Friday, November 28, 2003

PALM PRINTS ADDED TO NYPD DATABASE

An article written in the November 21, 2003 issue of the NY TIMES by Shaila Dewan outlines the department�s newest resource in forensic analysis: the Palm Print.

The following is excerpted from this interesting article.



For more than a century, the fingerprint has been the quintessential piece of crime scene evidence. But fingerprints are only a tiny part of the story. All of a person's "friction ridged skin" is distinctively patterned: soles, palms and even the writer's palm, as the outer side of the hand is called.

Surveys of law enforcement agencies indicate that at least 30 percent of the prints lifted from crime scenes � from knife hilts, gun grips, steering wheels and window panes - are of palms, not fingers.

That is why in April, the New York Police Department began having prisoners place their whole hand, not just their fingertips, on the glass platen of a scanner when their prints are captured. Beginning next month, the department will be able to do computerized matches of the 100,000 palm prints it has already collected. As the database grows, it will become one of the largest of its kind.

There is as yet no national repository for palm prints, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently assessing three systems, including one by Sagem Morpho, the biometrics company based in Tacoma, Wash., that designed New York's database and scanners.

You can read the entire article at the following web site:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/21/nyregion/21PALM.html?ex=1070640187&ei=1&en=7b7043ed82ae7a71


IN MEMORIAM: DET. FRANCIS BUCKLEY AND DET. WILLIAM MILLER

Det. Francis J.M. Buckley, Shield # 612, 38th Sqd.
Det. William A. Miller, Shield# 120, 38th Sqd.

On January 5, 1922 Detectives Francis Buckley and William Miller were bringing in a suspect from an earlier homicide that day in the 38th Precinct (today�s 32nd Pct).

This suspect was also a possible suspect from an earlier shooting of a police office in the command a month earlier. The two Detectives wanted to see if the injured Police Officer could identify the suspect.

On the way to the Station House the suspect who was walking with the two Detectives fired shots at both of them. Detective Miller died on the scene, on January 5, 1922. Detective Buckley lived a few hours more passing away on January 6, 1922.

The Cops who heard the shots came running out of the Station House. Buckley told them who did it, and a huge manhunt was immediately begun. The wanted perp was caught in Pennsylvania days later. On the train ride back to New York the perp tried to overcome and remove the gun from an escorting Officer; that was prevented and the perp was eventually executed after conviction at trial.


THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF CRIME

Compiled in 1859 by George W. Matsell, former Chief of Police of New York City, the SECRET LANGUAGE OF CRIME was a comprehensive dictionary of the criminal; a Rogues Lexicon.

Some of the entries of interest follow:

Amusers: Fellows who carry snuff or pepper in their pockets, which they throw into a persons eyes and then run away; the accomplice rushing up to the victim, pretending to assist, robs him while he is suffering with the pain in his eyes.
Moll: A woman.
Mumpers: Beggars
Oil of Barley: Strong beer.
Peepers: Eyes
Roofer: Hat
Stop: A Detective
Tail-Diver: A thief who steals pocket-handkerchiefs from coat-tail pockets.
Thimble: A watch.
Turkey-Merchants: Purchasers of stolen silk.


INTERESTING WEB SITES

800 numbers look up. Enter a Product or Service, a Company Name or Toll Free Number and click on Search.
http://inter800.com/

SKIP TRACE PORTAL!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/SKIPTRACE.HTM

INVESTIGATIVE BOOKS MAND MANUALS
http://www.pimall.com/nais/bkp.menu.html

INVESTIGATIVE SOFTWARE
http://www.pimall.com/nais/softw.html


FOR THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR: High Velocity Blood Spatter

Blood spatter that appears in fine mist form is considered high-velocity splatter.

Because the blood is converted into this fine, mist-like spray, it will not travel very far unless influenced by some external force i.e. open door or breeze.

In almost all cases where high-impact velocity is detected, gunshots are the cause. Other possible causes include explosions.

Through-and-through gunshot wounds to the head produce two sources of blood:

The entrance wound causes blood to be dispersed back toward the barrel of the weapon, known as blow-back spatter. Examine for patterns of blood on the hands of the decedent (suicide), hands of the suspect, and in the barrel of the suspected weapon.

High-velocity spatter, brain, tissue, and bone accompany the exiting projectile and will be found closer to the exit wound.




Monday, November 24, 2003

IN MEMORIAM: PTL EDWARD BYRNS AND PTL FRANK DASZKIEWICZ

Nov 19 1926, Ptl. Edward T. Byrns, #4306, 45th (84th) Pct
Nov 22 1926, Ptl. Frank A. Daszkiewicz, #2570, 45th (84th) Pct

At about 3.45 p.m. on November 19, 1926, while performing an 8 am to 4 pm tour of duty, Ptl. Byrns left the 45th Pct.(Poplar Street) station house. As he drove around the precinct he became suspicious of a car with four men in which was driving ahead on him on Hicks St.

He thought he saw the glint of a pistol barrel in the hand of one of the men in the back seat. In front of P.S. 8 on Middagh St. Byrns saw Ptl. Daszkiewicz, and he stopped and called him over. After telling Daszkiewicz of his suspicions, Daskiewicz jumped into the patrol car.

Near Pierrepoint St. Ptl. Byrns pulled alongside the car and ordered the driver to �Pull over to the crub,� then he pulled in front of the other car forcing it to stop. Both officers got out of the police car and walked back toward stopped auto. Neither officer drew their revolvers.

Suddenly the two doors of the sedan opened and shots were fired at the officers. Ptl. Byrns was hit and fell to the sidewalk. All four men leaped from the sedan, as Ptl. Daszkiewicz reached for his revolver, the gunmen fired again and he was hit twice in the abdomen. As he fell forward he managed to grab the last man out of the auto and pulled him to the ground.

As his prisoner tried to fight his way free Daszkiewicz held onto him. A resident of the street came to his assistance and between them they held onto the prisoner until other police officers arrived.

