Monday, December 30, 2002

WOMEN�S PRECINCT

Did you known that at one time there was a "Women's Precinct?"

In January of 1921, Police Commissioner Enright abolished the 22nd (Hell's Kitchen) Precinct and closed the station house at 434 West 37th Street, Manhattan.

On May 3, 1921, the West 37th Street station house was reopened as the "Women's Precinct." It was to be used as a center for the welfare work of the Policewomen's Bureau.

On opening day, May 3rd, all the windows of the S.H. had white curtains. Also flower boxes were on the window ledges. The former sitting room in the back was now the reception room and had a Persian rug on the floor.

The "Women's Precinct" did not last long and was closed within a year.


HOSTAGE CORRECTION

In my prior posting I inadvertently referred to FRANK BOLZ as the �Originator� of Hostage Negotiations in NYPD.

Frank Bolz, then a Lieutenant, was the first Commanding Officer of HNT, and was �one of� the originators of the Hostage Negotiation Team, but NOT the sole originator.

We don�t want anyone to feel slighted by this.


PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

Holiday promotions saw some happy faces in the Brooklyn North family.

Congratulations to Larry Samodulski, of the 90 Sqd, who was promoted to DETECTIVE FIRST GRADE.

Detective Second Grade promotions were extended to George Miller of the 81 Sqd and to Jose Hernandez of the 90 Sqd.

A very hearty congratulations go out to JOE HERBERT, who was promoted to Captain of Police. Joe, we know your heart is here in Brooklyn North! Just know that we feel reassured knowing you are keeping us all safe in the Terrorist TF. Best wishes, Joe!!

Promoted to Sergeant was John O�Keefe of the 73 Squad.

Our �extended� Brooklyn North family saw some promotions as well. Bob Richard, now the CO of the 70 Pct, was promoted to Inspector. Bob was the former Operations Commander and Borough Adjutant in Brooklyn North. Also promoted to Inspector was Roger Peterson, another former BN Precinct CO who is now the PBSI Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. Carlos Gomez, currently at MISD, was also �upped� to Inspector. He, too, was a precinct CO in Brooklyn North at one time.



GHOSTS OF THE PAST: OLD STATION HOUSES

Thanks to noted NYPD historian, Ret. Det 1 John Reilly, here are some interesting trivia regarding NYPD Station Houses.

The �old� 6th Precinct station house, which was located at 135 Charles Street, between Greenwich and Washington Streets, was closed when the new station house was built at its current site, 233 West 10th Street. That was on January 13, 1971.

The 6th Precinct station house was originally built in 1897-98, to house what was then the 9th Precinct. It opened on March 8, 1898.

On January 1, 1908 it was re-designated the 14th Precinct. It remained as such until July 18, 1924, when it was re-designated the 5th Precinct. It wasn�t until July 3, 1929 that it was changed once again to its 6th Precinct designation.

When the building was closed upon the move to West 10th Street, it was sold by the city to a developer who converted it into a condominium apartment house.



INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES: NADDIS

The NADDIS System is the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Intelligence System.

NADDIS is a federal system maintained by the DEA.

The system contains complete information on a subject, and reference to telephone/cellular phones, pager numbers etc. that may have arisen during previous investigations.

It also lists known associates, areas of operation, vehicle information, and other investigation information.

This system can be very useful to detectives, as it can identify and cross-reference subjects and associates. It can identify subjects that are possibly wanted for other crimes, and can help investigators obtain information on other investigators/agencies that may have conducted an investigation on the subject.

The information compiled in NADDIS is is obtained from around the world by the Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Prior to accessing NADDIS, you should first query all other NYPD information systems (CARS, BADS, CRIMS, etc).



�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

December 30, 1968 Det Clifton Eastby, DetDiv, LOD Heart attack
December 31, 1929 Ptl George Grossberger, 108 Pct, Assaulted by irate prisoner
December 31, 1939 Ptl Thomas Burns, 74 Pct, Drowned


WISHING EVERYONE ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR! PLEASE BE SAFE ON THIS NEW YEARS EVE, AND TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER OUR FALLEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS.


Please remember: The SURVIVORS OF THE SHIELD:
PO Box 10017
Staten Island, NY 10310
E-Mail: soswidblue@prodigy.net


Monday, December 23, 2002

DOUBLE BLIND

Double-blind lineups. Get used to them.

The December 23 edition of the DAILY NEWS reveals that Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes has become the first local prosecutor to endorse the use of double-blind lineups to help identify crime suspects.

Hynes stated that beginning January 1 his office will use this procedure when drafting any lineup order.

A double-blind lineup is one in which the detective conducting the lineup, as well as the person viewing the lineup, do not know who the real suspect is.

When conducting a double-blind lineup, the fillers are placed in the lineup room, and the lineup is established by the case detective or a detective from that squad. When the lineup is ready to be conducted another detective � from another squad � enters the lineup viewing room along with the complainant, and conducts the actual lineup viewing and identification process. Accordingly, the supervisor conducting the lineup should also be from a different command and one who does not know the real suspect.

Hynes indicated he was endorsing this procedure, which has been long favorded by defense attorneys, because he was �troubled by the number of wrongful convictions in Brooklyn in recent years�.

�With the double-blind lineup, neither the witness nor the person conducting the lineup knows who the suspect is, greatly reducing any chance of influence�.

It would appear that the prosecutors office is in agreement with defense advocates, who charge that �detectives familiar with a suspect may-even unconsciously- make comments or gestures that encourage witnesses to pick out a particular suspect�. I guess the presence of a detective supervisor is of no consequence to these advocates either.

Advocates of the new procedure indicate that �it is to make it more likely that police catch the real bad guy�.


HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION ANNIVERSARY

The 30th Anniversary of the NYPD�s Hostage Recovery Program will be celebrated on January 19, 2003. This date marks the first time that a �Hostage Recovery� program was put into action by the NYPD.

The originator of the Hostage Recovery/Negotiation Program, Ret. Capt. Frank Bolz, notes this historic fete in a recent e-mail to The Minister.

It was a botched robbery attempt by four gunmen at John and Al's Gun Shop, located in the 90 Precinct in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that was the scene of the first such hostage recovery incident.

During this botched robbery, Ptl Stephen Gilroy would be killed, and Ptl Jose Adorno and Ptl Frank Carpenter would be wounded. After the initial exchange of gunfire, not a single shot would be fired by the elite Emergency Service Unit.

The siege would last for 47 hours. At that time the hostages would be able to escape to the waiting arms of the ESU cops on the roof top of the building.

In April of 1973 the NYPD would graduate the first class of trained hostage negotiators and the DBHNT ( Detective Bureau Hostage Negotiating Team ) was officially formed.

Since that time its hostage procedures have been shared with other law enforcement agencies through out the world. Even the FBI credits us with the origin of the program.

The first four-week training program was designed by Frank Bolz, who was a Lieutenant at that time, along with famed Det (Dr.) Harvey Schlossberg, the NYPD Psychologist. The first class of Hostage Negotiators graduated 30 detectives.

Mark your calendars and watch out for the Court TV documentary on Hostage Negotiations, to be aired on Jan 16th, 2003 at 8:00PM.

Do you recall what two uniform items Frank Bolz was responsible for introducing to the department?



INTERESTING WEB SITE

Identity Theft: A nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and implementing a comprehensive program against identity theft -- in supporting victims of identity theft, broadening public awareness and understanding of identity theft, and decreasing the potential victim population.

Includes "Scam Alerts'" Links, articles, etc.

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/


MISSING PERSONS

What is known today as the Missing Persons Squad began, in 1867, as the Bureau for the Recovery of Lost Persons. It was also later known as the Bureau of Inquiry for Missing People. This was one of the only specialized detective squads when the Detective Bureau was first formed.

It had two officers, one sergeant and one Roundsman. It was in the same room as the Chief Clerk, 300 Mulberry St. In 1885, about 600 people were reported missing every year in the city at that time. About 2/3 of them returned home, or were accounted for in some other manner, i.e. found dead by their own hand or have drown, etc. Some just leave their families because of domestic or family problems, financial difficulties or mental illness.

The procedures in place at that time stated that when a person is reported missing, the name and general description of the missing is telegraphed to Police Headquarters, the �Superintendent of the Morgue� and a number of adjoining police stations. This is known as a �General Alarm�. Records of arrests, and hospitals admissions are checked and the missing�s information is giving to the press reporters stationed at Police Headquarters.

If it is deemed of sufficient importance it is then given to the headquarters detectives and a written memorandum is made monthly with the information and is sent to the Captains of all the precincts.


TRIVIA ANSWER...

Regular readers to this column will recall that FRANK BOLZ, when he was the Lt.-C.O. of the Hostage Negotiation Team (he was the originator) introduced the nylon windbreaker and baseball cap to the NYPD cadre of uniforms.

Mrs. Bolz sewed an NYPD patch on the front of the windbreaker, and another on a baseball cap, and so was born the HNT "Field Uniform", soon to be copied by all plainclothes commands for use when recognition was desirable.



�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

December 22, 1927 Lt Charles Kemmer, 54 Pct, Shot-burglary arrest
December 22, 1940 Ptl Joseph Kussius, GCP Pct, Motorcycle accident
December 22, 1977 PO William Flood, PBQ, Shot-Robbery, off duty
December 22, 1996 PO Charles Davis, MWS, Shot-Off duty robbery
December 23, 1929 Ptl Michael Speer, 71 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 23, 1930 Ptl James McMahon, Traffic F, Injured on patrol
December 23, 1939 Ptl John Briggs, 23 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 24, 1935 Ptl James Dowling, 25 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 24, 1980 PO Gabriel Vitale, 109 Pct, Shot-investigation
December 25, 1935 Ptl Joseph Reiner, Traffic H, Auto accident on patrol
December 27, 1944 Det Anthony McGinley, 5 DetDist, Shot-Domestic dispute
December 28, 1929 Ptl Joseph Jockel, McyDist, Shot-arrest
December 28, 1974 PO Kenneth Mahon, 41 Pct, Shot-robbery
December 28, 1978 PO David Guttenberg, 68 Pct, Shot-robbery
December 28, 1991 Sgt Keith Levine, CommDiv, Shot-robbery, off duty
December 29, 1878 Ptl Asa Furness, 10 Pct, Shot by EDP


THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION WISHES ALL A VERY HEALTHY AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS, AND BEST WISHES DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Tuesday, December 17, 2002

THOMAS BYRNES: CHIEF OF DETECTIVES

Undoubtedly one of the most controversial characters in early NYPD history, Thomas Byrnes led the early Detective force during a very interesting time in this city�s history.

During his tenure, he was probably the most hated man on the department and his policies and actions have been stated as the primary reason for the creation of the PBA.

Byrnes was also incredibly corrupt. History records his wealth amassed at the time of his retirement, noting the unusual amount in comparison to his wages.

Incidentally, his X.O. was none other than the notorious Insp. Alexander Williams, better known as �Clubber� Williams! His deeds, as well as those of Byrnes, have been recounted throughout historical publications, illustrating what can best be described as a "different" time in policing!


FROM THE MEDICAL EXAMINER:
COMPRESSION OF THE NECK: PETECHIAL HEMORRHAGES

Petechial hemorrhages are capillaries that have ruptured because of pressure.

If pressure is put on the neck, the blood backs up and the capillaries, which are the weakest part of the vascular system, rupture.

It takes 60-70 lbs. of pressure to collapse an artery, but only 5 lbs to collapse a vein.

In suffocation, the pressure is primarily on the nose and mouth, not on the neck and usually you do NOT see PETECHIAE. However, when a person struggles this often inadvertently leads to pressure on the neck as well.

Suffocation is a much more rare cause of death than strangulation; there is most often that struggle leading to the pressure on the neck.


THE EARLY DETECTIVE FORCE

The detective system of the city was divided into two branches, the Headquarters Detectives and the Ward Detectives.

The Headquarters Detective force consisted of about 25 men under the command of a Captain, up to January, 1875. The duties of the Headquarters Detectives were the investigation of crimes assigned to them for that purpose by the Superintendent.

The Ward Detectives were about two in number in each precinct although varying; there being sometimes only one, and sometimes three or four. The duties of the Ward Detectives were also the investigation of crime in the precincts, and in this respect they and their Captains at times clashed with the Headquarters Detectives.

The pay of the detectives was precisely the same as that of the Patrolman, $1,200 a year, and no increased compensation was given even to the oldest and most experienced officer among them except when he was allowed by the grace of the Board to receive some portion of the reward paid for the recovery of stolen property. The rank and salary of the oldest detective stood merely on a par with the newest Patrolman who walked his beat.

Pay increased to that of Sergeant when the �Central Office Bureau of Detectives� was established by Chapter 410, Laws of 1882 passed May 17, 1882 and increased the detectives to not more than forty detectives. There were also 10 Patrolmen assigned to the Central Office Bureau of Detectives.


NYPD MEMORIAL CORRECTION

Dec. 7, 1971, Det. Harold Marshall, HAPD- Bklyn. Shot- off duty arrest.

Dec. 7, 1971, Det Harold Marshall, HAPD Bklyn Det. Sqd. While on-duty, in Brooklyn, Det. Marshall suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to effect the arrest of a fleeing suspect.


THE EPICURIAN DETECTIVE

Regular readers of this site will recall a recent posting of the �Best Pizza� in the city.

Let�s face it, detectives have been eating pizza since the first original Ray�s opened its doors. It�s just very conducive as �detective food�. Something to eat on the run, or to feed a squad of people working a big case. Not a lot of decision making involved; sausage or meatballs, anchovies or pepperoni, or just a simple �extra-cheese� topping, and the squad can be fed and continue working with very little �down-time�.

Pizza parlors throughout the city can be broken down into two categories: by the slice or dine-in , and then as �brick oven� or �regular�.

One of those chosen as a �Best Of� in our previous entry was a Manhattan spot, THREE OF CUPS.

This is one of the �dine-in� category, brick oven restaurants. A recent visit by The Minister gives this pizza a definite �Three Fingerprints Up� rating. If your detecting takes you over the bridge into lower Manhattan, in the 9 Precinct area, this would be recommended as a dining experience.

Located on the corner of the 9th Precinct � the old building under renovation � at 1st Ave and 5th Street, it features a full menu of Italian dinner specials as well as a delicious wood burning, brick oven pizza menu. �East Village funk meets old world charm�. A rather eclectic setting, lower east side ambiance, with very good food. Highly Recommended by a 9 Squad alumni, you won�t be disappointed. Just keep in mind that it�s open from 6PM � 2am, and for Sunday brunch noon-4pm.

No time to get over the bridge? No problem.

There�s always GALLERIA, on Metropolitan Avenue & Lorimer Street. This place gets �Three and a Half Fingerprints Up�, with a full Italian menu and excellent brick oven pizza.

Crossing over into Brooklyn South, on Union Street off of Seventh Avenue, is LENTO�S Pizza. Another brick-oven hit, earning a �Three Fingerprints Up� rating as well. Close by, and suitably priced.


YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus-stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.


An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.



IN MEMORIAM: HELICOPTER ACCIDENT � DECEMBER 21, 1967
PTL. GEORGE BISHOP #10469, AVIATION UNIT
PTL. PLATO ARVANTIS, #232, AVIATION UNIT


On Dec. 21, 1967, at about 4.00 pm, an Aviation Bureau helicopter took off from Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn to conduct a traffic surveillance. At about 5.50 pm it fell into the East River near the Manhattan Bridge.

The body of the pilot, Ptl. Plato Arvanitis, was recovered from the water by a police launch.

An intensive search was conducted for the other missing patrolman, Ptl. George Bishop. His body was not recovered until May 17, 1968.

Ptl. Arvantis was appointed to the NYPD on Feb. 1, 1955, and had been assigned to the Aviation Bureau since Dec. 1966. He was 38 years of age, married and the father of two children.

Ptl. George Bishop was appointed to the NYPD July 9, 1965. He was 30 years old, married with two small children.



�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

December 16, 1920 Lt Floyd Horton, 40 Pct, Shot: GLA arrest
December 16, 1981 PO Anthony Abruzzo, Jr, 109 Pct, Shot-Robbery, off duty
December 20, 1925 Ptl Stephen McPhillips, 23 Pct, Electrocuted
December 20, 1936 Ptl James Smith, Traffic C, Auto accident
December 20, 1967 Ptl Robert Harris, HAPD, Shot-gun arrest
December 20, 1971 Ptl Carson Terry, HAPD-SI, Shot, off duty arrest
December 20, 1976 PO Carlos King, TPD D2, Shot-off duty robbery
December 21, 1930 Ptl Howard Barrows, 105 Pct, Auto accident
December 21, 1967 Ptl George Bishop, Aviation, Helicopter accident
December 21, 1967 Ptl Plato Arvantis, Aviation, Helicopter accident

Friday, December 13, 2002

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.


SOME UNUSUAL COMMANDS

Back in 1901, the following commands were identified within the Police Department of the City of New York.

The Harbor Police were officially known as the Forty-second Precinct.

The Steamboat Squad was the Eighty-first Precinct, and covered the wharves, docks and piers on the lower end of Manhattan.

The Ordinance Squad, which enforced city ordinances, was known as the Third Precinct.

The Boiler Squad, responsible to test steam boilers throughout the city.

The Tenement-House Squad, responsible for the inspection of these premises.

The Broadway Squad, commanded by two roundsmen, during the daytime covered that busy thoroughfare. These men were selected �for their great strength and stature, and their special fitness for the posts they occupy�. This squad was known as the 25 Precinct at one time.

A special force of mounted men covered the Speedway, along the Harlem River, and another special force covered Seventh Avenue, from One Hundred and Tenth street north, which was known as a popular pleasure drive.


NYPD MEMORIAL CORRECTIONS

Dec. 8, 1946, Ptl. Edward McAuliff, 18 Sqd, LOD injury.

At about 2.30 am (Sun) Dec. 8, 1946, Detective Edward McAuliffe, assigned to the Manhattan West Det Sqd, left his home at 5301 32nd Ave., Astoria, to buy a newspaper.

At 54th St., Astoria he was attacked by two muggers. While being forced to the ground he was able to draw his revolver and fire one shot. The muggers fled. He was taken to St. John's Hospital, Long Island City, where he was found to be suffering from injuries to his face and back. He died at the hospital the same day.

Det. McAuliffe was 68 years of age, and a veteran of 39 years
police service.


FIRST LAW ENFORCEMENT LINE OF DUTY DEATH

The first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, Isaac Smith on May 17, 1792. And in the Bronx too!! Well at the time, the Bronx was Westchester County. He was a Westchester County Deputy Sheriff, and we got him on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. two years ago.


IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY

1988
The FBI is the first law enforcement agency in the country to use DNA test methods to solve crimes.

There are approximately 740,000 sworn law enforcement officers now serving in the United States, which is the highest figure ever. About 12 percent of those officers are female.


OTHER NOTABLE POLICE FACTS

New York City has lost more officers in the line of duty than any other department, with 567 deaths. California has lost 1,313 officers, more than any other state. The state with the fewest deaths is Vermont, with 15.

During the last 10 years, more officers were killed feloniously on Wednesdays than any other day of the week. The fewest number of felonious fatalities occurred on Sundays. More officers were killed between 10:00 p.m. and midnight than during any other two-hour period over the past decade.



