WORDS OF WISDOM

In a 1946 edition of SPRING 3100, the following �Timely Thought� was provided:

�It takes 3000 bolts to hold a truck together but only one nut to scatter it all over the countryside�.

If I didn�t read it myself I would swear that was something Dimonda would have said!



POST WORLD WAR APPOINTMENTS

Also noted in the Sept-Oct 1946 SPRING 3100 magazine was the long awaited appointments to the department of two thousand recruits, which was desperately needed as the ranks had been depleted due to World War II.

It was noted that all of the 2,000 recruits had previously served in the military, and was the largest class of police recruits appointed until that time. Even with those appointments the department was still 1,500 short of it�s authorized quota, which gives a pretty clear indication of how the World War had effected policing in the city.

Addressing the new appointees, who would attend a two month Police Academy training program, Mayor O�Dwyer provided the following advice: �Finish each day honorably � and cleanly � that you can, when it comes time to retire, sleep soundly�.

I guess that sleep was sound provided the noise abatement programs remained in effect!


POLICE RECREATION CENTRE

Readers of this site may recall an earlier posting regarding the Police Recreation Centre � known among the members of the service during it�s day as the �Police Camp�.

This resort was located in upstate Platte Clove, outside of Tannersville, NY, overlooking �Indian Head Mountain�. I�m not sure if the mountain was officially named Indian Head, but it certainly resembled one and anyone who went to the Camp knew it as such.

Hospitality and Good Fellowship were the order of the day, as the resort was closed to active and retired members of the Department ONLY. Imagine if you will attending a mountain resort, housing several hundred families in a hotel and several dozen more in bungalows, all of whom are NYC Police Officers! Rank was unknown during your week in the mountains � you could book for one week at a time, with a maximum of two weeks at most. It provided an easy to afford vacation for the police officer and his family, and was booked a year in advance! Many families booked their following year�s rooms upon checking out the year before.

Three hot meals a day were provided in the dining room, introduced over the loud speaker that �Breakfast�, �Lunch� or �Dinner� was now being served! Your table was assigned when you checked in, and you sat there for the week�s meals. Your waiter or waitress most likely was a family member of a police officer, providing wonderful summertime employment.

Your week started on Saturday, and ended the following Saturday. Organized activities took place throughout the week, which included shuffleboard and horseshoe tournaments, softball games, and the regular �Guests vs. Staff� Softball Championship each week. (The younger staff members had a distinct advantage over the guests, but lots of laughs and good cheer were sure to follow!). A built in swimming pool kept you cool, and indoor movies and bingo provided additional entertainment. Of course, there was a snack bar and �Happy Hour� bar for the early evening, and music and dancing at night. No need to worry about the kids � they were certainly safe, surrounded by nothing but cops; babysitting services were also provided, and a camaraderie of �looking out for each other� prevailed.

SPRING 3100 summer editions regularly had a story or two about the Police Camp, dating back to the 1930�s. You could be sure to open a magazine and find a photo of someone celebrating a wedding anniversary or birthday at the Police Camp.

If it sounds like the Minister has fond memories of early days at the Police Camp, well you�re right. It�s hard to explain, and somewhat sad to realize that such a resort couldn�t survive in today�s world, and closed it�s doors in the 1970�s. Too bad.

NOTES ON HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

�Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance�
�Interviews Produce Tips That Lead to Surveillance and Apprehensions�

(Phil Panzarella on Homicide investigations).

The Four Critical Steps for Solving Homicides:
Crime Scene
Interviews
Records
Surveillance

(Ret. Lt. Dan Kelly, Queens Homicide)


HORSESHOES?

A July 1947 issue of SPRING 3100 states how Horseshoe Pitching has caught the interest of department members. Approximately 400 members signed up to participate in the Horseshoe Pitching Competition within the department, for a Championship to be held in September 1947.

The largest group of Horseshoe Pitching entrants came from the Central Office Squads of the Detective Division.

Practice sites were listed, and included a horseshoe pitching field outside of the 72 Pct.


DET DENIS J.A. �DINNY� MAHONEY

Appointed to the department on November 22, 1911, Denis J.A. Mahoney served as the President of the D.E.A. for 25 years.

At the time of his death, July 25, 1948, �Dinny� Mahoney was the DEA President, a popular and colorful figure known as a friend to emperors, Presidents, and judges. He was a legend in New York City, and his death following a short illness was recorded in the annals of the city with a moment of silence in local courtrooms.


PBA WINS FULL PAY AFTER 3 YEARS�IN 1948!