Ptl. Byrns who had been shot just below the heart died on his way to Long Island College Hospital. Ptl. Daszkiewicz was also taken to Long Island College Hospital where he died on Nov. 22, 1926 as a result of his wounds.

Ptl. Byrns was appointed to the NYPD on October 19, 1925. He was born on Nov. 21, 1899, and was the father of two children and a widower, his wife having died shortly before his death. Ptl. Daszkiewicz was appointed to the NYPD on March 26, 1924. He was 33 years old, married, the father of three children.

At the 1927 NYPD annual medals awards ceremony the NYPD Medal of Honor was posthumously awarded to the slain officers. The medals were presented to Mrs. Catherine Byrns the mother of Ptl. Byrns and to the widow of Ptl. Daszkiewicz, Mrs. Veronica Daszkiewicz.


FROM THE BOOK SHELF: DEAD RED

Regular readers of this site no doubt are aware of The Minister�s passion about reading and collecting True Crime books. Although this following book is a novel, it has earned itself a high place on my bookshelf, and I�d like to pass this along to others.

Written by a Retired Homicide Lieutenant from Miami, DEAD RED is more than just another detective mystery.

Nelson Andreu spent twenty-two years in the Miami Police Department�s Homicide Unit. Coming on the job in 1980, Nelson was just in time to see the influx of the Mariel boat-people to the shores of Florida, and specifically Miami, and after just ten moths on patrol he found himself in the Homicide Unit. He remained a homicide detective for fifteen years before being promoted to Sergeant, and he remained there as a Detective Sergeant. He retired in April of 2002, having been promoted to Lieutenant along the way, and remaining in Homicide throughout this career.

He supervised not only the day-to-day homicide cases, but also spearheaded the origin of the Cold Case Squad as well.

He has written an excellent story that makes use of his first-hand knowledge of solving mysterious deaths, and brings the reader inside the workings of a homicide case the way no outsider could have.

I was fortunate to pick this book up recently while in Miami. You won�t be able to find it in your local New York bookstore, but if you go on-line and check out his web site you can put an order in. You won�t be disappointed!

Check it out at: www.DeadRedNovel.com

The winter is right around the corner, and before you know it you�ll find yourself inside � in the comfort of your home � looking for something to read. Plan ahead, and pick the book up while you still have time.


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Guides to Investigating Child Abuse: Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse

Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse

Could This Be Child Abuse? Repetitive Accidents. Cutaneous (Skin) Injuries. Bruises. Burns. Poisoning.
Head Injuries. Internal Injuries. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Child Abuse Resources.

http://www.ncjrs.org/html/ojjdp/portable_guides/abuse/contents.html


POLICE HISTORY

Did you know:

Due to public drunkenness being such a problem in 1748 London, the first police force to actually patrol the streets was created.

The BOW STREET RUNNERS were a large advancement in policing; because they actually patrolled the streets rather than sit in "Watch Boxes" as the Watchmen did, they were able to apprehend offenders and control the drunk and disorder mayhem of 18th Century London.

The Metropolitan Police of London, in 1829, became the first organized police force. Under the direction of Sir Robert Peel, the force numbered over 1000 officers. They were known as "Bobbies", a reflection on their leader Robert Peel. This was the first police force organized under a military structure, as well as the first to perform its duties in distinct uniforms.

The first organized police force in America was created in 1838 in Boston. A New York police force was created in 1844, and Philadelphia saw its force started in 1856.


A LITTLE TEST

Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.
The question: Just two+ generations ago, in 1923, who was:
1. President of the largest steel company?
2. President of the largest gas company?
3. President of the New York Stock Exchange?
4. Greatest wheat speculator?
5. President of the Bank of International Settlement?
6. Great Bear of Wall Street?

These men were considered some of the world's most successful of their day. Now, 80 years later, the history book asks us, do we know what
ultimately became of them. The answers:

1. The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab, died a pauper.
2. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane.
3. The president of the NYSE, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to
die at home.
4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless.
5. The president of the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself.
6. The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide.

However, in that same year, 1923, the PGA Champion and the winner of the important golf tournament, the US Open, was Gene Sarazen. What became of him?

He played golf until he was 92, died in 1999 at the age of 95. He was financially secure at the time of his death.

The moral: Screw work. Play golf. You'll live longer and be better off in the end.


HAPPY HOLIDAY WISHES TO ALL! Enjoy your turkey, or whatever you have for this holiday celebration. Hoping all are safe and healthy!


�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 25, 1933 Ptl Peter Costa, 3Div, Shot-Robbery in Progress
November 25, 1946 Lt Charles Michie, ESU, Explosion-rescue
November 25, 1946 Ptl Peter Knudsen, ESU, Explosion-rescue
November 25, 1946 Ptl Francis O�Hara, 102 Pct, Explosion-rescue
November 27, 1963 Det Ronald Rolker, 18 Sqd, Shot-Robbery, off duty
November 29, 1941 Ptl James Collins, 62 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
November 30, 1900 Ptl William Baumeister, 29 Pct, Shot-Assault arrest
November 30, 1957 Ptl Joseph Rauchut, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol





Friday, November 21, 2003

THE CIVIL WAR DRAFT RIOTS OF 1863

The following story was Written and Researched by Retired NYPD Sergeant Michael E. J. Bosak. Mike is the Police Historian for Memorial Lodge 100, Fraternal Order of Police. This story is copyright by Michael E.J. Bosak. It is a very interesting report on the Draft Riots that took place in New York City in 1863, and that claimed the lives of four Patrolman, all fatally wounded while bravely discharging their duty, during these riots that took place between July 13 through July 16, 1863.

Tuesday, the 14th of July 1863, was one of those hot sweltering days of midsummer when any kind of bodily exertion is an ordeal. For the patrolmen of the West 35th Street Station things were not going well. With insignificant sleep, most of the 58 men of the 20th Precinct (today�s Midtown South Pct.) had been constantly on the go since Monday morning when the Draft Riots started at 46th Street and 3rd Ave. The men were responding here and there, without rest, to lynchings, looting, arson, and murderous assaults by mobs of rabble south of 57th Street.