CONDOLENCES TO OUR BROOKLYN NORTH FAMILY

Our expression of sympathy to the families of two of our own in Brooklyn North are extended today.

To Lt. Tommy Joyce of the 79 Squad, on the passing of his mother.

And to the family of Retired Det. John Barba, 77 Squad, who passed away this past Thursday evening. John retired from the 77 Squad this past year. Our expression of sympathy go out to his family and to all of his friends in the 77 Squad.



INTERESTING WEB SITES

Multiple Links: Here�s yet another �multiple-link� web site, provided by a Private Investigative firm in CT, known as Diogenes LLC. Pretty good, certainly worth bookmarking. While you check out the site, take the time to read about who Diogenes was, exactly.

http://www.diogenesllc.com/investigativeresources.html



YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at its intended victim during a holdup in Long Beach, California, would be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder: He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.


The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and, after a little hopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company, suspecting negligence, sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine out and lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.



Monday, December 09, 2002

ORIGIN OF THE BROOKLYN POLICE

History reveals that the first organized structure of public safety in Brooklyn was the Fire Brigade, and law enforcement began as a measure of controlling the problems of vice.

As written in the Brooklyn Union Newspaper in 1871, the origin of the police force in Brooklyn is outlined as follows.
�In 1802, when her population could be numbered by hundreds, crime and vice seem to have made fresh and increasing inroads upon the primitive simplicity of the residents�. The Town Trustees of Brooklyn began the search to find a suitable location for a �Cage or Watch House�.

The foreman of the fire engine companies were duly authorized to establish and regulate a "guard or night watch" for the prevention of crime within the limits of the town.

In 1815, during the month of May, a number of prominent residents came together at the house of Joshua Sands and organized a society which had for its object the suppression of vice in the town of Brooklyn, and at a subsequent meeting the society passed a resolution ordering that several extracts of the laws of the State relative to working, sporting, traveling and selling on the Sabbath be published in the Brooklyn newspaper, The Star, which was at that time �the only paper with which Brooklyn was blessed.�

In 1819 the town authorities established a temporary night watch and everything in the way of business and improvement continued slowly, until 1824 when progress in Brooklyn fully commenced. Roads, lanes, streets which had been considered a nuisance were laid out. A �Village Watch� was then organized, and a municipal court was established.

Nothing of any interest in the history of this department transpired until the year 1837 when John S. Folk was appointed the �Captain of the Village Watch�.

In 1848 the members of the Common Council appointed five City Marshals, who were to act as constables, with the privilege of preserving order, make arrests on criminal proceedings and attending to the service of all civil business pertaining to the Courts.

In 1849 the city watch was forced to change their quarters from the old James Street Market to the City Hall, which was still under construction. There was an office set aside for the processing of prisoners prior to being locked up, and there were sleeping apartments for the members of the Watch that were kept �on reserve�.

At this time there were no stairways leading to the main portion of the building and the watchmen had to climb a ladder with their prisoners when coming into the building in order to reach the court.

In 1855, the act of consolidation which united Williamsburgh with Brooklyn was consummated. At this time there were seven police districts with a force of 274 men under the chiefship of John S. Folk. The Eighth, Ninth, and Eighteenth Wards were not included, as they had a special police at their own expense. Policemen at this time were appointed by the Common Council with the consent of the Mayor.

In 1857 the Metropolitan Police Act came into operation. The district comprised the counties of New York, Kings, Richmond, and Westchester. Up to this time the members of the police force in the two cities had been controlled by the local authorities but now five commissioners were appointed together with the Mayors of New York and Brooklyn, who were to act as members ex-officio, to control the police affairs of four counties.

The first commissioners were Simeon Draper, James. Nye, James Bowen, and Mayors Wood and Powell.


INTERESTING WEB SITES
Check out this People Resource Page,
http://www.pichicago.com/people.asp

INVESTIGATIVE EQUIPMENT REVIEWS
http://www.pimall.com/nais/equ.find.html


HISTORICAL PAY SCALE

Pay of 1st Grade Detective 1895: $2,000 per annum
1913: $2,500 per annum

Pay scale eff. Jan. 1, 1963:

Patrolman after 3 years $7,631.00
Detective 3rd (1,470) $7,943 to $8,052
Detective 2nd (742) $8,405 to $8,770
Detective 1st (269) $9,426 to $9,791

Sgt. Supv. of Det. Sq (90) $9,426 to $9,791

Lt. Cmd. of Det. Sq (70) $10,180 to $10,545

At that time each time there was a promotion you had to go through the increments. Later this was changed and you went to top pay.


IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY

1932-1934
"Bonnie and Clyde" and their gang murdered 10 law enforcement officers, more than any other criminals.

June 25, 1952
Dotson "Pop" Sutton, 80, becomes the oldest officer to die in the line of duty.

1959
Last year in United States history that fewer than 100 police officers were killed in the line of duty.

November 22, 1963
Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit is shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald after the assassination of President Kennedy.

1974
The single deadliest year in law enforcement history, with 268 officers killed.
Police start wearing soft body armor for protection against handgun assaults.


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 11, 1922 Ptl Francis Mace, 73 Pct, Line of duty injury
December 12, 1966 Ptl Raul Yglesias, PA, Shot-off duty altercation
December 13, 1932 Ptl Louis Wiendieck, Traffic B, Line of duty pursuit
December 13, 1946 Det James Burke, 48 Sqd, Shot-robbery
December 14, 1932 Ptl George Gerhard, 20 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 14, 1961 Ptl Hugh Willoughby, 26 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty

Friday, December 06, 2002

COMMISSIONER ROOSEVELT SHAKES-UP THE DETECTIVE BUREAU

On July 19, 1895 Commission Roosevelt moved to strengthen the Central Detective Bureau located at 300 Mulberry St.

In a move that the N.Y. Times called �The greatest shake-up in the history of the Central Office Detective Bureau�; many detectives closely linked with the former Superintendent Thomas Byrnes, were demoted to patrolman and nine were forced to retire.

Detectives were now responsible for investigating vice and liquor laws. Specialized squads for the first time (with the exception of Missing Persons) were now organized. Monetary funds were established for undercover detective work. Sensitive investigations were now conducted without the local precinct captain being made aware they were going on.


DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES� More From the Forensic Anthropologist

Postmortem damage occurs after death, after the bone has become brittle from decomposition and drying. Some damage may occur during recovery such as marks acquired during excavation from shovels, trowels or probes, damage from careless handling such as breakage, and marks from scalpels or scissors. Other forms of damage are from natural agents such as dog or other carnivore chewing, rodent gnaw marks, root etching, and flaking and cracking caused by exposure to sunlight.

Attempts to dispose of remains also will cause postmortem damage, such as cutmarks, chemical burns, and burning from fire. Forensic anthropologists are careful to minimize the occurrence of postmortem damage during and after recovery of remains. Postmortem damage is distinguishable from perimortem trauma by the lack of indicators of plastic behavior in the bone, a color difference between the outside bone and the newly exposed bone, and the pattern (e.g., only at joints) or type (e.g., carnivore chewing) of the damage.

It is clear from the above description that "dead men do tell tales."


INVESTIGATIVE ASSIST: COMPUTER INVESTIGATIVE AIDS

Don�t forget to utilize the info available in the department�s NITRO database when conducting your investigation.

NITRO: The Narcotic Investigative Tracking of Recidivists, contains a centralized database, networks with other Criminal Justice agencies and inter-department databases and intelligence gathered from undercover and field investigations.

It contains all felony drug arrests since 1997, as well as complaint reports of narcotics and public morals offenses.

NITRO has been helpful in the past in identifying subjects arrested at a set location, as well as identifying associates arrested at the same set. Think of it as a CARS for Narcotics!

Another good investigative use, sometimes not utilized, is a search for identified complainants in Narcotic Kites at a given location. How can this help?

Perhaps you are investigating a shooting or homicide at a certain location. By reviewing KITES for identified complainants you may uncover a witness� A person who is willing to identify themselves on a KITE for a narco complaint is the kind of person that may be willing to reveal information they either personally observed, or have heard about, in that area. Call or contact that KITE complainant, and seek out if they have info to tell you about the shooting or homicide! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

NITRO info is best utilized by an investigator trained in the use of the database. Each Borough has a Narcotics NITRO Unit. If you cannot access it from the squad, or do not have a detective HIGHLY proficient in obtaining the info, then I recommend you contact the NITRO Unit for assistance.



INTERESTING WEB SITES

THE DEAD ZONE LOCATOR was developed to help you identify deceptive sales claims before you buy a mobile phone and more importantly it allows you to warn other consumers about areas where reception is bad or nonexistent.

http://www.ucan.org/cellphonedeadzones/index.htm?Return=Dead+Zone+Main+Page



IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY

July 24,1916
Anna Hart becomes the first female officer to be killed in the line of duty.

November 24, 1917
A bomb explodes at Milwaukee Police Headquarters killing nine officers, more than have ever died in any other law enforcement
incident.

May 10, 1924
J. Edgar Hoover begins nearly 50 years of service as director of what would later become the FBI.

1929
Federal agent Eliot Ness begins his legendary law enforcement career and is picked to lead a group of agents nicknamed "The Untouchables."


LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

December 6, 1903 Ptl Frank Redican, 1 Pct, Fire rescue
December 6, 1941 Ptl Thomas Casey, 17 Pct, Shot: Robbery pursuit
December 7, 1937 Ptl Edward Lynch, 20 Pct, Shot-Burglary in progress
December 7, 1971 Det Harold Marshall, HAPD-Bklyn, Shot-off duty arrest
December 8, 1924 Ptl Joseph Pelosi, 60 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 8, 1932 Ptl Michael Moroso, 23 Pct, Shot by sniper
December 8, 1942 Det Joseph Miccio, 78 Sqd, Shot-investigation
December 8, 1946 Ptl Edward McAuliff, 18 Sqd, LOD injury
December 9, 1932 Ptl John Grattan, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident on patrol

Monday, December 02, 2002

THE FIRST CHIEF OF DETECTIVES

Identifying the "first" Chief of Detectives is not as easy as you would think!

The official records of the department, including that of the Metropolitan Police, the predecessor of the NYPD, indicate that, in 1857, Sergeant William A. Lefferts was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Detectives � Acting Chief.

In 1858 through 1860, Capt. George W. Walling held the title as the First Chief of Detectives of the Metropolitan Police.
In 1860, through 1867, it was Capt. John Young who commanded the Detective force.
In 1867, until Oct. 17, 1870, Capt. James J. Kelso became the First �Chief of Detectives� of the Current NYPD Police Department. At that time the name was the New York City Municipal Police, which in 1873 became NYPD.

It was Capt. James Irving who succeeded Kelso, from Oct. 17, 1870 to 1875, and then Capt. James Kealy from 1876 to March 12, 1880.

On March 12,1880, Capt. Thomas Byrnes, who was a Captain since 7-1-1870, took over as the Chief of Detectives. He was later promoted to Inspector on April 23, 1880.

During this early time of the detective force, the Deputy Chief of Detectives was a Sergeant.

The Chief of Detectives held the rank of Captain until Thomas Byrnes was promoted to the rank of Inspector. Every commanding officer of the Detective Bureau or Detective Force, no matter what official rank they held was called the �Chief of Detectives�.

So it can be seen that, actually, Thomas Byrnes was not the first Chief of Detectives. He was, however, the �First� Chief of Detectives of the NYPD Detective Bureau that was established officially as a �Bureau� in 1882.

The title of the police officer performing duty as a �detective� was �Detective Officer�


DUTIES OF THE DETECTIVE

In a speech noting the promotion from �Chief� of Detectives to Superintendent of Police of Captain James J. Kelso, the following comments are noted not only for his recognition, but as an acknowledgement of the work performed by the Detective.

We, the Detective Force of the Police Department of the City of New York, while heartily joining in the general appreciation of the well-merited appointment of our former official Chief, James J. Kelso, to the more elevated and responsible office of Superintendent of Police, while approving the judiciousness of the selection, cannot refrain from expressing our sense of individual loss in the severance of ties of long association in the most delicate and arduous branch of the public service. The duties of this service are most exacting, requiring the excise of vigilance that knows no rest, patience to overcome obstacles, intuitive perception of character, ready and fearless action in embarrassing situations; these qualities, combined with great natural shrewdness intensified by experience, being possessed by our late Chief in a remarkable degree, that insured success.�

So stated C. B. McDougal commenting on the promotion of Captain James J. Kelso from �Chief of Detectives� to Superintendent of Police on Oct. 17, 1870.


THE KANSAS CITY MASSACRE & THE FBI

If you are traveling through Kansas City, make sure to take time out to visit Union Station downtown -- it's the site of an historic battle between gangsters and lawmen that changed the face of American justice.

Union Station marked the end of the powerless Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI, after lawmen -- several of them unarmed -- were gunned down by bandits.

A careful inspection of the elegant train station will reveal scars from the famous "Kansas City Massacre," where Pretty Boy Floyd and his cohorts attempted to free a buddy who was on his way to Leavenworth Penitentiary. Bullet holes from the machine guns used by Floyd's crew still mark the facade of Union Station, silent testament to the people who died there one summer Saturday morning in 1933.

Dubbed "The Kansas City Massacre," the shootout was an attempt by Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd, Vernon Miller and Adam Richetti to free their friend, Frank Nash, a Federal prisoner. At the time, Nash was in the custody of several law enforcement officers who were returning him to the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, from which he had escaped on October 19, 1930.
Nash had been arrested in Hot Springs, Ark., the Ozark Mountain resort town where Owney Madden had his R&R facility for gangsters on the run.

Kansas City, Mo., was the designated stop for the FBI to transfer prisoners to Leavenworth, a distance of about 35 miles. The lawmen and their fugitive arrived without incident and were met by several local FBI agents and Kansas City police detectives.
As the agents and Nash were getting into their car for the trip, Floyd, Miller and Richetti ran up to the car, shouted "up! up!" and then almost instantly opened fire with machine guns.

Nash was one of four people killed that day by bullets from Floyd and his accomplices. Nash never made it out of the FBI car.
Also murdered were agents R. J. Caffrey and Kansas city police Officers W. J. Grooms and Frank Hermanson and McAlester, Oklahoma, Police Chief Otto Reed (who had helped capture Nash).

The Kansas City Massacre is important in the history of law enforcement because of the outrage it raised among citizens.
"The massacre triggered dramatic changes in the Bureau, a relatively small agency composed of investigators without the authority to carry firearms or make arrests," writes FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza.

"The evolution was rapid." Shortly afterwards "agents were given power of arrest and authority to carry firearms at all times. The agency, renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on July 1, 1935, �was given the mandate, power, and tools to fight gangster crime."


DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES� More from the Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic anthropologists are trained to recognize the types of trauma that can be found on bone including blunt force, sharp force, gunshot wounds, and burning. By visual inspection, touch, use of a light microscope, and radiography, the anthropologist can identify these forms on trauma from the characteristic marks they leave on bone. Blunt force trauma is associated with fractured or crushed bone, such as in a greenstick fracture or a depressed cranial fracture.

Blunt force injuries to green bone may leave clear identifying marks of the instrument used to inflict the trauma, such as grooves or direct impressions of the weapon.

Sharp force trauma includes incised cuts, stab wounds, and chopping injuries. This type of trauma leaves an assortment of marks, such as nicks, punctures or serrated grooves, which are observable by touch, plain vision, and under the microscope.


IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY

1878-1881
Notorious outlaw, "Billy the Kid," kills six law enforcement officers in New Mexico.

October 26, 1881
Legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, his brothers and "Doc" Holliday, win the Wild West era's most famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

1902
Fingerprinting is first used in the United States.

1910
Alice Stebbins Wells, of the Los Angeles Police Department, becomes the first female officer with arrest powers.

1914
Berkeley, California Police Department becomes the first agency in the country to have all patrol officers using automobiles.


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

November 25, 1933 Ptl Peter Costa, 3 Div, Shot: Robbery in progress
November 25, 1946 Lt Charles Michie, ESU, Explosion-rescue
November 25, 1946 Ptl Peter Kundsen, ESU do
November 25, 1946 Ptl Frances O�Hara, ESU do
November 27, 1963 Det Ronald Rolker, 18 Sq, Shot: Robbery, off duty
November 29, 1941 Ptl James Collins, 62 Pct, LOD Heart attack
November 30, 1900 Ptl William Baumeister, 29 Pct, Shot-assault arrest
November 30, 1957 Ptl Joseph Rauchut, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon Jr, 69 Pct, Shot-Robbery
December 3, 1922 Ptl John Kennedy, 123 Pct, LOD Injury
December 3, 1934 Ptl John Monahan, 14 Div, Shot-Arrest
December 3, 1954 Ptl Joseph Norden, 105 Pct, Shot by EDP
December 3, 1973 PO Vincent Connolly, Bomb Sq, Auto, off duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident

Monday, November 25, 2002

SPRING 3100

The department�s magazine, SPRING 3100, began printing in March 1930.

It was conceived and born during the height of the depression. Over 200 members of the department submitted names for the magazine. A reward of $25 was given for the one selected by Commissioner Grover Whalen. Twelve men submitted SPRING 3100, and they shared in the $25 prize.

The name was the telephone number used by the public to call police headquarters. The Spring 7 exchange was not yet in use.

The magazine continued running until May 1971, when it ceased publication, as a budgetary constraint. It was not until February 1972 that the magazine was re-born. After its eight month absence, the magazine returned with a new, larger size format.

The newer version of SPRING 3100, along with its new look, had a new price as well. The full years subscription was $4.80, payable by the member wishing to receive it, and it was sent directly to the home.



GHOSTS OF THE PAST: FORMER POLICE STATION HOUSES

One hundred years ago, (1902), there were a total of 30 NYPD police station houses within the Borough of Manhattan. All had been built in the 19th Century. 20 of these buildings have been closed and demolished.

Today, only ten of the 19th Century station house buildings still exist. Two are still active NYPD station houses, the 5th Pct. at 19 Elizabeth Street and the 19th Pct. at 153 East 67th Street. While none of the other eight buildings are still station houses, they have been put to other uses.

Do you know where these former station houses are located, and what is their present day use?

Well, Ret. Det1 John Reilly knows! He know the answers, and wants to know who else does.

You can send in your answers within the next 30 days, direct to John at his e-mail address noted below. Is there a prize for the correct answers? No, but you will have the satisfaction of doing some department historical research yourself.

Clues: one building is located below Canal Street;
three between Canal Street and 14th Street;
two between 14th Street and 42nd Street;
two above 100th Street.

You can discount the Arsenal building in Central Park, as this was a Parks Department building. Also, the old 3rd Pct. S.H. at 160 Chambers Street, because that was no longer a S.H in 1902.

Any answers or questions may be sent to John Reilly, Email:
jtmr71@davtv.com.

John notes also that he is always interested in photos of old station houses, even if there is no identification of the building, as very often he can identify them.

Who will be the first to identify these �Ghosts of the Past�?


INTERESTING WEB SITE

ad-aware 5

This is an excellent program,it gets rid of hidden files in your computer that the marketing people from the internet put on there to watch what you are doing.