At its July 1948 Installation Dinner, the PBA recognized what it described as �the greatest single gain in recent police history�. The Schick Full Pay After Three Years Bill was successfully passed in the city, granting members the reduction from five years to three years to reach full pay status. This eliminated a grievance fought by the PBA for 40 years.

How many years did it take before this right was once again eliminated through a collective bargaining �giveback�?


Please: Remember the families and friends of our brothers and sisters who have given their lives in service to others.

THE MOVE IS IN...

The Minister has officially taken over the 75 Squad, moving MOST of his "stuff" over. Yes, the true crime library is 90% in place (and the humidor is stocked!).

The past three and a half years in the 77 Squad is without a doubt one of my best times on this job. I worked with great people, had a lot of laughs, and got a lot accomplished. What more can you ask for? As I turn the page to a new chapter, it's only fitting that it happens as I attain another milestone - celebrating 20 years "on the job", and of official "Dinosaur Club" grade.

I relish and behold my time in the 77 Squad; I will always treasure my "77 Squad Commander's Club" card, and think fondly on that time. At the same time, I look forward to moving ahead in the 75 Squad, joining the ranks of the "busiest and the best".

Thank you to all who I have had the opportunity to serve with!

HEAVY C ?

OK, who called the 75 Squad and told the PAA that the newly assigned Squad Commander (yours truly) likes to be called �Heavy C�!!???!!

(You know Barba gets blamed again!).


THE NOISELESS CITY

The Minister, a collector of SPRING 3100 magazines, has collected several issues from the 1940�s that are in excellent condition. Reviewing the department�s periodical gives insight into not only the workings of the Police Department at that time, but of the city in general.

The Sept-Oct 1946 issue, adorned on the cover with a colorful depiction of a policeman in the helmet and long coat of the day (handle bar moustache, of course) watching two children dancing to the music of an organ grinder, complete with a tin-cup monkey!

The department proudly proclaimed on page 1 that it had once again received an impressive silver plaque from the National Noise Abatement Council, for its efforts in reducing the noise level in the city.

�There is no period of the day and night when there are not of necessity some people sleeping. It is a matter of health and happiness for all that everyone should have proper rest�, proclaimed Mayor O�Dwyer. To help keep the quality of life in NYC at a �noiseless level� the League for Less Noise donated a plaque each year since 1938 to the precinct contributing the greatest effort towards the reduction of unnecessary noise. It was noted that during 1945, the department issued 37,641 noise related summonses and issued 183,242 warnings for loud noise.

Undoubtedly there were contingents of �Noise Task Force� patrolman detailed by precinct commanders helping to make sure the citizens got a good nights � or days � sleep!

Editor's Note: It is this writers opinion that a Squad Room in the 1940's that contained the relatives of Vito and Nicky, Loud and Spider, would have been out of the running for the "Noise Reduction Award".

And if you get the choice to sit it out or dance,
I hope you dance!

INTERPOL

Known worldwide as Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization was established to assist police organizations throughout the world coordinate their efforts. Through the exchange of information that is timely, accurate, relevant and complete, INTERPOL coordinates joint operational activities of member countries, while also making available the know how, expertise, and operational assistance.

There are currently 179 member countries belonging to INTERPOL.

In the US, the services of INTERPOL are accessed through the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB) of INTERPOL.

The mission of the US National Central Bureau is to facilitate International law enforcement cooperation as the United States representative with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), on behalf of the U.S. Attorney General.


The major functions of the USNCB are to transmit information, respond to requests by law enforcement agencies, coordinate and integrate information for investigations of an international nature and identify those involving patterns and trends of criminal activities.

The USNCB serves as a point of contact for both American and foreign police seeking assistance in criminal investigations that extend beyond their national boundaries. Known within the international community as INTERPOL Washington, the USNCB brings together US police at all levels, providing a neutral territory where jurisdictions and mandates are interwoven to permit cooperation and assistance to the fullest extent possible.

USNCB assistance is given/extended equally to all US federal, state and local enforcement agencies, as well as to police authorities in INTERPOL member countries.

An integral part of the service INTERPOL provides to member country police forces is the dissemination of subject lookouts and advisories through the circulation of INTERPOL notices.


TRAVEL LIGHTLY

The Minister is moving east. The Minister is assuming ministerial duties in the 75 Squad, East New York, as this posting goes to press. The thought of moving out so much �stuff� is enough to give someone anxiety pangs. Try packing up the world-renowned library of true crime hardcovers, and see what happens!