With only one sergeant and a handful of patrolmen left to safeguard the station house, 216 black orphans, none over the age of twelve, had taken refuge at 212 West 35th Street on Monday afternoon, when the Colored Orphan Asylum was burned down. That number quickly swelled to over 400 blacks by nightfall with the elderly and defenseless seeking the shelter and safety of the station house. Furthermore, things were now about to go from bad to worse. That afternoon, the Central Office (Police Headquarters) received a telegraph message from the 16th Precinct, "Colored children are now at the Twentieth, and the crowd say they are coming to sack the building." A mob of evildoers was now going to attempt to put the torch to the station house, and vent its rage on the defenseless blacks taking refuge on 35th Street along with the handful of defending police. This battle would result in one of the finest moments in the history of the policing of New York City. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we have to go back to the beginning and the facts leading to that fateful event.

It was now the third year of an extremely bloody war and the draft for the most part was opposed by most of New York�s poor Irish, for the wealthy could buy their way out of serving their country for $300. Moreover, confusion and rumors helped Southern sympathizers to visualize an advantageous insurrection in NYC. In June, most functioning militia units within 150 miles of New York had been summoned to the seat of the war � Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-- to help stop the advancement of the Confederates and Robert E. Lee. Essentially, this action stripped the city of any backup in case of large civil disorders. The battle of Gettysburg had just ended in Union victory, but communications and intelligence were poor in July of 1863.

Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police were short patrolmen that July. The department only had a total of 1452 patrolmen to police the City of New York. The 133rd Infantry, New York Volunteers, better know as the "Metropolitan Police Brigade," made up entirely of New York and Brooklyn police officers, had assaulted the breastworks and gun emplacements at Port Hudson, resulting in the Confederate surrender of that city. In their "Union Blues" with Metropolitan Police buttons affixed to their uniforms and fixed bayonets, they had proudly stained the Louisiana Red River clay with their crimson blood and earthy perspiration. (A noteworthy story about great people, better left to another day to give those brave officers their deserving respect and esteem.)

The draft started innocently enough on Saturday, with a large number of men randomly selected at the 9th District Provost Marshall Office, 677 3rd Avenue. But by Monday morning, thousands had assembled in the vicinity of 46th Street and 3rd Avenue. The detail was then increased from one and twelve to 60 patrolmen at the enrollment office. Everything was in good order until about 10 a.m. when "The Black Joke", Engine Co. 33 of the New York�s Fire Department arrived on the scene from West 58th Street. The company was composed exclusively of men known as "roughs" - freehanded, daring, turbulent, volunteer firemen, ready for what they called a "muss". Several had been drafted, and they telegraphed the 19th Precinct on East 59th Street, announcing that they were going to burn down the draft office. And burn it down they did, along with half the block! At half past ten, somebody fired a pistol shot in front of the building and a storm of stones broke the windows of the draft office and pummeled New York Finest. A scene of furious brutality followed.

The first serious victim of the riot was the Superintendent John A. Kennedy (today�s rank of Chief of Department). On his way to 3rd Avenue, he was beaten so badly that he was almost unrecognizable. Covered with blood and mud, he had his clothes ripped from his body. In fact, when he was removed to Police Headquarters at 300 Mulberry Street, Thomas C. Acton, the President of the Police Board (today�s Police Commissioner) didn�t recognize him and ordered him arrested. He remained in critical condition until well after the riots had been put down. Other police officers were hunted down and severely attacked. One was even thrown from the roof of a building. Over the next four days, scores of police officers would be brutally beaten, shot, stabbed and stomped senseless. Four would die and two station houses, the 18th Precinct , at 325, East 22nd Street (22nd Streeet & 1st avenue), and the 23rd Precinct on East 86th Street were turned into ashes and rubble.

The rioters, who had started out as groups of lawful citizens protesting the draft, were now joined by "thieves, burglars, pickpockets, incendiaries and jailbirds of all descriptions in the neighborhood."

Two of the first things the rioters did was sack and burn the Armory on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 21st Street, and then repeat the dirty deed around 4 p.m. at the "Orphan Asylum for Colored Children", 44th Street and 5th Avenue. They gleefully and indiscriminately hunted down blacks and police officers alike. However, the defenseless blacks, by far, would receive the worst of it. Young, old, male or female � it didn�t matter. Those that could be found and caught were beaten, set on fire, or hanged from trees or lampposts all over the city. Later that night the rioters torched the 23rd Precinct�s station house on East 86th Street near 5th Avenue. It, too, burned to the ground.

Which now brings us to Tuesday afternoon and one of those marvelous moments that rarely occurs in time. A moment when true heroes stand tall and perform their duty in the face of over whelming adversity. To the police officers of the West 35th Street Police Station, this would be that defining moment.

At approximately half past twelve in the afternoon, the West 35th Street Arsenal came under heavy attack by a riotous mob seeking guns. Other mobs were sacking and burning a hotel on 11th Avenue and a large feed store at 9th Avenue and 29th Street. Then at half past two, the 22nd Precinct (today�s Midtown North) reported that a company of infantry from the 10th Regiment, New York Volunteers, had been overrun at 10th Avenue and 44th Street. It also reported that this mob was now heading for the West 35th Street station house to burn it down and kill the blacks taking refuge there.
Ten minutes later the West 35th Street Station telegraphed the Central Office, "We expect to be attacked. Shall we fight to the bitter end?" A minute later, they received this potent telegraphic answer from 300 Mulberry Street � "Fight"

Like many other heroic acts performed day in and day out by New York�s police officers, not much is known of the fight. The New York Times reported that the few officers inside the station house barricaded the doors and windows. They also reported the mob made seven charges against the station house and never succeeded.