Get it from:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/


INTERNET CRIME TO INCREASE RADICALLY

FBI Director Robert Mueller says that cybercrimes will only be overshadowed by terrorism and counterintelligence crimes in coming months. The FBI director is calling for more cooperation between public and private organizations to fight crimes through the Internet.

More information can be found at:
http://webpublisher.lexisnexis.com/index.asp?layout=story&gid=1610000961&did=476J-34S0-00RC-50PP-00000-00&cid=220004422


DETECTIVE BUREAU RELEASES COMPUTER GUIDE

The Detective Bureau has recently released the �Guide to Computer Investigative Aids�.

This is an excellent guide to all of the databases available, including those accessed through third-party i.e. HIDTA, FBI, etc.

A copy of this 15 page guide has been forwarded to every Detective command. If your command did not receive one, contact the Detective Bureau Training Unit.

In the coming weeks I will excerpt important information from this guidebook.


IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY

April 1631
Boston establishes first system of law enforcement in America called the "night watch." Officers served part-time, without pay.

1712
First full-time, paid law enforcement officers hired in the United States by the City of Boston.

September 24, 1789
Congress creates the first Federal law enforcement officer, the United States Marshal.

May 17, 1792
First officer in United States history, Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith, New York City, is killed in the line of duty.


FROM THE LAW LIBRARY

Judge Says Needle Exchange Arrests in N.Y. Must Stop
New York Law Journal

A federal judge has ordered the New York City police to stop arresting and charging drug users who participate in state-sanctioned hypodermic needle exchange programs. Wednesday's ruling granted a declaratory judgment in favor of plaintiffs who alleged police were wrongly charging users with drug possession based on the residue of drugs found in used needles, and with illegal possession of needles and syringes.

http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1036630464088


QUOTABLE-QUOTES

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything -- a good reason and the real reason."

-- J.P. Morgan



Friday, November 15, 2002

ESTABLISHING THE DETECTIVE BUREAU

On May 25, 1882, the NYPD�s Detective Bureau was created by an Act of the state legislature. On May 8, 1883, the NYC Board of Police created a Central Detective Bureau.

The Board of Police established that all officers that were currently performing detective duty in district offices, precincts, or squads be transferred to the Detective Bureau at Police Headquarters.

The officer in charge of that Bureau (no rank specified) would have the ability to assign for detective duty �as may, in his judgment, be deemed essential to the efficiency of this branch of the Department�.

When the Detective Bureau was established there were two grades of Detectives.

The grades were known as Detective Sergeants and Detective Officers.

�All promotions to the rank of Detective Officer shall be from the rank of Roundsman or Patrolman, and to the rank of Detective Sergeant shall be from the rank of Detective Officer�.

Somewhat surprising to see, but the Detective Sergeant was required to be a Detective first.

It further stated that �meritorious service rendered the Department, and the capability of the Detective Officer, shall be the only grounds upon which promotions shall be made to the rank of Detective Sergeant�. The pay of a Detective Sergeant was set at $1,600.00.

It was left to the Chief of the Bureau of Detectives to select a pattern or form of shield for the use of Detective Officers of the Police Department, and to report this to the Board of Police for adoption and use.


PTL. JOHN NULET, KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY: NOVEMBER 1864

On Nov. 7, 1864 Ptl. John Nulet, of the 29th Pct. Metropolitan P.D., was killed in the line of duty.

At about 3.00am Nov. 7, 1864, Ptl. Nulet was taking to the station house, a man he had arrested for disorderly conduct, for having tried to force his way into a house of prostitution at 27 West 24th Street.

When at 29th St. & 5th Ave. the prisoner produced a pistol and shot Ptl. Nulet in the head. Ptl. Nulet fell to the sidewalk mortally wounded. Ptl. Raskin of the same precinct, upon hearing the shot, responded to the scene, saw the murderer fleeing and gave chase. He was soon out of sight, though, and escaped.

Ptl. Nulet was taken to the station house but died there soon after. Ptl. Nulet was 27 years of age, married with two children.

Note: in 1864 the 29th Pct. station house was located at 34 East 29th Street in a leased building.


NYPD MEMORIAL CO0RRECTIONS

Now a few corrections & updates to the NYPD Memorial, as recently posted to this site. It should be noted that this information is gathered from the official web-site of the NYPD, and listed under the NYPD Memorial pages on that site. The following corrections should be made.


Nov. 3, 1931 Ptl. Thomas Madigan: Correct rank is Sergeant.

Nov. 8, 1930 Ptl. Charles Weidig He was not shot during the commission of
a burglary, rather was shot when he walked into a stickup taking place in a store
at 160 Lenox Ave, Manhattan. During an exchange of shots he was killed.


INTERESTING WEB SITE

DAILY NEWS PHOTOS:
Here�s a great site from the DAILY NEWS, with a section on �New York NOIR� that includes some really great crime scene photos. Don�t try to copy them, though � you can�t. If you want a copy of the photo you have to order it from the Daily News � at $35. a pop!

http://www.dailynewspix.com/


HEARD AROUND THE SQUAD�

News and notes from Retired Chief Frank Biehler.

IN MEMORIAM:
Detective SALVATORE CAFISO (33), SI Narcotics, with eight years On-The-Job, while engaged in an anti-narcotics operation on Staten Island, on October 24th 2002, became faint and passed out. He was rushed to St. Vincent's Medical Center (West Brighton), but the Detective went into cardiac arrest and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. A "Full Inspector's Funeral" was held on October 28th 2002. The Detective is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and six-week-old daughter, Alyssa.

IT'S LIFE AND IT'S RIGHT: Alex Restrepo (28) got Life for the murder of retired Detective DONALD PAGANI (69) during a Bronx robbery in 1999. The retired Detective was acting as a payroll courier when he was set upon and murdered. Restrepo and other members of the robbery gang fled to Colombia, but they were found and Extradited back to the U.S for trial. ..... VICE GALORE: Vice Enforcement (the old "PMD") will hold its Retirement/Holiday party on Thursday, December 19th, at Astoria Manor. Call Vice at 646-610-6690 for the $75 ticket. ..... TRIBUTE: Fourteen years after P.O. MICHAEL BUCZEK was murdered, the Officer was remembered by the renaming of the intersection of West 170 Street and Amsterdam Avenue, to "Officer Michael Buczek Avenue." .....


Monday, November 11, 2002

HAWAII FIVE-O

Hawaii Five-O aired from September 1968 to April 1980. Up until recently, it was the longest continuous-running police series in U.S. television history.
With few exceptions, it was filmed entirely on location in Hawaii. Its fans list the authenticity and beauty of the scenery as its number one draw; second come the actors and the characters they portrayed.
Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett, head of an elite state police unit investigating "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, felonies of every type." James MacArthur played his second-in-command Danny ("Danno") Williams, with local actors Kam Fong, Zulu, Al Harrington, and Herman Wedemeyer, among others, playing members of the Five-O team.
Although the men of Hawaii Five-O were based in the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, they were not members of the Honolulu Police Department. They worked as part of the Hawaiian State Police and were accountable directly to Governor Philip Grey.

Actually, Hawaii does not and never did have a state police force.

Steve McGarrett was the head of the Five-O and worked with his own men and the local police in solving crimes and fighting the organized groups of the Hawaiian underworld.

The most hated man on any of the islands was the criminal genius Wo Fat. He would pop up every now-and-then to make life difficult for McGarrett, who was determined to put him in prison. Although he did manage to interfere with Wo Fat's illegal activities, he could never get enough evidence to put him away for good.

Near the end of it's run, on April 5, 1980, McGarrett's toughest rival was finally brought to justice. Disguised as a scientist, McGarrett sprung a trap that sent Wo Fat - seen for the first time in five years - to jail.

Jack Lord, who played McGarrett, died in Honolulu on January 21, 1998 of congestive heart failure.



INTERESTING WEB SITE

If you happen to watch �The Soprano�s� on HBO you may have seen a mug shot hanging up behind Tony Soprano in his office of what appears to be a very young Frank Sinatra.

Well, it is Frank Sinatra.

Frank Sinatra was arrested by the Bergen County, New Jersey sheriff in 1938 and charged with carrying on with a married woman (yes, you could get popped for that back then). The charge was later changed to adultery, and eventually dismissed.

You can view this, and many other celebrity mug shots, at The Smoking Gun web site.

www.thesmokinggun.com



FROM THE LEGAL DESK

Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963 Supreme Court Decision

The GIDEON decision, handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1963, established the right to counsel when on trial, accused of a crime.

Justice Black wrote the opinion of the Court. �The right of one charged with crime to counsel may not be deemed fundamental and essential to fair trials in some countries�, he wrote, �but it is in ours�.

It is the �Gideon� decision that gives one the right to an attorney.



FROM THE DETECTIVE�S HUMIDOR

Restoring Dry Cigars:

You discover a box of your favorite cigars that you left in a closet for six months, and the cigars are as dry as a bone. What do you do?

First, have patience. Put the cigars in a humidor that hasn't been charged in the previous week. Let them rest in the slightly dry humidor for a few days so the cigars absorb some humidity. Then, partially fill the humidification system, letting the cigars rest for another week before fully charging the humidity regulator. This process will ensure a slow absorption of moisture, preventing the cigars from getting too much humidity too soon. If you shock the cigars from too much moisture, they may burst.

If you have a cabinet-style humidor, first place the cigars as far from the humidification device as possible, moving them closer to the humidification device little by little over a period of six weeks.

In any case, do not light up until the cigars are supple to the touch. A dry cigar will burn too hotly, and the flavor will seem burned or carbonized.