Also as this issue hits the �net, the Minister is celebrating his 20 Year Anniversary in Service to this City. Where did the years go? The first twenty went so fast (it seems like only yesterday I was walking a post in the East New York subway station); the next fifteen should be a breeze!

You may still reach the Minister at the same e-mail box: Ltjac77@yahoo.com

Drop me a line to say you care!


NYPD MEMORIAL UPDATE

Missing from these pages for some weeks has been the regular �Lest We Forget� listings of NYPD officers killed in the line of duty. This listing will resume this week, delayed due to a technical difficulty in accessing the listing�s site.

Please make every effort to attend the all too many memorial services and funeral in the area for members of this department, the FDNY and the PAPD, who were lost in service to this city and this country on 9-11.

I urge you also to reach into your pocket and make a contribution to one of the benefit funds that have been established for the families of these brother and sister officers.

In order to achieve anything, you must be brave enough to fail.

Kirk Douglas


IDENTITY THEFT INFORMATION

The Federal Trade Commission provides information and assistance to people who have been the victim of �Identity Theft�. You can refer complainants, or you may want to call yourself to receive information from the FTC to aid in dealing with complainants of these crimes.

Internet -- www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Telephone -- 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
Or, write to:

Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580


INTERESTING WEB SITES

HUGE INVESTIGATIVE EQUIPMENT
RESOURCES AND REVIEWS!

http://www.spy-exchange.com/


Master Links 4 Master Investigators
This is a pay-for-services site, but has some interesting (free) links for investigators.

http://www.ml4mi.com

Here�s a good �Crime Scene Investigators� Site, with information and links pertaining to crime scene investigation/searches, etc.

Resources & Links 4 Investigator
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/csi-resources.html

Main Site
www.crime-scene-investigator.net


This site will introduce you to gang hand signs, which are flashed by gang
members either to members of their own gang or as taunts to other gangs.
Some express an attitude, such as "Power" or "No. 1," while others are used
to identify the gang to which the flasher belongs.

http://linz.orf.at/gast/shocky/gang-signs.html


SOME MORE CIGAR HISTORY

Romeo Y Julieta

Developed in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia, this brand immediately showed its quality by winning gold medals in four universal expositions between 1885 and 1900. Named for the lovers in William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name (written circa 1596), the brand also is traditionally credited with the introduction of the "Churchill" shape in honour of the British statesman Winston Churchill. Fernandez died at age 88 in 1954, but his efforts survive him as his full-flavoured Romeo y Julieta brand is one of the most widely known and appreciated in the world today.

IDENTITY THEFT ISSUES

The following information is provided by the Social Security Administration and pertains to the misuse of a social security number. What To Do If Someone Misuses Your Social Security Number is the title of the pamphlet. This information is provided here for your reference, and use in dealing with victims of Identity Theft.

What Should I Do To Report That Someone Is Using My Social Security Number?

You should report this information to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Depending on the circumstances of your particular case, we may open an investigation. Even if we don't investigate, we're interested in learning how your Social Security number has been used by someone.

What If I Have Credit Problems?

If someone has used your Social Security number to get credit, Social Security cannot fix your credit record. To resolve your credit problems, you need to:
� Immediately contact the creditors who approved the credit (follow up with a letter).
� File a police report.
� Contact the fraud department of the major credit bureaus.
� Ask to have a flag placed on your record, requiring creditors to contact you before approving additional credit using your name and number. Ask how long the flag is posted on your account and how you can extend it, if necessary.
� Add a victim's statement to your report; include your name, state the problem and provide a telephone number where you can be reached.
� Request a copy of your credit report from each major credit bureau and check for signs of fraudulent activity. If you've been denied credit, you may be entitled to a free copy of your report. If you haven't been denied credit, the most you can be charged is $8.

WHY NOT NYFD??

When the "Tweed Charter" was passed in NYC, what was knwn as the Metropolitan Fire District was abolished, and in its place a new Board of Fire Commissioners was enacted. What had been known as the Metropolitan Fire Department became the "Fire Department of the City of New York". This was responsible for the "F.D.N.Y." logo on apparatus instead of "N.Y.F.D.". Most departments place the city or town initials prior to "F.D." but as a direct carry over of the provision to create the "Fire Department of the City of New York", "F.D." was placed before "N.Y." on the apparatus, a tradition which lasts today. The badges issued to Members of the Fire Department also carry the "FDNY" designation.