There was no bitter ending that July afternoon on West 35th Street for either the strong or the weak. For the police, the duty was arduous and responsible, and it was performed with vigor and fidelity. The officers acted with courage and ability. For this one time, good had prevailed over evil, and the mostly destitute black refugees were saved to face another day.

Dedicated to: Ptl. Edward Dipple � 25th Pct. (Broadway Squad)
Ptl. Peter McIntyre � 29th Precinct
Ptl. John T. Van Buren � 8th Precinct
Ptl. John Starkey � Central Office

I would like to thank Mike for sharing this story with us!


PAROLE NOTICE FOR TWO COP-KILLERS

The Brooklyn/Staten Island 10-13 Club would like everyone to be advised of the following.

In February of 2004 Herman Bell will be eligible for parole, and in July of 2004 his fellow Black Panther Anthony Bottom will be eligible.

These two individuals ambushed and shot police officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones in the back numerous times as they returned to their radio car after responding to a routine call for a women in distress. Both officers died as a result of this cold blooded ambush, leaving behind two widows and five children.

Please go to the organizations Web Site at: www.1013bsi.org

On the home page you will find two links, one to Governor Pataki, and the other to the NYS Parole Board. Please print out the two letters and mail them immediately.

Please pass this message along to all those on your personal e-mail lists, and ask them to do the same.

Let's make sure that we do all we can to see that Anthony Bottom and Herman Bell remain exactly where they are until they take their last breath on this earth.



INTERESTING WEB SITES

Info Space
Guide to finding people, places and things.
www.infospace.com

WhoWhere
www.whowhere.com

World Directories
www.globalyp.com/world.htm
Global Yellow Pages


Isn't Jimmy Rizzetello doing a great job at BNDO? Now that he's back from active-duty Coast Guard service maybe he can teach some of the new-bucks how things get done; the way Kevin Murphy used to run things when he was in charge! Paul Molloy keeps trying to mind his own business, which is pretty hard to do occupying the seat in front of the desk that he does. Keep up the good work, Heather!
LINKS LISTING

Although I don�t know how to add actual �Links� on this site, I am listing those sites which I think you�ll find interesting (and would be on a �Links� list if I knew how to do that!). You can utilize �cut & paste� for this purpose, then �bookmark� them for future reference.

Squad Security, Inc.
http://www.squadsecurity.com

NYC Police Museum
http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/index.html

REMA: Retired Emergency Man�s Association
http://hometown.aol.com/truck8tony/NYPD-REMA.html

National Police Support Network Inc
www.policesupport.com

E-Investigator (Info and people-search links)
http://www.einvestigator.com/

Organized Crime information
http://205.180.85.40/w/pc.cgi?mid=16573&sid=8835

Tom Natoli�s Transit Police Web Site
http://www.geocities.com/tomn2137/index.htm

NYS Shields
http://www.nyshields.com/

NY Cop Online Magazine
http://www.nycop.com/

John E. Reid & Associates, Investigative support
http://www.reid.com/

Retired Guardian�s, Transit Police and NYPD
http://www.retiredguardians.org/index.html

NY Transit Police Florida Reunion & Info Site
http://www.nyctpflare.com/

Phones and other searches:
www.fonefinder.net
www.switchboard.com (reverse)
www.theultimates.com/white/ (reverse)
www.anywho.com (reverse)

Cell Phone Carrier
www.primeris.com

Cigar Afficionado
http://www.cigarafficionado.com/

Manhattanville College Mens Lacrosse
http://www.mville.edu/athletics/sports/mlax/mlaxhome.html

Villanova University Women�s Lacrosse
http://villanova.ocsn.com/sports/w-lacros/nova-w-lacros-body.html

Monday, November 17, 2003

IN MEMORIAM: PTL. JOHN J. DUFFY

On November 16, 1929, Ptl. John J. Duffy, Sh# 1233 of the 23rd Pct, was killed in the line of duty.

While on patrol Ptl. Duffy and another patrolman observed a suspicious man loitering near a cigar store at 1760 2nd Ave., Manhattan. When the officers walked in the direction of the man he fled on foot and a chase began.

During the chase through various streets shots were fired at the officers, and they returned fire.

Finally, after following the gunman into a hallway, Ptl. Duffy was shot and killed. The gunman was shot three times and arrested by other officers.

Ptl. Duffy was appointed to the NYPD on Nov. 20, 1913. At the time of his death he was 42 years old, married and the father of two children. At the 1930 annual NYPD Medal Day ceremonies Ptl. Duffy was posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his widow, Mrs. Catherine Duffy, by Acting Mayor Joseph V. McKee


FOR THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR

Algor Mortis

A person�s metabolism generates heat, which is closely regulated by the body within a fairly narrow range.

After death, the heat production ceases, and the body will cool to the approximate ambient temperature.

A basic formula to use is:

98.6 � measured rectal temperature (divided by) 1.5 = hours since death

Again, just a guideline.

Determining the �Time Since Death� is, at best, accurate to within 4 hours.


VIDEO TAPE INTEGRITY: DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

Do yourself a favor, right now. Don�t wait, and continue to repeat this to anyone on patrol who will stay still long enough to listen.

(We undoubtedly have countless numbers of stories where a video tape was removed by patrol for their review, and took us hours to get it back; or where a tape was removed and rewound and we had no idea what part of the tape contained our images. This is especially difficult when you are hoping to get a glimpse of someone walking by a camera, and not the actual crime in its entirety. Which image was it? Try to figure that out without knowing the proper time-stamp issues!)

TARU has developed a set of recommendations regarding video tape recovery at crime scenes. By sharing this with the patrol supervisors ASAP you MAY prevent destruction of what could have been a valuable video tape. Only a suggestion, but perhaps you�ll want to share it with the Precinct C.O. for dissemination at Supervisors meetings, etc.