The same principle applies to cold cigars or ones that have been stored frozen, a method some people use. (There's nothing wrong with this method except that the cigars don't age.) You must allow the cigars to return to normal temperature slowly. If you light them too soon, the abrupt change in temperature may cause them to crack open or explode. Give chilled cigars at least two or three days at the proper temperature in a humidified environment before lighting them up.

(Reprinted from CIGAR AFFICIONADO).




YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the Branch and wrote "this iz a stikkup. Put all your muny in this bag."

While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller's window. So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo.

After waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. She read it and, surmising from his spelling errors that he wasn't the brightest light in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stickup note because it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of America. Looking somewhat defeated, the man said, "OK" and left. He was arrested a few minutes later, as he was waiting in line back at Bank of
America.


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

Nov 10, 1919 Ptl John McCormack, 38 Pct, Shot-domestic dispute
Nov 11, 1989 PO Gary Coe, BSTF, Stabbed-off duty
Nov 11, 1992 PO Milagros Johnson, 109 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
Nov 12, 1922 Ptl Charles Hoffman, 3 Pct, LOD accident
Nov 12, 1986 PO Kenton Britt, Hwy3, Auto accident on patrol
Nov 13, 1968 Ptl Joseph Pignataro, 46 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Nov 13, 1989 Det Richard Guerzon, QDAS, Shot by prisoner*
Note: On Nov 23, 1989, Det Keith Williams QDAS succumbed to his wounds received during this same incident.

Friday, November 08, 2002

MORE ON THE NAKED CITY

Following a recent posting to this site on the television hit-series �Naked City�, Ret. Det1 John Reilly had the following information to add.

The T.V series �The Naked City� was a follow up to the 1948 movie �The Naked City� which was filmed on the streets of Manhattan. Parts of this film were filmed in the 7th Precinct and the final chase scene was filmed on the Williamsburg Bridge.

In the T.V. series it was decided to replace Lt. Muldoon, played by John McIntire. This was done in the 25th show of the series, �The Bumper.� Lt. Muldoon and his partner were driving a material witness to jail, when a hit man known as �The Bumper� crashes his car into the detective�s car forcing it into an oil truck. In the explosion Lt. Muldoon is burned to death.

The location used for the filming of this scene was at West 135th Street and 12th Ave., in the then 30th Precinct. The location was in Sector 3, John Reilly�s sector. This took place under the West Side Highway. Nearby, also on West 135th Street was the station house of the Old 26th Pct. This station house was abolished and closed April 26, 1954. At the end of the filming Lt. Muldoon was to be carried away in a body bag, but of course the star John McIntire was not required to get into a body bag. Rather an extra was used, who when told to get into the bag by a fireman, remarked that it did not look too clean, the fireman replied �Get in, the last stiff in the bag, had no complaints.�

There are eight million stories in the Naked City. This has been one of them.


DEPARTMENT FORMS

A while back, while still on the search for the DD1, I noted in an off-handed manner in this column that I thought it was unusual for the police department to get to form number 61 (UF61 Complaint Report) before they created the crime complaint form.

This was addressed, in a more serious manner, by noted department historian Ret. Det1 John Reilly.

He noted, quite correctly, that before a crime can be reported there must be personnel to receive and record the report. So the very first forms that must be created are personnel record forms.

While the 1913 M of P UF forms are not readily available, it is noted that the first UF forms were all personnel related.

UF 1 is believed to have been an application form. UF 7 or 9 was the appointment certificate. We still utilize what was then � and still is now � the UF10, or the individual personnel record form.


ADVANCES IN POLICE RMP�S

It was mentioned in a recent posting to this column that the police cars in 1973 were not air-conditioned.

Many retirees I�ve spoken with, including The Minister�s father, can remember riding in an RMP car on hot summer days in the 1950s and by the end of tour finding your uniform was soaking wet.

It should also be noted that until about 1958 or so, if you were the operator of an RMP you drove for the entire 8 hours. There was no change of position after four hours. The vehicles were all stick shift, and after an eight hour tour your legs were quite from the shifting of gears all day.

That didn�t mean you had a break in the winter time! Quite the opposite!

Not only were there no air conditioning, but for a great number of years the RMP�s did not come with a heater!

It was standard practice by the RMP crew in the wintertime to put a horse blanket over their legs to keep warm. Later the entire crew assigned to a car would chip in to buy and have a heater installed in the car.

Into the 1950s there was no back seat in a RMP car. The seat had been removed and on the floor were two large metal boxes that housed the radios. All the cars had only two doors so if you wanted to take a prisoner into the car he had to climb over the front seat-retaining bar and then sit on a radio box.

The December 1972 issue of SPRING 3100 notes some job improvements, outlined by the Police Commissioner, Patrick Murphy. It was noted that bids on vehicles featuring �power steering, power brakes � and last but not least, air conditioning�. It was further noted that only a limited number would be equipped with air conditioning but that �it is hoped they will be like the first blossoms on the tree�.


INTERESTING WEB SITE

Here�s a site where you can access photos, tax assessments, and plans for structures in Nassau County. Do you own a house in Nassau County? Check out your assessment, floor plans and see a recent photo of your house. Guess what? You can check out ANY address you�d like, and it�s there! How do you like that??

Go to: WWW.MY NASSAU PROPERTY.COM


YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

A male walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all of the cash from the cash drawer.

After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber saw a bottle of Scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but the cashier refused and said, "Because I don't believe you are over 21." The robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he didn't believe him.

At this point, the robber took his driver's license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over and agreed that the man was in fact over 21 and he put the Scotch in the bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot.

The cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the robber that he got off the license. They arrested the robber two hours later.


REMEMBER� TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION

Send an e-mail to: Ltjac77@yahoo.com


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

November 3, 1892 Det John Carey, Central Office Sqd, Shot,Arrest
November 3, 1931 Ptl Thomas Madigan, 30 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 4, 1966 Ptl Anthony Campisi, 1 Div, Stabbed-investigation
November 5, 1924 Ptl John Honahan, McyDist, Auto accident on patrol
November 5, 1928 Ptl Henry Behnstedt, TrafficDiv, Auto accident on patrol
November 6, 1978 PO Horace Ford, SCU, Shot-robbery, off duty
November 7, 1864 Ptl John Nulet, No info available
November 7, 1937 Det Arthur DeMarrais, 88 Sqd, Injured: Assault
November 8, 1930 Ptl Charles Weidig, 28 Pct, Shot-burglary
November 8, 1937 Ptl George Pierson, GrandCentralPkwyPct, motorcycle accident
November 8, 1955 Ptl John Albanesi, 60 Pct, Off duty LOD heart attack
November 9, 1970 Sgt Henry Tustin, 32 Pct, shot-robbery


PO HORACE FORD: Killed in the line of duty 11/6/78

P.O. Horace Ford Sh 3187, SCU, was off duty and working as a teller in a bank, when an armed robber jumped the counter near a teller. Officer Ford challenged the gunman to protect the teller and others present in the bank. The gunman emptied his weapon at Officer Ford, hitting him in the upper chest. The officer, though mortally wounded, returned fire and killed the gunman.

P.O. Ford was appointed to the NYPD on March 28, 1966. On June 12,
1979, at the annual NYPD medal day ceremonies, P.O. Horace Ford was posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor.

Thursday, November 07, 2002

CONDOLENCES

It is with much sadness to the Brooklyn North community that the death of JOHN M. CUNNEEN, the BROTHER of Chief Joseph F.X. Cunneen, is announced.

Wake: McManus Funeral Home, 4601 Ave N, Brooklyn
Friday 11/8: 2-5; 7-9

Funeral: St Francis DeSalles Church, B129 St / Rockaway Beach Blvd
Saturday 11/9, 12 Noon

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to:

Rockaway Little League
C/O Marty Andresen
431 Beach 124 St
Bell Harbor, NY 11697

Monday, November 04, 2002

DETECTIVE�S CRIME CLINIC

The NY/NJ Detectives Crime Clinic is a non-profit organization made up of police chiefs, police officers, detectives, investigators, from both the private and public sectors, with an interest in the prevention, apprehension and prosecution of crime and criminals.

The Crime Clinic was informally founded around 1942 by police officers from the states of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Each month the members would join together in order to assist each other and their respective department�s in the apprehension of criminals from their area.

During the Awards Meetings they would honor the selected individuals, and discuss ongoing cases of importance.

In 1949 the organization was incorporated in New Jersey as that is where the majority of the Trustees at that time resided.

The primary function of the organization remains to recognize worthy actions by police officers. They alternate their awards dinner and luncheon meetings between New York and New Jersey.

If you are interested in learning more, you can check out their web site at:

www.NJNYDCC.org

You can also contact the Detectives Crime Clinic at (718) 239-9345.


77 SUNSET STRIP

A very popular private-eye television show that aired from October 1958 to September 1964 was 77 SUNSET STRIP.

This one hour show was referred to as �the Mack-daddy of the late fifties detective shows, the one that started the young, cool private detective craze of the early sixties�.

The premise of the show concerned Stu Bailey, former CIA-OSS officer and his partner Jeff Spencer, a former undercover police officer, as the swinging, martini-clutching private eyes that worked out of their office at 77 Sunset Boulevard in LA.

They drove brand new sports cars � of course � and shared a driveway with the swinging nightspot Dino�s, that always managed to become a hangout and chick-magnet for the pair.

"The thing I liked about this show were the snub nose 38s and the shoulder holsters that they really display rather prominently whenever Jeff's and Stu's sportcoats were off." Another viewer notes "and the other thing I liked about the show was the '60s style Thunderbird. A really sharp car."
This show was the first hour-long private eye show, and became one of the most influential private eye show � setting the tone for the others that followed.

