato, is a 702 page non-fiction account of New York City during the turbulent eight years that John Lindsay was mayor. Recently reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, it has what I found an interesting outlook for those of us in the NYPD.
To quote the review from WSJ, �The key to preventing major riots, Lindsay argued, was restraining the police, whose aggressive action would, in his view, provoke a major blow-up. So petty crime and miniriots were more or less tolerated. As one Lindsay aide said: �It�s better to have a few broken windows than to have this place burned down�. The crime rate, already rising before he took office, skyrocketed on Lindsay�s watch�.
Seeing how the addressing of the �other� broken windows concept � cracking down on petty crimes to prevent more serious ones � has had such a major impact on crime in this city over the past several years, you can be sure this will be a �Must-Read� by the Minister!
Hoping everyone had a healthy and Happy 4th Of July!
What exactly is a �YACS�? This is the term given to the organized crime crews from Eastern Europe � which stands for the �Yugoslavian Albanian Croatian Serbian� Crew.
This nationwide network of more than 400 individuals with similar ethnic origin has been estimated by the FBI to have been active in the US since the mid 1980�s.
A majority of these YACS members reside in the New York City area, where they are based. Several of these families congregate and coordinate their activity in the Bronx, utilizing social clubs and coffee shops that cater to these ethnic cultures. Three of the main gathering locations in the Bronx were identified as Besa, Two Star and the Gurra cafes.
The YACS are known internationally as professional jewel thieves. Their organized crime activities in the US is centered around commercial burglaries. Based out of New York City, and the Bronx in particular, other members and activities have been traced as far north as Vermont and as far west as California, and south into Florida. As of 1997 a large contingent was noticed in the Chicago area of the Midwest.
Their structure, while organized, is not readily identifiable. It appears that they operate according to a hierarchical chain of command, based on the Sicilian Mafia�s system of bosses and under-bosses which revolves around blood and marriage activities. However they appear to some extent in the US to operate in a decentralized command that allows for flexibility among the small crews which carry out their activities. Following the arrest in 1996 of two of the major Albanian leaders in New York it was noticed that instead of a drop in activity, they actually increased their activity. This lends credence to the theory about a decentralized structure among these groups so that activity can continue regardless of leadership removal.
The members have a strong familial bond, whether or not related by blood. They will not discuss criminal with outsiders, nor will they discuss it with just anyone of their own ethnic descent; it is vital that a relationship has been developed. If a member is arrested he will not disclose any information regarding any associates or admit that he is part of an organized entity.
The BURGLARY CREWS consist of 3 to 6 participants, usually young adult males in top physical condition. They are very patient in the execution of a burglary and will case a target for several days up to several weeks in advance. Foodstores, jewelry stores, banks and free-standing Automated Teller Machines are the favored targets. Burglaries are usually planned for weekends and holidays.
Hours before the burglary the crews have been known to hide their tools nearby. They usually use new tools for each burglary and will frequently leave their tools behind.
Communication is vital to their operation, and the use of two-way radios, walkie-talkies and police scanners are a common item.
In their trademark entry, the YACS crew will cut a hole in the roof and lower a rope or ladder inside. Almost always the phone lines are cut. They have been known to trip the alrm of the location several times prior to the �hit� to monitor the action taken in response, as well as to place the location on a �no response� list by the alarm company until a technician has been sent out.
The level of preparedness makes it very difficult for police to catch the burglars or to solve these cases. Any suspicion that the YACS may have been involved in a burglary or similar type crime should necessitate a phone call to our Major Case Squad, that has maintained a tracking of these crews.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here�s another site that has some links to help find people, including addresses and e-mail addresses.
http://alabanza.com/kabacoff/Inter-Links/phone.html
FROM THE BOOK-CASE
DAN MAHONEY has a new book out.
You remember Dan from an earlier posting. He�s a retired NYPD Captain who has written such books as �Detective First Grade�, �Once In, Never Out�, and �Black and White�. These are pretty good fiction accounts involving NYPD characters, including Det. Brian McKenna, the homicide detective that appears in his books that is based on the real life Det. Tommy McKenna of Manhattan North Homicide.