Video Recovery At Crime Scenes:

Before ejecting the tape from recorder be sure to write down the time and date DISPLAYED on the security TV monitor, then record the ACTUAL time and date. The difference will give the investigator the exact time differential to the minute. This information is critical to the investigation and prosecution.
Believe it or not but not all of these CCTV systems have the correct time and date displayed. It�s like the VCR you have at home; if it wasn�t set properly, and calibrated regularly, who knows what time/date is being displayed. Imagine the problem you have when you�re trying to find the sequence at 0200 hours on November 14, 2003, and the tape you are playing back reads �January 1, 1998�. Good luck!

If patrol removes the tape and tries to play it back before taking this first step, it may require reviewing a 180 minute recording from start to finish to see if there is anything on it. Besides, the value at prosecution will be diminished.

Make sure that someone records WHO removed the tape, and from where it was removed.

DO NOT PLAY the video in the original recorder as many time-lapse machines are on automatic record mode, and will erase incident if the tape is inserted in recorder. DO NOT play in the squad�s machine as these machines are not maintained and may destroy the tape. BRING IT TO TARU. (This may be easier said than done, especially when you have a patrol commander on your back looking for the perp info; try to explain the reasons logically).

Never freeze frame or pause on a single image as the tape will stretch and be damaged, possibly destroying evidence.

IN AN EMERGENCY, if the tape must be viewed, return the tape to the position where it was recovered i.e. if the VCR counter reads 01:03:02 when you start playing it, bring it back to same. Don�t lose your place. If you come across incident then press STOP, and eject the tape.

Keep video tape and other similar evidence away from magnets as it will erase them. Some examples of this include stereo speakers and the red cherry bubble-light in unmarked vehicles.

Make sure the MOS who delivers the tape is prepared to supply the TARU analysist with all relevant information.

Call TARU at 718-971-1400, ext. 1445, for video analysis appointment.

If you are having trouble with �cut-and-paste� of these guidelines I�m sure that you could call TARU and ask them to fax you their written standards; or if you e-mail me I will be glad to fax you the 1-page TARU instructions.

Ltjac77@yahoo.com


THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY

Every investigation should start by asking the question: what happened?

The common misconception on the part of homicide investigators is to ask who did this? This is wrong and will cause problems in all other areas of the case, and may very often result in unsolved cases.

Once the question of what happened is answered, the investigator should be concerned with �why�. Why something occurred is establishing the motive.

Once you know what happened and why it happened, who did it should become self-evident.


HIJINX AND TOMFOOLERY: IT�S A WONDER ANYTHING GETS DONE

The Squad Room, no matter where you work, undoubtedly has many similarities.

Least of which are the antics carried on by detectives on each other. Every squad has its share; there is the squad-clown, who will get blamed for everything that goes on whether he�s there at the time or not (names such as John Barba, Pete Sloan, and Vito Friscia come to mind), and there is inevitably the squad-target, who is the favorite recipient of these pranksters.

One of the classic pranks involves the �moving-of-the-parked-car�. In this, one of the clowns (probably Nicky) gets access to an unsuspecting targets car keys. Maybe he left them on his desk when he ran out on a case, or maybe he left them in his coat pocket on the coat rack. So now the clowns make a copy of the key, and return the original before John Muller even knows they�re gone. Imagine the possibilities now. Move the parked car from one side of the street to the other; park the car in the CO�s parking space; park the car in the driveway of the grouch next door that always calls to complain. You get the idea. The classic �move-the-parked-car� is always ripe for an endless number of possibilities. Next thing you know the car is left in the targets driveway, while he�s still at work, leaving all befuddled.

Then there�s always the �add-the-name-to-the-mailing-list� routine. The portly detective starts getting catalogs, in the squad room, from �Tall and Big Man Clothes�; the hard-of-hair gets the latest �Mens Hair Club� and Rogaine sales brochure; the �English-as-a-second-language� for the oratorically hampered. More endless possibilities for the jokester.

One of the best that I recall required a little more work, but was a true classic. The �move-the-shirt-button� maneuver. In this one, the unsuspecting target was a detective who had his shirts dry cleaned locally and left them on the front of his locker when he got into work. A little quick-footed work by the clown made this a true classic. It involved taking the shirts to the tailor down the block, and asking him to move the top button �just a little bit tighter�, explaining how his shirts had become loose now that he �lost weight�. Returning the shirts to its original position, the target suddenly began to notice his shirts getting tighter in the neck; �must need a little adjustment in my diet� he thinks. This one really plays a trick on ones mind. A true classic!

I once knew a detective who casually changed the cap on another target�s shoe shine polish. This works with a black and cordovan, but won�t work on brown as the color difference is too close. This subtle change leaves the target putting black polish on his cordovan shoes; just a subtle difference, but one that leaves him wondering all the same.

Every detective knows someone who fell prey to the �change-the-typewriter-key� move. You know the move; inter-change two of the typewriter key buttons, maybe the �t� and the �f�, so that the hunt-and-peck detective typist is victim to an unreadable typed report now that these two letters are interchanged, and leaves him shaking his head wondering what�s wrong as he tries to type his reports. Another detective classic.

It�s a wonder anything gets done!


�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 20, 1980 PO James Dunston, PDA5, Shot- Burglary arrest
November 22, 1857 Ptl Horatio Sanger, 9 Pct, Head injury
November 22, 1930 Ptl William Senk, Motorcycle 2, motorcycle accident
November 23, 1938 Ptl Clarence Clark & Ptl Victor Cooper, 105 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 23, 1989 Det Keith Williams, QDAOS, Shot by prisoner
November 24, 1939 Ptl Michael Lonjo, 75 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 24, 1971 PO Patrick O�Connor, ESU, Auto accident on patrol


REMEMBER... TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION:

Send an e-mail to: LTJAC77@yahoo.com


Friday, November 14, 2003

"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him." Aldous Leonard Huxley, 1894-1963


IN MEMORIAM: PTL. JOSEPH NULET

November 7, 1864: Ptl.Joseph Nulet, 29th Pct. Metropolitan PD, (10th Pct)

At about 3.00 am on November 7, 1864, Ptl. Nulet was taking to the station house a man he had arrested for disorderly conduct. This male had tried to force his way into a house of prostitution at 77 West 24th Street.