Hard broiled drama was out, and gimmicks were in, as the show included a racetrack tout named Roscoe and a hair-combing Dino�s parking lot attendant and beatnik PI wanna-be named Kookie.

Incidentally, the star of the show who played Stuart Bailey was none other than Efrem Zimbalist Jr, the same actor who later starred in the TV show �The FBI� as Inspector Erskine.



INTERESTING WEB SITES

Here�s an interesting site that�s certainly worth bookmarking, especially for the student-detective (or the parent of a student!).

This site, the CIA World Fact Book, provides concise yet very informative information on every country in the world. Info such as the geography, government, etc. � just those facts that you may want to have at your fingertips for a term paper, or other school project. Check it out!

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook

It should also be noted that the Factbook is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).



EMPLOYEE THEFT UP

And that doesn't even count the CEO!

Security consultant and sometime SECURITY Magazine author John Case pegs losses from employee theft at between $25 billion and $52 billion a year. He believes that employees often become lax about security procedures in a downsizing environment when fewer employees must do the same or more work. A significant amount of theft losses are in the retail sector - still even those recent numbers show that employees can cost a business more than a shoplifter.

The average loss per incident of employee theft: $1446; the average loss per incident of shoplifter theft: $196.


YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers.

The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.



WHO SAID WE�RE A LITIGIOUS SOCIETY?


In November 2000 Mr. Grazinski purchased a brand new 32 foot Winnebago motor home.

On his first trip home, having joined the freeway, he set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the drivers seat to go into the back and make himself a cup of coffee.

Not surprisingly the Winnie left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Mr. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not advising him in the handbook that he couldn't actually do this. He was awarded $1,750,000 plus a new Winnie.

(Winnebago actually changed their handbooks on the back of this court
case, just in case there are any other complete morons buying their
vehicles.)



Wednesday, October 30, 2002

BREAKING NEWS: FINDING THE DD1

I have �Breaking News to report!

For all those readers of this site who have been following �The Squad Room� for some time, you know of my search for the �DD1�.

This started right around the time that the �blogspot� column started. My basic question was: �We all know what a DD5 is. What were the DD forms 1 through 4�? I have been hounded by this question: �What was the DD1�?? No one seemed to know.

Lo and behold, it was the premier department historian, Ret. Det1 John Reilly, who was able to supply the news. Readers to this site will recognize John as a frequent contributor of department history. John has a vast knowledge of department history, and a keen desire to learn evermore. I cannot thank John enough for his contributions.

So, WHAT IS A DD1???

During different periods in the department the title and use of the DD 1 form was different. There is not any reference to a DD 1 before 1913.

In the 1913 Manual of Procedure, the following listing of Detective Division forms reveals our earliest answer.

The DD1 form refers to the �Continuous Precinct Detective Report�.

Furthermore, the following DD forms are identified as:

DD2 Continuous District Detective Report.
DD3 Consolidate Continuous Detective Report.
DD4 Complaint card.
DD5 Supplementary Complaint card.
DD6 Connecting Reference Card.

Total number of DD forms listed in Manual is 25.

In the 1929 M of P is the following listing of Detective Forms:

DD1 Line-up sheet
DD2 (white) Notice of investigation
DD2 (blue) Notice of investigation
DD2 (pink) Notice of investigation
DD3 Record receipt
DD4 Complaint report
DD5 Supplementary Complaint Report
DD6 Watch card.

Total number of DD forms listed in manual is 63, while the numbers go to 81, there are some numbers not used.

In the 2/1/65 supplement to page 304 of the M of P, is listed the following;

DD1 Line-up sheet
DD4 Index of Unidentified persons
DD5 Supplementary Complaint report
DD6 Dealer's and Pawnbroker's Watch card.

There were no DD 2 or 3 listed. The last number was DD106 Criminal Record Transcript.

The Line-up Sheet that the DD1 refers to is the formal �Line-Up� that was conducted each morning at Police Headquarters. This Line-up was discontinued sometime in the mid 1960s, so I would assume that if there was no Line-up there was no need for a DD1 Line-up sheet.

There you have it. The DD1 first referred to the �Continuous Precinct Detective Report�, and in 1929 it was changed to refer to the �Line Up Sheet�.

The mystery has been solved!


KUDOS TO THE DESIGNER�

Of the Bomb Squad Tee-shirt, with the following inscription:

�If You See Us Running, � Try To Keep Up�


UF 16 NOTES: NOTHING TO REPORT

I�ve mentioned before on this site, but it�s worth noting again. If you haven�t already done so you should check the NYCOP web site, www.nycop.com

The recent posting there discusses the UF16 � commonly known as the �Memo Book�. The author recounts his time through the Academy and assignment as a rookie patrolman in the 25 Pct. in 1959. It is well worth the read, and mentions some interesting items.

For example, he notes that there was a restaurant on 114 Street and Pleasant Avenue that was off-limits to the foot patrolman. It was a �known gambler location and if the mob wasn�t in there, some high ranking bosses might be�. This location is now known as Raos; in 1959 it was believed to be owned by a judge. He also notes a restaurant recently mentioned on this site, Patsy�s, an Italian restaurant on First Ave and 119 Str. This location presented a common problem for the foot post, double parking in front of the restaurant. I think this same problem is still there today!


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

October 28, 1888 Ptl James Brennan, 21 Pct, Assaulted during arrest
October 28, 1945 Ptl James Bussey, 18 Pct, Shot-investigation
October 29, 1962 Det John Tobin, BCI, LOD Heart attack
October 29, 1982 PO James Whittington, PBBN FIAU, Shot-off duty
November 1, 1923 Ptl Ace Swinder, 33 Pct, Motorcycle accident
November 1, 1931 Ptl Howard Peterson, 66 Pct, LOD Accident

Friday, October 25, 2002

NAKED CITY

Over forty years ago, a TV series was introduced that would break new ground in the medium and change the face of cop shows forever.

Touted as a human interest series about New York as told through the eyes of two law enforcement officers became the TV hit series �Naked City�.

Beginning in September 1958 and running through June 1963, this series was a trend-setter in television drama as it was shot completely on location in New York. This was a radical move at that moment in television.

The series concerned the detectives of the 65th Precinct. It�s signature was its narrator, who introduced each episode with the assurance that the series �was not filmed in a studio, but in the streets and buildings of New York itself�.

The characters for the series two regular detectives were Lt. Dan Muldoon, the seasoned veteran played by John McIntire, and his idealistic young subordinate Detective Jim Halloran, played by James Franciscus.

Muldoon was written out of the series when creative differences arose, and was replaced by Lt. Mike Parker, played by Horace MacMahon.

The show ran for three seasons and 99 episodes before it was surprisingly cancelled by the network while still high in the ratings.

The show is probably best known for its famous tag-line that ended each episode:

�There are eight million stories in the Naked City. This has been one of them�.


POLICE RMP�S

Police automobile patrol was initiated in 1919.

To distinguish these autos from private vehicles a small �PD� was painted on the side of these cars.

To make the cars more visible on the streets, the NYPD began painting the car roofs white in 1938, with the body of the vehicle green, and the fenders black. The �Green and Whites� set a worldwide standard for marked police vehicles.

In 1973, a year of much change in NYPD history, the color scheme changed to blue and white for even greater visibility and because the lighter blue kept the cars cooler in hot weather. Remember, police cars were not air conditioned at that time.

The use of radio motor patrol cars, or RMP�s, dates from 1932 when cars began receiving transmissions from the department�s radio station WPEG. In the first six months, officers in radio-equipped cars responded to more than 5,000 calls and made 377 arrests. The department began experimenting with two-way radios in 1937, but, because of the shortage of radio parts during WWII, the entire fleet of RMP�s wasn�t equipped with two-way radios until 1950.


MANHATTAN STREET LOCATOR

Here�s a handy little guide to help find the nearest Manhattan street to an address of an Avenue. You may want to cut and paste this into your PDA, or to print it out for your future reference.

1. Cancel the last figure in the address. Divide the remainder by 2 and then add the key number given below to find the nearest street. For example, 500 Fifth Avenue: Cancel the 0, divide the 50 by 2, then add the result (25) to the Key Number (17), and the nearest street is 42nd Street.

Avenue A Key# 3
Avenue B 3
Avenue C 3
Avenue D 3
First Avenue 3
Second Avenue 3
Third Avenue 10
Fourth Avenue 8
Fifth Avenue (Below No. 200) 13
Fifth Avenue (Above No. 200) 17
Sixth Avenue Deduct 12
Seventh Avenue below Central Park 12
Eighth Avenue below Central Park 9
Ninth Avenue 13
Tenth Avenue 14
Eleventh Avenue 15
Lexington Avenue 22
Madison Avenue 26
Park Avenue 35
Columbus Avenue 60
Amsterdam Avenue 60
Broadway Deduct 30


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Reverse look up

www.searchbug.com

Another multi-link investigator�s site

http://www.reporter.org/desktop/



"GOING�S ON IN AND ABOUT THE BORO"�

It�s good to see two of our people, who had been battling illness, back up and around.

Johnny K � Det John Kristoffersen � is back to work after a bout of gall bladder problems. The gall bladder came out, and John dropped some weight along the way. Looking good, John! (He says not to worry, he�s working on getting everything back!)

Also good to see Ret. Det Bob Salem up and around. Bobby made it to the recent retirement �goodbye� for Steve Feely and Warren Bond, and he looked great. I�m sure I speak for many when I see how nice it was to see Bobby out and about!

Along those lines, Steve Feely and Warren Bond are both winding down their �terminal leave� and will be leaving the job within weeks. We all wish them well in their future endeavors. Warren is planning on relocating to Las Vegas.

Steve Feely is leaving to try out full-time retirement. The loss to this department in your retirement cannot begin to be counted. Best of luck, Steve.