His new book, �The Two Chinatowns�, features another re-occurring character, Cisco Sanchez, in the starring role. The Brian McKenna character is in the background in this one as Cisco battles the Hong Kong triads, as well as Born to Kill, a particularly nasty
Vietnamese-Chinese New York street gang. It was just released in hardcover, and will be reviewed by the Minister in a future posting.
A book for the Non-Fiction enthusiast:
�The Ungovernable City�, by Vincent Cannato, is a 702 page non-fiction account of New York City during the turbulent eight years that John Lindsay was mayor. Recently reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, it has what I found an interesting outlook for those of us in the NYPD.
To quote the review from WSJ, �The key to preventing major riots, Lindsay argued, was restraining the police, whose aggressive action would, in his view, provoke a major blow-up. So petty crime and miniriots were more or less tolerated. As one Lindsay aide said: �It�s better to have a few broken windows than to have this place burned down�. The crime rate, already rising before he took office, skyrocketed on Lindsay�s watch�.
Seeing how the addressing of the �other� broken windows concept � cracking down on petty crimes to prevent more serious ones � has had such a major impact on crime in this city over the past several years, you can be sure this will be a �Must-Read� by the Minister!
Hoping everyone had a healthy and Happy 4th Of July!
Monday, July 02, 2001
IDENTITY THEFT ISSUES
The issue of �Identity Theft� is a major crime problem, growing larger and larger each day. Just open the newspaper or listen to the news and undoubtedly an �Identity Theft� issue will make the news. In addition, you need only check the daily crime reports to see the real life issues we are involved with concerning these crimes � Grand Larceny, Criminal Impersonation, Forgery, whatever the classification � the frequency of these types of crimes is alarming.
As of yet this department has not prepared any training material regarding the investigation of these crimes. In an effort to assist investigators, however, I have prepared a short booklet that touches on the issues and presents a very basic guideline for the follow-up investigation of these crimes.
If you would like a copy of the booklet, please drop me an e-mail or call me at the office, and I�ll be glad to send one out to you. (Ltjac77@yahoo.com).
In addition, as noted in a prior posting, there are several good web sites devoted to this issue. One such site, prepared by the Federal Trade Commission, presents a guideline of what to do �When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name�.
I suggest that you check out this web site, bookmark it for future reference, and print out the areas that are helpful from an investigative standpoint.
Presented here are the main highlights from this booklet, �Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name�.
Some Advise For the Victim:
If you've been a victim of identity theft, you can call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline
toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). The FTC puts your information into a secure
consumer fraud database and may, in appropriate instances, share it with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain.
What can you advise a victim of Identity Theft to do?
They should contact each of the major Credit Bureaus. These agencies, listed below, can assist in properly tracking the theft as well as working with the victim to clear up their credit problems resulting from the theft. These Credit Bureaus are as follows:
CREDIT BUREAUS
Equifax � http://www.equifax.com/
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian � http://www.experian.com/
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013
To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:
P.O. Box 9532, Allen TX 75013
Trans Union � http://www.tuc.com/
To order your report, call: 800-916-8800 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
The First Three Steps a Victim Should Take:
First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus.
Tell them that you're an identity theft victim. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.
Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor, and follow up with a letter. It's particularly important to notify credit card companies in writing because that's the consumer protection procedure the law spells out for resolving errors on credit card billing statements. Immediately close accounts that have been tampered with and open new ones with new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords.
Third, file a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief in your case, having a copy of the police report can help you when dealing with creditors.
KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS
Condolences are in order to the families of the three NYC Firemen who died in the line of duty recently. One of these firemen, John Downing, has a brother, Jim, who is a PO here in the 77 Pct. Keep them in your prayers, as each of these men leave behind a family of young children.
Several fund raising initiatives have been started for them. Check with the New York Post for contribution information in their daily paper, or you may contact the UFA directly for information.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
To all those recently promoted, with special recognition to the Under-Minister of Personal Theft (otherwise known as the RAM Sergeant) in the 77 Squad, MARK POURIA. A well deserved designation as SDS was bestowed on Mark! Everyone is extremely happy for him!