At 29th Street and Fifth Ave. the prisoner produced a pistol and shot the officer in the head. Ptl. Nulet fell to the street mortally wounded.

Ptl. Raskin of the same precinct, hearing the shot, responded to the scene and saw the murderer fleeing. He gave chase, but he was soon out of sight and escaped.

Ptl. Nulet was taken to the station house but died there soon afterwards.

Ptl. Nulet was 27 years old, married with two children.


AN EDITORIAL CORRECTION

Please accept my apologies for an error in the last posting to this site, which I accept full responsibility for. (Seeing that I have no other staff except myself, there is really no other level of responsibility to accept!)

DET. DONNA TORRES, who contributed information on the �Crime Time� web site and it�s help to investigators, was mistakenly identified as a BNHS member.

DET. DONNA TORRES is assigned to MANHATTAN NORTH HOMICIDE SQUAD.

That was my typo mistake; you type BNHS enough times every day on all sorts of communications and then you go and make a mistake like that. SORRY!

Our new Detective Commander in Brooklyn North, DI Ken Lindahl, would have a lot to say about that, being the former squad commander of MANHATTAN NORTH Homicide.

The Minister stands corrected!


FOR THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR

Rigor Mortis

Muscular relaxation immediately after death is followed by the onset of gradual rigidity.

This rigidity is the result of chemical changes in the bodies muscles. Since it is a chemical change, keep in mind that it is accelerated by heat and decelerated by cold.

Other factors affecting a bodies rigor state include illness, temperature, activity before death, and the physical condition of the area where the body was placed or found.

Rigor mortis may be poorly formed in the old or the young.

Once someone has broken rigor, it will not reform.

Keeping all of this in mind, the following is a general guideline regarding the state of rigor and the time frame to reach that state.

First Detectable: 1-6 hours
Fully Developed: 6-24 hours
Disappears: 12-36 hours




MORE ON THE DD FORMS

After reviewing some old homicide folders, the following DD forms were recently discovered. In the interest of keeping your data up to date, I�m passing this on.

DD8: Index of Person Wanted.
This is an index card, green in color, for the squad to keep track of Wanted people. Filed by Surname, it contained captions for the Complaint Number, Date Reported, Precinct Number, and a Remarks section.

DD14: Resume of Homicide Case.
This was a long, legal size form that contained all of the information concerning a homicide case. Detective reporting, details of the incident, victims name, etc. This long, two sided form contained everything you needed to know about a homicide incident, and contained captions to be updated as the case progressed.



INTERESTING WEB SITES


Crime Scene Investigation
Guidelines, evidence collections and preservation, information.
http://police2.ucr.edu/csi.htm


Some Multi-Link Resource Sites:

Telephone Resources
www.555-1212.com


�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 12, 1922 Ptl Charles Hoffman, 3 Pct, LOD accident
November 12, 1986 PO Kenton Britt, Hwy3, Auto accident on patrol
November 13, 1968 Ptl Joseph Pignataro, 46 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 13, 1989 Det Richard Guerzon, QDAOS, Shot by prisoner during transport
November 14, 1907 Ptl Edward Kavanagh, 47 Pct, Shot: Robbery pursuit
November 15, 1930 Ptl William Vorden, Traffic C, LOD heart attack
November 17, 1929 Ptl John Duffy, 23 Pct, Shot: Robbery in progress
November 17, 1945 Ptl Francis McKeon, 34 Pct, Shot by EDP
November 18, 1961 Ptl Charles Gunther, 105 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
November 19, 1926 Ptl Edward Byrns, 45 Pct, Shot-pursuit

Monday, November 10, 2003

"It is hard to believe that a man is telling the truth when you know that you would lie if you were in his place."
Henry Louis Mencken, 1880-1956


ANSWER TO THE UF-33 QUIZ

I was surprised at the number of responses I received to the recent �quiz� on the UF-33.

Originally submitted to me by Ret. Capt Frank Bolz, I threw it out there to see if any other readers recalled what it was, or could figure it out. Apparently many did.

The UF28 was submitted to the Roll Call officer with a $5. bill attached to ensure you got the day off. Or, as someone put it, �The roll call hairbag-empty suit wouldn't honor the request� without the appropriate attachment.

Thanks!

Not to be outdone, and in keeping department history properly reported, Ret. Det1 John Reilly added the following information concerning the UF33.

It seems that there was a Form UF 33 listed in the 1965 R & P, which is noted as being the �Report of Inspection of Winter or Summer Uniforms.�

There were other UF 33 forms as well:
UF 33a Certification and Acceptance of order for uniforms
UF 33b Certification and Acceptance of Order- Inspection of Equipment Bureau
UF 33c Equipment Bureau Inspection Report- Mandatory Procurement of Uniform
UF 33d Notice of Rejected Uniform

Never say you don�t get your department history properly reported at this site!

WORTH REPEATING: FOUR STEPS THAT SOLVE HOMICIDES

As noted previously on this site, and taken from Lt. Phil �Sundance� Panzarella and the legendary Ret. Lt Dan Kelly, both of Queens Homicide fame, the following are the �Four Steps That Solve Homicides�:

Crime Scenes
Interviews
Records
Surveillance


Crime Scene processing for the preservation and recovery of evidence is essential.

Talking to people, canvassing the area, and the debriefing of individuals is one of the most important steps to a good investigation. A good detective is like a good salesman; talking to others constantly, seeking information, is what makes a detective a �good� detective. Never discount the importance of a canvass. A canvass is NOT a tedious task assigned to those for the sake of making �busy� work; canvasses are essential investigative steps! Do them with a positive attitude, and you will receive positive results. (A little elaboration by The Minister here).

Record searches, background checks, and computer database reviews are the tasks that put a good case together.

Surveillance, observation, and the apprehension of the identified suspect, which you derived from completing the other three tasks, closes your case with positive results.

Interviews produce tips that lead to surveillance and apprehensions!