Good news has been bestowed on some Brooklyn North Detectives, in the way of promotions handed down on Friday, October 25. Congratulations to:

Rich Ericksen, 88 RAM Sergeant, Promoted to SDS
Frank Contrera, 84 Squad, Promoted to Detective First Grade
John Grosse, BN Homicide, Promoted to Detective Second Grade
Mike Prate, 79 Squad, Promoted to Detective Second Grade

Other movement within the Boro Detective�s has resulted in some Commanding Officer designations being changed:

Sgt. Brian McNulty is now the C.O. of the 94 Squad, replacing Sgt. John Stefanowski who retired with three-quarters.

Sgt. John McArdle is now the C.O. of the 77 Squad, replacing Lt. Steve Sullivan who moved on to MISD.

Some other movement among Patrol included the shifting of precinct commanders. Insp. Mike Marino replaced Insp. Jim Secreto as the CO of the 75 Pct. Jim Secreto moved to Queens Narcotics.

Replacing Mike Marino in the 77 Pct is Jim O�Connell, who makes the shift to Brooklyn North, serving most recently as the CO of the 120 Pct.

Insp. Tom Moran is now the Borough Adjutant. That�s why you�ve seen him with a big smile on his face walking around the SATCOM building. After several years as a hard-working precinct commander, Tom is welcoming his new duties.

DI Richard Bruno moved to the 83 Pct as the C.O. Replacing him in the 94 Pct is Capt. Theresa Shortell, coming to Brooklyn North from Queens.

From the Military Desk, Sgt. Joe Klobus (77 Sqd) is still on Active Duty with the Coast Guard. Joe has been serving on Active Duty for one year now. We all miss you, Joe!

Sgt. Tom Coomey, of Brooklyn North Gang Investigations, has recently returned from his stint of Active Duty with the Navy. Welcome back, Tom!

Best of luck to all!!!


�LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

October 17, 1989 PO Anthony Dwyer, MTS, Pushed from roof, burglary
October 18, 1938 Ptl Martin Hanke, 68 Pct, Shot-accidental
October 18, 1988 PO Christopher Hoban, MN Narco, Shot-warrant execution
October 18, 1988 PO Michael Buczek, 34 Pct, Shot-Investigation
October 18, 1996 Lt Federico Narvaez, 70 Pct, Shot-Investigation
October 19, 1929 Ptl Charles Saver, 76 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
October 20, 1967 Ptl James Dandridge, 32 Pct, Shot:Accidental by MOS
October 22, 1907 Ptl Eugene Sheehan, 3 Pct, Shot by prisoner
October 22, 1931 Det Guido Pessagano, 20 Sqd, Shot-arrest
October 22, 1970 Ptl Gerald Murphy, 9 Pct, Shot-Arrest, off duty
October 22, 1972 Ptl Joseph Meaders, 63 Pct, Crushed by oil truck
October 24, 1935 Capt Richard McHale, 109 Pct, Shot by disgruntled MOS
October 24, 1939 Ptl Anthony Buckner, 32 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
October 26, 1897 Ptl Frederick Smith, 14 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
October 26, 1910 Ptl James Mangen, 144 Pct, Head injury, rescue

Tuesday, October 22, 2002

HOMICIDES: 14TH SQUAD, WITH STYLE

During the 1970s the boundaries of the 14th Pct., Manhattan, were from West 27th Street to the centerline of West 43rd Street, from 5th Ave. to the Hudson River. As most of the area was commercial, including the fur trade area, garment district and Times Square, and there was only a small residential population, homicide investigations did not occur on a frequent basis.

But there were times when the 14th Squad had it hands full. The fall of 1970 was one of them.

On Friday, Oct. 9, 1970, while Ret. Det1 John Reilly was working a day tour 8 am to 5 pm, one of his partners caught a homicide case, which had occurred at a bank within the precinct. During the course of a robbery, the bank guard, a retired patrolman, confronted one of the robbers. The guard pulled the trigger of his revolver numerous times, but nothing happened because he had 25-year-old ammunition in his gun. The robber knocked the guard to the floor, while on the floor he pulled the trigger one more time, a shell fired and the bullet hit the robber just under the heart. The robber fired one shot at the guard, killing him.

As the robber ran out into the street, a uniformed patrolman arrested him. Taken to French Hospital he died there about three weeks later. From information developed it was learned that the second robber who got away was to meet his buddy in a Bowery bar later in the day. While the bar was staked out with the help of FBI agents, the second robber never showed up. The detectives continued to work on the case until almost 1.00 a.m. Then the District Inspector said that anyone who could still catch a train could leave. End of a long 16-hour day. As the next day was their �patrol� (open) day the squad commander told them that we did not have to be in until 11 a.m.

The next morning, at about 8.30 a.m., Oct. 10, 1970, home phones rang in the detectives� residences, and they were told that the night tour team had caught a homicide in the Times Square area and that they had another homicide at the General Post Office.

John Reilly was assigned to that case. Within an hour he was at the G.P.O. at 33rd Street & 8th Avenue conferring with the postal inspectors. At about 7.50 a.m. a male postal worker got into an argument with a female postal worker, his ex-girl friend. During the argument the male stabbed the female, killing her. He then fled from the building. There was some discussion as to who would handle the case, the Postal Inspectors or the NYPD. The Postal Inspector in charge said that normally they did not handle homicides, so it was decided that it would remain an NYPD case. An alarm was put out for the perpetrator and the local precinct in the Bronx where he lived was asked to check his home.

A local news radio station had picked up the story and was broadcasting an appeal for the perpetrator to give himself up. The perpetrator did call a precinct and they sent the Sergeant on patrol to the location where he was. The Sergeant arrested the perpetrator; at the station house he booked him for homicide and then called the postal authorities. The postal inspector responded and for a second time the male was arrested for homicide.

A few weeks later the detectives received a call from a postal inspector who told them that the U.S. Attorney might not prosecute. After conferring with the Manhattan D.A�s Office they were told to draw up a short affidavit, obtain an arrest warrant and to lodge it with Federal authorities. John Reilly did just that, and was next informed that a Federal Grand Jury had indicted the individual.

A busy couple of days for the 14th Squad!


INVESTIGATIVE TIP�

"NEXTEL 411" FOR REVERSE LOOK-UP

Did you know that you can call Nextel 411 from a Nextel phone and request a �Reverse Look-Up�?

Giving them the phone number, they will let you know if there is a listing for that number. It�s good to utilize when in need from a scene. Keep in mind that if it comes back as �unlisted� you will still need to utilize the other investigative steps to obtain this information. Note: This is for residential/commercial listings, NOT for cell phone listings.


PENSION SECTION CHANGES

The Pension Section has been legislatively removed from NYPD and will now function as a separate entity known as the Police Pension Fund (233 Broadway, 25th Floor, NY NY- Tel: 212.897.3413) . Insp. MICHAEL WELSOME now changes titles and becomes "Executive Director." The new unit is expected to provide increased services to retiring members.


THE CALIFORNIA ZODIAC

Between 1966 and 1969, at least five people were murdered in California by an unknown killer who called himself "The Zodiac."

During this time and well into the early 1970s, he sent dozens of letters, codes, and diagrams to area newspapers detailing his crimes, taunting the police, threatening mayhem, and claiming to identify himself. Because these letters were usually riddled with misspellings and bad grammar, the killer was initially believed to be a discretionary illiterate, with little education beyond popular films and novels, but some believe that his prolific writings reveal a working knowledge of chemistry, geometry, and literature that points toward higher education.

The truth likely resides somewhere between these two extremes. It was perhaps this misunderstanding, in conjunction with a great deal of luck on the Zodiac's part, that gave the killer the head start that has enabled him to confound no less than four local police forces, the California State Department of Justice, the US Postal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Naval Intelligence for over 30 years.

A good book just finished by The Minister, ZODIAC UNMASKED, reveals the author's reasons for revealing the Zodiac killer as Robert Leigh Allen. This very interesting retelling of the Zodiac cases paints a very clear picture as to the identity of the killer, and provides all the reasons why a coordinated effort among all department's may have proved successful. It also has a chapter on the "New York Zodiac", naming none other than our own Joe "Porkchop" Herbert, and Mike Ciravolo, as having influential roles in these cases. Sorry, but Lou Savarese was omitted!


FOUR THINGS SOLVE HOMICIDE CASES

As quoted by Lieutenant Phil Panzarella (Sundance 113) and �the best detective supervisor in the police department�, Lieutenant Dan Kelly, the four things that solve homicides are:

1. Crime Scene
2. Interviews
3. Records
4. Surveillance

At the Crime Scene the detective examines the body, the location, and recovers evidence that may help down the road.

Interviews involve conducting a good canvass, talking to people in the area. Once the suspect is in the room, the interview stage takes on a whole new, important meaning. Interviews are extremely important. If you interview people properly, including during the canvass stage, you get their trust and that may lead to getting the information needed to solve cases. The value of good interview skills cannot be overstated for a successful investigator! Talking to people: in the street, then in the room, will be the difference between success and failure!

Records need to be reviewed in conducting background checks on individuals, the victim, and any suspects.

Surveillance is the observation and apprehension stage of the person responsible for the murder.


DON�T FORGET THE FIVE P�S

While we're at it, let's not forget Sundance's "Five P's":

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance


HOW STUPID DO THEY THINK WE ARE?

Here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods. You can�t make this stuff up! Or, perhaps more aptly put, �Ya Gotta Love It�.

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
Is there a Step 3?

On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you
to fly."
I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one. Perhaps this warning is the result of some litigation? I could just imagine that lawsuit!

On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals."
Was there a lot of this happening somewhere?


REMEMBER...To Contact the Minister of Investigation:

E-Mail me at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com