SOFTBALL NEWS
A battle to the very end, but the 77 Squad came out victorious in it�s 4-2 win over the 79 Squad. The battery of Neglia and Gundlach proved to be too strong for our neighbors to the north, but the victory was not without a cost. The injured list grew by 8 names following the game � and that was from the winning team! Hats off to Johnny Belfort on a fine coaching job. Who�s next?
INTERESTING WEB SITES
This is a story that details the history of fingerprinting by Scotland Yard.
http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/saturday/news_38.html
FROM THE MINISTER�
It�s great to be back from a very restful vacation! Remember, you may contact me at:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
My week away in the �country� saw some worthwhile shopping, and a return of a very large bag of books for the library. Watch for more on this in future postings!
The issue of �Identity Theft� is a major crime problem, growing larger and larger each day. Just open the newspaper or listen to the news and undoubtedly an �Identity Theft� issue will make the news. In addition, you need only check the daily crime reports to see the real life issues we are involved with concerning these crimes � Grand Larceny, Criminal Impersonation, Forgery, whatever the classification � the frequency of these types of crimes is alarming.
As of yet this department has not prepared any training material regarding the investigation of these crimes. In an effort to assist investigators, however, I have prepared a short booklet that touches on the issues and presents a very basic guideline for the follow-up investigation of these crimes.
If you would like a copy of the booklet, please drop me an e-mail or call me at the office, and I�ll be glad to send one out to you. (Ltjac77@yahoo.com).
In addition, as noted in a prior posting, there are several good web sites devoted to this issue. One such site, prepared by the Federal Trade Commission, presents a guideline of what to do �When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name�.
I suggest that you check out this web site, bookmark it for future reference, and print out the areas that are helpful from an investigative standpoint.
Presented here are the main highlights from this booklet, �Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name�.
Some Advise For the Victim:
If you've been a victim of identity theft, you can call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline
toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). The FTC puts your information into a secure
consumer fraud database and may, in appropriate instances, share it with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain.
What can you advise a victim of Identity Theft to do?
They should contact each of the major Credit Bureaus. These agencies, listed below, can assist in properly tracking the theft as well as working with the victim to clear up their credit problems resulting from the theft. These Credit Bureaus are as follows:
CREDIT BUREAUS
Equifax � http://www.equifax.com/
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian � http://www.experian.com/
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013
To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:
P.O. Box 9532, Allen TX 75013
Trans Union � http://www.tuc.com/
To order your report, call: 800-916-8800 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
The First Three Steps a Victim Should Take:
First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus.
Tell them that you're an identity theft victim. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.
Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor, and follow up with a letter. It's particularly important to notify credit card companies in writing because that's the consumer protection procedure the law spells out for resolving errors on credit card billing statements. Immediately close accounts that have been tampered with and open new ones with new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords.
Third, file a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief in your case, having a copy of the police report can help you when dealing with creditors.
KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS
Condolences are in order to the families of the three NYC Firemen who died in the line of duty recently. One of these firemen, John Downing, has a brother, Jim, who is a PO here in the 77 Pct. Keep them in your prayers, as each of these men leave behind a family of young children.
Several fund raising initiatives have been started for them. Check with the New York Post for contribution information in their daily paper, or you may contact the UFA directly for information.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
To all those recently promoted, with special recognition to the Under-Minister of Personal Theft (otherwise known as the RAM Sergeant) in the 77 Squad, MARK POURIA. A well deserved designation as SDS was bestowed on Mark! Everyone is extremely happy for him!
SOFTBALL NEWS
A battle to the very end, but the 77 Squad came out victorious in it�s 4-2 win over the 79 Squad. The battery of Neglia and Gundlach proved to be too strong for our neighbors to the north, but the victory was not without a cost. The injured list grew by 8 names following the game � and that was from the winning team! Hats off to Johnny Belfort on a fine coaching job. Who�s next?
INTERESTING WEB SITES
This is a story that details the history of fingerprinting by Scotland Yard.
http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/saturday/news_38.html
FROM THE MINISTER�
It�s great to be back from a very restful vacation! Remember, you may contact me at:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
My week away in the �country� saw some worthwhile shopping, and a return of a very large bag of books for the library. Watch for more on this in future postings!