It is interesting to note that, the PRINCIPLES OF HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION, or the THREE factors that solve crime according to Louis Eliopulos in his text �Death Investigator�s Handbook,
are:

1. Physical Evidence
2. Witness statements
3. Confessions

While it is basically the same, I like Dan Kelly�s principles much better!



INTERESTING WEB SITE

CrimeTime.com

Here is another very interesting and useful tool which Det. Donna Torres of BNHS wants to pass along to everyone.

WWW.CRIMETIME.COM

If you click on the left side of page under : BLACKBOOK ONLINE you will find numerous free searches, including reverse numbers, any birthday.com (under skip trace, sometimes works better than BETA), death records, fone finder, bankruptcy, licensed doctors, lawyers etc.

This is surely a GREAT INVESTIGATORS TOOL !


A NOTE ON RETIREMENT

I recently received the following from Ret. Capt. Frank Bolz, concerning retirement, and thought it was quite appropriate.

�It seems that back in 1956 or 57, the PBA gave up COLA on the pension for addition $100.00 increase in annual salary, for a $300 raise instead of $200. Of course you were only making less than $5,000 a year at that time, so that was less than $2.00 a week.

Many readers who are still on the job are within a few years of retirement. Don't give away, or bargain away, your life's retirement benefits that you will be receiving for the rest of your life.

Speaking as a retired cop, remember these words:

AS YOU ARE NOW, ONCE WERE WE; AS WE ARE NOW, YOU WILL BE. BE HONORABLE, ACT KINDLY, RETIREMENT IS A LONG JOURNEY.

We all worked those lousy late tours and froze our tails, but hopefully we will all make our twenty (or plus)on the job and do another twenty plus retired. The pension system can handle it!�

Thanks, Frank, for such appropriate words to be remembered by all!


HAWAII FIVE-O

"It's my job to uncover the truth, wherever it lies, wherever it's buried." McGarrett

Among his more famous �Book-em Danno, Murder One�, this is another one of the �famous� Five-O quotes you�ll find on the Hawaii Five-O Fan Club site. (Yes, there is actually such a site!). If you ever enjoyed Hawaii Five-O, you�ll have to check this out. It�s a lot of fun, full of real buff-stuff that The Minister recommends!

http://www.hawaiifive0.org/

Thursday, November 06, 2003

"Lawyer, n. One skilled in the circumvention of the law." -Ambrose Bierce


TIP FOR THE INVESTIGATOR: PRESERVING YOUR CRIME SCENE

When examining an outdoor crime scene, or any scene where there is a risk of footprint contamination, consider the following.

It is a good idea to have the investigators and all other visitors to the scene place a strip of duct tape on the bottom of each shoe to readily identify and distinguish any shoe prints of recent origin.


IN MEMORIAM: DET. JAMES L. DAGGETT

Det. James L. Daggett, Shield #727, of the Safe Loft & Truck Squad was killed in the line of duty on September 10, 1951, while conducting an investigation.

On that day Detective Daggett was killed when he and three other Detectives interrupted four men who were in the middle of setting a fire.

Detective Daggett and the other Detectives observed the four men enter a building at 9 West 18th Street in Manhattan, carrying a number of cartons in. The men exited the building carrying empty cartons. Two of the men left in their car and two others re-entered the building.

Two Detectives stopped the two suspects in the car and questioned them. The suspects confessed that they planed to burn the building down. Detective Daggett and another Detective entered the building to apprehend the two suspects inside when a large explosion occurred, killing Detective Daggett and one suspect. The other Detective and suspect were injured. The three remaining suspect were later indicted for Murder in the first degree.


A QUESTION TO TEST YOUR SKILLS�

If the form for requesting a day off was always a UF28, referred all over as �a 28�, and there was never a form known as a UF33, then what was it meant when you had to �File a UF33 for a day off�?

Any idea?

E-mail me at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com

Maybe you�ll win a prize!


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Executive Protection Institute: Training for personal protection.
www.personalprotection.com

Cecil Greek�s Criminal Justice Page: Multi-listing of forensic resources.
www.criminology.fsu.edu/cj.html


GREAT LINES FROM PRIVATE EYE FLICKS

"When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it!"
-- Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) to Joel Cairo in The Maltese Falcon.

Evelyn Mulwray: What were you doing (in Chinatown)?
Jake: Working for the district attorney.
Evelyn: Doing what?
Jake: As little as possible.
Evelyn: The district attorney gives his men advice like that?
Jake: They do in Chinatown.
-- From CHINATOWN, between Jake Gittes (Nicholson) and Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway).


HOW QUICKLY THEY FORGET�

It has come to my attention, through confidential sources, that the former Minister of Stats � Retired Sgt. SDS Chris Cincotta � did NOT have this web site bookmarked in his �favorite places�, and forgot the web address!

That can�t be true, can it Chris?

While you have the chance, click on that red box on the top right corner of your screen, and be sure to bookmark this page. Hope you�re keeping everyone at Lehman Brothers safe and secure!

www.brooklynnorth.blogspot.com

How hard can that be?

While we�re on the subject, I bet Chris has a few stories relating to the Ret. Squad Commander of the 77 Squad, Pete Tartaglia, and his affinity for the movie flick CHINATOWN. Remember, Chris, it�s Chinatown�


"LEST WE FORGET�� The NYPD Memorial

November 1, 1923 Ptl. Ale Swider, 33 Pct, Motorcycle accident
November 1, 1931 Ptl. Howard Peterson, 66 Pct, LOD accident
November 3, 1892 Det. John Carey, Central Office Squad, Shot-Arrest
November 3, 1931 Sgt. Thomas Madigan, 30 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 4, 1966 Ptl. Anthony Campisi, 1 Div, Stabbed-investigation
November 5, 1924 Ptl. John Honahan, Mcy Dist, Auto accident on patrol
November 5, 1928 Ptl. Henry Behnstedt, Traffic Div, Auto accident on patrol
November 6, 1978 Det. Horace Ford, SCU, Shot-off duty robbery
November 7, 1864 Ptl. Joseph Nulet, no further info available
November 7, 1937 Det. Arthur DeMarrais, 88 Sqd, Injured-assaulted
November 8, 1930 Ptl. Charles Weidig, 28 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
November 8, 1937 Ptl. George Pierson, GCP Pct, Motorcycle accident
November 8, 1955 Ptl. John Albanesi, 60 Pct, LOD heart attack
November 9, 1970 Sgt. Henry Tustin, 32 Pct, Shot-robbery

Monday, November 03, 2003

THE BRIDGE PRECINCT

At the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge on May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge Police Force consisted of special officers selected by the Superintendent and the Chief Engineer of the bridge. The Bridge Police, about 25 men, were not part of the Brooklyn or New York City Department, nor were they uniformed.