Interesting Web Sites:

Here�s a site of satellite images of the earth. Interesting!

www.spaceimaging.com/level1/index32.htm


A Note to Readers... The Minister has been publishing to this site twice week,utilizing material written over the weekends. am trying to continue this practice even through these unusual times; if you have any suggestions or ideas that you would like to share, please contact me at:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com

Be Safe! And Please Stay Healthy! Rememer our fallen brothers and sisters, and the families they have left behind.

Luck is where opportunity meets preparation or preparation meets opportunity.
Richard Petty

USING RATS TO TRAP RODENTS

A recent column in the NY POST by Steve Dunleavy following the WTC incident referred to the �Church Amendment�, the 1995 federal law that forbids the CIA from using �unsavory characters� as informants.

Dunleavy consulted with Joe Coffey, the retired detective who was noted for his work on organized crime cases (author of the book The COFFEY FILES) and referred to by Dunleavy as �the toughest gunslinger ever to fight organized crime�, regarding his feelings on the use informants. Coffey is quoted, �If you don�t have a rat, you will fight like a mouse�.

What is interesting is that this process of using informants who may be a little �unsavory� is not a new issue at all, especially as it concerns policing and detectives.

In 1895, New York�s Acting Chief of Police Peter Conlin addressed a roll call of detectives and announced that the department policy of using the time-immemorial institution of detective work, the informant � better known as the �stool pigeon� � was under review by the commissioners and might be banned. Astonished detectives shook their heads in disbelief.

What troubled some citizens about �stool pigeons� was that they were paid for their information from the public purse. Many people felt that known criminals should not be paid for information about other criminals, and this debate was well reported throughout all of the local newspapers. Most of the papers, though, were in favor of this usage, as they generally feared the resulting rise in criminal acts they were sure to occur. It was widely acknowledged that its usage in the past resulted in the success of ridding New York City of much of its organized gangs and criminals.

Eventually this practice was not repealed by the Board of Commissioners, and the system remained, mostly due to the pressure caused by outside influence.

�It is the criminal that fears the methods which result in putting him behind bars�, stated Commissioner Andrew Parker in a NY TIMES article.

Stool pigeons remained and continued to be a mainstay of police work, although now known under the more dignified classification of �Confidential Informant�.

(Note from the Minister: THE COFFEY FILES is one of those books missing from the Library of the Minister of Investigations. I'll have to get one of my stool pigeons on the case!)


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Here�s another multi-link database for searches.
http://www.begin-here.com/infogo.htm


Crime Lynx: This site has been published here before, but in case you missed it, it�s worth checking out. It has multiple links for all types of searches of use to investigator�s.
http://www.crimelynx.com/investigation.html

FOR THE FASHIONABLE DETECTIVE

THEY�RE NOT ALLIGATORS

The Izod - Lacoste shirt (best in black with suits or jeans), was created back in the �30s when French tennis star Rene Lacoste � nicknamed Le Crocodile a decade earlier upon winning a croc-skin valise - adopted the reptile as a mascot and sewed crocs on all his shirts. So, you see, they�re NOT alligators; next time someone refers to your �alligator shirt�, you can properly correct them.

�You have to try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it".

Jimmy Dean


THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND DETECTIVES

Theodore Roosevelt, writing in 1897 in an article published in THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, stated how he appreciated the need for two approaches to fighting crime.

As Roosevelt explained, the man with the nightstick, the man in the blue coat with the helmet, can keep order and repress open violence on the streets, but most kinds of crime and vice are ordinarily carried on furtively and stealthily � perhaps at night, perhaps behind closed doors. �It is possible to reach them only by the employment of the man in plain clothes, the detective�.

He also backed the introduction of a new detective system that went into effect on January 2, 1896. Assigning four detectives to each precinct, it placed men under the local precinct commander but made them responsible, as well, to the Chief of Detectives at police headquarters. These men were not only permitted to carry out their duties and investigations in ordinary clothes, they were expected to do so.

Teddy Roosevelt was a definite friend to the detectives.


IDENTITY THEFT ISSUES

Another resource you can refer complainants of �Identity Theft� cases is with the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can provide information to your complainant that can help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies track, investigate and prosecute identity thieves. To file a complaint with the FTC contact them at:

Internet -- www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Telephone -- 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)


DETECTIVE FASHION WATCH: WHAT ABOUT THE HATS?

A leading business magazine notes in its September issue that the hat is beginning to makes its comeback. �Fedoras are making a comeback�. The Bailey Hat Company, one of the nations largest suppliers, reports a 26 percent sales spike in New York., and Bergdorf Goodman says sales of men�s hats are up 20 percent.

A detective always looked good in a fedora!