On May 30, 1883, Memorial Day, as thousands crossed the bridge for a holiday stroll a woman who was descending a flight of steps lost her footing and fell. Within minutes the crowd became a panic stricken mob driven by a fear that the bridge was collapsing. Before order could be restored 12 people had been trampled to death. The following day the New York Times was very critical of the Bridge Police Force. General Jourdan, the Police Commissioner of the Brooklyn City Police, expressed an opinion that the bridge should come under the authority of the regular and not special officers.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Bridge held on June 9, 1883, the question of who had the authority to make appointments to the Bridge Police Force came up. The counsel of the Board advised the members that the power of appointing Bridge police was solely theirs. So for the next 15 years the Brooklyn Bridge Police remained a separate independent force. The force was increased to almost 100 men who worked in three platoons, 8 hours on and 16 hours off.

On Jan. 1, 1898, the Bridge Police Force was made part of the New York Police Department. After the consolidation of the various boroughs into the Greater City of New York there was a renumbering of all the precincts. The former Brooklyn Bridge Police who had been quartered in the basement of No. 179 Washington Street, Brooklyn, under the renumbering became the 4th Pct. In 1908 under another renumbering it became the 104th Pct. The Williamsburg Bridge became the 184th Pct. In 1909 when two new bridges, the Manhattan and Queensboro, were opened all the bridge precincts were redesignated.

Bridge Precinct A Brooklyn Bridge (old 104th Pct.)
Bridge Precinct B Manhattan Bridge
Bridge Precinct C Williamsburg Bridge (old 184th Pct.)
Bridge Precinct D Queensboro Bridge

On Jan. 1911, Bridge Pct. B was abolished and merged with Bridge Pct. A
On Dec. 1911, Bridge Pct. C was abolished and merged with the 13th Pct., (Clinton Street). In 1912, Bridge Pct. D was abolished and merged with the 31st Pct, (East 67th Street). In 1913, Bridge Pct. A (Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges) were designated as the Bridge Pct. In 1918, Williamsburg & Queensboro Bridges removed from the 13th & 31st Pcts., and assigned to the Bridge Pct. In 1929 under the last renumbering of the NYPD precincts the name Bridge Pct., was changed to:

Traffic Pct. L Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges
Traffic Pct. M Williamsburg Bridge
Traffic Pct. N Queensboro Bridge



IN MEMORIAM: DET. JOHN CAREY

Det. John Carey of the Central Office Detective Sqd was killed in the line of duty on November 3, 1892.

On that date Detective Carey was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a fugitive from Chicago.

Detective Carey and his partner spotted the suspect on the corner of 7th Avenue and 29th Street in Manhattan. When the suspect entered a saloon, Detective Carey took position outside. The suspect exited the saloon with a revolver drawn and before Detective Carey could respond, the suspect shot and killed him.

Detective Carey's partner grabbed the suspect, and a struggle ensued. The suspect attempted to shoot Detective Carey's partner, but a Patrolman who had responded to the sound of the shots being fired clubbed him into unconsciousness.


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Sgt. Jerry Kane at Manhattan Robbery wants to pass on to all that Google is able to conduct reverse telephone look-ups.

Just type in the # you're interested in and it comes right up as long as it is listed.

www.google.com


He also has had success in identifying a cell phone carrier through the web-site:

www.primeris.com



CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER�

To Det. Ray Moore of the 83 Squad on his promotion to Detective Second Grade!

Congratulations are also extended to Det. Dino Anselmo, Det. Brian Latimore, and Det. Ed Vasquez on their being awarded the Daily News' Hero of the Month.

These detectives from the 75 Squad effected the rescue of several tenants from a burning house, and are congratulated for their fine work! They were also recently honored at the department's Honor Legion meeting as well.


CONDOLENCES

Are extended to ADA John Besunder of the KDA Homicide Bureau on the loss of his mother, Lillian Besunder.



WHAT CAN YOU SAY

Everyone has seen the Department Directive that circulates every firearms cycle. The one that tells you when the cycle begins and ends, and where to report, etc. This usually also contains a paragraph of equipment they want you to bring along with you: leather goods, handcuffs, mace, ID card, etc.

We sometimes forget, in the Bureau, how patrol MOS are scheduled for the range. Unlike Detectives, who schedule themselves during the cycle, most of the patrol force is scheduled through their roll call unit. This scheduling usually also includes a �buck slip� given to the MOS, advising them of their scheduled appearance, and the misc. items to bring with them.

Well, What Can You Say, when an MOS appears at the range, for the firearms cycle, and when asked by the Range Officer �Where is your gun�, replies �It didn�t say to bring my gun�?

What can you say?


SPY COPTERS

The New York City Police Department unveiled a helicopter equipped with surveillance equipment so powerful that officers can identify baseball players in the Yankees dugout from two miles away. Funded with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the $9.8 million Bell 412EP helicopter was delivered on September 11, 2003, in a symbolic gesture meant to highlight the chopper's effectiveness in counter terrorism as well as traditional crime and even firefighting.

Details at:
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/wpublisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=63&docId=l:56700088&topicId=13701&start=2&topics=single