Wednesday, December 20, 2006



THE WALK OUT: FAREWELL, CHIEF JOSEPH CUNNEEN

Tuesday, December 19, 2006. 1600 hours. 179 Wilson Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn North Borough Command.

Gathered on the street were several hundred uniformed and civilian clothed members of the service – gathered to say farewell to a dear friend. A cop’s cop.

Assistant Chief Joseph F.X. Cunneen, after some forty years of service, walked out of the Borough Command to a gathering of friends wishing him good luck upon his retirement. A retirement from the Police Department of the City of New York, a loss to each and every member of this department, none more so than the men and women who police the great area known as Brooklyn North.

Chief Cunneen, who is leaving less than a year shy of his 63rd birthday – and what would have meant mandatory retirement – to take a job leading the Allied-Barton Security firm’s newly-formed government services account.

F X – as he is affectionately known by many – will certainly find time to take off to the golf links, but will certainly be leading a very active “retirement” life in the corporate world of security. Anyone who knows Chief Cunneen has no doubts his continued success will be for the benefit of Allied-Barton and their clients.

But it was on this soon-to-be winter afternoon, as the temperature was dropping, that men and women from all facets of this department gathered for a friend. His years spent in Brooklyn North have not gone unnoticed – and it was patently obvious it had touched many lives and hearts, evidenced by the throng gathered on Wilson Avenue this afternoon.

With bagpipes playing, a solo PD helicopter flying overhead, and a sharp contingent of Highway Patrol motorcycles ready as an escort, Chief Cunneen and his lovely wife and family walked from the Borough Command Office, returning a sharp salute to all those gathered to wish him all the best on his departure from the department.

He then walked through the line of uniforms and civilian-clothed well wishers, stopping to shake each and everyone’s hand along the way, many with a tear in their eye.

There was Paddy Boyle, friends growing up together in the old neighborhood. Kevin Murphy and Kevin Coursey, long time friends from the beach of the Rockaways, gathered as well. Former commanders, retirees, current Chief’s, civilian members – truly every facet, every level, of this vast department was there for Joe. Mike Gabriel, who worked alongside FX for several years, along with Brian Fogarty – his aide, his assistant, his helper and his friend. So many faces – and he walked by each one and stopped to shake their hand, exchange a hug and sometimes a kiss, people who had shared so much together at one time or another.

A crisp smile adorned FX’s face, but all who know him are aware of the emotion he carried, so well, inside him.

Didn’t he look ever so sharp in his uniform? The brisk walk, the twinkle in his eye, the firm handshake of a Chief of Police. A proud Marine, proud leader of police, loved by so many. Didn’t Mrs. Cunneen look great as well? Well dressed in appearance, a smile and twinkle in her face as well. Had not Joe’s forty-some years in the department been shared every step of the way by this magnificent woman as well? They looked great making there way down the assembled line, shaking hands, exchanging hugs and kisses along the way.

Wasn’t it so fitting for Joe Cunneen to turn back and face the crowd as he reached the end of the line, put his hands in the air, and proclaim in that oh-so clear and distinct voice, for all to hear, “BROOKLYN NORTH”!!!

“A cop’s cop”. I heard that more than a few times this afternoon. “A real gentleman” was another common phrase. We can go on and on.

“I learned a lot working for Chief Cunneen”; “He was always fair, what more could you ever ask for in a boss”; “He never forgot what it was like to be a cop”; “I love that man, and we’re all going to miss him”.

From the bottom of all our hearts, we wish you the best of luck in your retirement from this department, and best wishes in your next career. We know you’ll continue to enjoy life, play some golf, and share a lot of good times with your family.

Remember, also, Joseph F.X. Cunneen – we will always remember you as a leader, as a cop, as the caring and hard working person you showed us for so many years.

We love you, we’ll miss you, but we can only be happy in wishing you all of the best that you worked so hard for, and deserve.

Chief Joseph F.X. Cunneen – a cop’s cop, a Marine, a friend.

Monday, December 18, 2006



HE’S NOT HERCULE POIROT, BUT NEVERTHELESS…

He possesses a “gumshoe intuition” of extraordinary levels.

Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Chris De Buyssher is widely regarded as the best counterfit goods inspector in the world.

Who is this magical sleuth?

This customs inspector for the Belgian government, based in Antwerp, relies on detective instinct and skills he’s honed over the years to spot counterfeit goods before they get into the marketplace. The counterfeit he specializes in concerns brand-name items, and not monetary counterfeit.

Highlighted in a recent (December 14, 2006) Wall Street Journal cover story, Mr. De Buysscher is known world-wide as the master in spotting suspicious cargo shipments containing counterfeit items, before they reach the streets (like Canal Street) for sale to the public.

He can “look at thousands of 40-foot container units and pick out those most likely to contain fake Nikes, Marlboros or Dior jackets”. “He’s a genius, plain and simple”.

When he’s off work, “the 51-year old Belgian can spot a knockoff Louis Vuitton bag from across a crowded, smoke filled room”.

The global boom in counterfeit goods has this sleuth very busy. In the past two years, tiny Belgium has seized about 40 million counterfeit items, the most taken by any nation in the European Union. And about 90% of the Belgium seizures came from De Buysscher’s three-person team policing the 22 miles of Antwerp docks.

Almost everything in international commerce is shipped in 20-foot to 40-foot units, containers that can be easily transferred within ports, then mounted on ship, truck or train. The challenge is to find out which ones hide counterfeits.

Mr De Buysscher is old-school. He relentlessly checks thousands of bills of lading for subtle slip-ups. He visits outlet malls to study the products of brand-name items, and knows how things are packed in different countries. Because there are som many container items coming through a port there is no way every one could be physically checked. Opening and unloading a container box can cost up to $3,000 in labor and other costs, so there is sure to be a large number of items that get through.

Did you know that the growth of the $500 billion counterfeit goods industry is one of the biggest challenges facing European and American companies? “This is nothing short of an economic crisis”, it is noted.

Looking for some tell-tale signs, like pre-paid shipping – a common tool to get through customs quickly – or bills of lading that omit brand names or no official port of origin will raise his suspicions.

“At a time when ports are hiring mathematicians to do sophisticated risk analysis and installing programs and X-ray machines to keep up with the flood of knockoffs”, it is through some old-fashioned gumshoe work – personal analysis and inspection – that this gumshoe credits to his success.

My Note: Another area for mathematicians in detective work? There goes that “Numbers” television show again!!!




INTERESTING WEB SITE

Another investigative site full of links.
http://www.internetsleuth.net/


Hometown News: Click on a map of the US, narrow in your search, and find a local newspaper for the city / region you’re interested in. Pretty neat!
http://www.hometownnews.com/



FROM THE CRIME LIBRARY

Recently published on the web site Crime Library was a feature story on Tanya Flowerday. A twenty-five-year-old Edward Grimsley admits that under theinfluence of illegal drugs he abducted, raped and murdered 18-year-old Tanya Flowerday and dumped her body on the street. The rumor that her murder was the subject of a "snufffilm: that was sold outside of South Africa," has been discounted.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/about/notorious_murders/classics/tanya_flowerday/1_index.html



SOME OLD TIME CRIME SLANG

CALL THE TURN: said of a criminal after a detective has identified him.
CASE: a safe.
ELBOW: detective.
FALL MONEY: funds pooled by criminals to secure bail, bribe officials, and to employ attorneys.
FENCE: a receiver of stolen property.
FLY-COP: a detective.
FRONT OFFICE: police headquarters.
GOPHER-MEN: safe-blowers.
PERCENTAGE COPPERS: policemen who protect thieves for a percentage of their plunder.
PETER: a safe.
PETERMEN: safe-blowers.
PORCH-CLIMBER: second-story workers.
SWAG: plunder other than money (as jewelry, etc.)
SWEAT-BOX: the third degree
THIMBLE: a watch.
TIP-OFF: to inform the police of a thief's whereabouts.


LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL READERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON. MAY ALL YOUR STOCKINGS BE FULL, AND YOUR HAPPINESS BE EVEN FULLER!! The Minister of Investigation

Tuesday, December 12, 2006



MORE NUMBERS

You must believe me, I am NOT a regular viewer of this TV show. I made mention of it in an earlier posting.

It just seems, though, that whenever I happen to catch even a few minutes of this show, it never fails to provide me with some great "investigative" information.

This was cited in a recent show of NUMBERS:

"We'll use a qualitative discriminate analysis to narrow down my suspect pool".

I can't wait for a squad commander to tell them at COMPSTAT that he focused in on his suspect by using "qualitative discriminate analysis".

Who'll be the first one to call Real Time Crime Center and ask them if they could do this for them?



THROWING THE SHIELD – AND GET A HAT

A while back I received an e-mail from a Retired Detective who related the following the story.

A friend of his had recently been promoted to Detective. His friend showed him hisNew Detective shield, and he then threw it past the door into another room. His friend then thanked him for doing this “because no one else did so” and “he knew that it means good luck”. Neither one of them, though, knows where the tradition comes from. I then reached back into my memory bank, and made some inquiries, and with some help from some veterans came up with the following.

A former Sergeant, Larry Mullins, who worked in the Chief of Detectives Office with (then) Captain Frank Bolz, had this to add on the subject.

"Throwing of the Shield" is apparently a tradition that goes way back.

When Larry Mullins was a detective in the Manhattan DA's Squad in the late 60s and early 70s, the tradition was similar.

The "New 3rd Grade Detective" was responsible to buy a round of drinks at a local gin mill, that time it was usually Giambone’s across the park from the office.

After the round was served someone would ask to see the shield and it was passed around the group to admire until it reached the Detective closest to the door, where it was then tossed out to the middle of Mulberry Street. You can only guess the look on the face of the "kid" Detective!

This was accompanied, at that time, with the expression “Get a Hat”.

At that time it was customary for Detectives to wear a fedora.

No respectable Detective would be seen without a fedora atop his head. Just look at some of those old crime scene photos! Heck, just look at some old pictures in baseball stadiums – everyone wore a suit and tie, and a hat, to baseball games!

The expression was a way of telling someone they were getting promoted to the Detective Bureau. Telling someone to “Get a hat” meant they were making the move to The Squad.

Frank Bolz recalls meeting the Chief of Detectives at the time of promotion, and it was customary for the Chief to tell the new promotees to “Get a Hat”.


TARU

Also noted from Larry Mullins was the origin of TARU.

When Mullins worked in the Chief of Detectives Office as a Sergeant, it was with the help of Frank Bolz and Bob Louden that TARU was formed.

TARU was originally designed to take experienced Detectives and teach them to be wire and tail men, to support the Bureau squads and the Hostage Negotiating Team, and as it turned out, ESU.

TARU has certainly taken on a very special mission within the Bureau, and continues to be a truly effective aid to the Bureau, ESU, and other units needing to avail themselves of the technical assistance they do so well!

Monday, December 04, 2006


HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

Thursday, November 30, 2006 was a very happy day for many in the Brooklyn North Detective Family.

It makes me so happy to report that JOHN MCARDLE was promoted to the very deserving, long overdue designation as SUPERVISOR OF DETECTIVE SQUAD (SDS) designation! I can think of not other more worthy of this promotion! Congratulations, John!

Also getting the nod to deserving Detective Grades were the following:

Steve Hunter from the 73 Sqd was promoted to First Grade Detective, as was Bill Ponzio of the 83 Squad and Joyce Mariner from Brooklyn North Homicide. All first-rate, First Grade detectives!

Second Grade honors were bestowed on John Ulmer, 73 Sqd and Kevin McCarthy of the 83 Sqd, along with Erik Paulsen of the BNDO Apprehension Team.

DBB Detectives were well represented at the promotion ceremony, with our neighbors to the South picking up some honored grades as well.

I was very happy to see three old friends, and great detectives, Hector Rivera from the 72 Squad, Pete Margraf from the 71 Squad and Wayne Carey from Brooklyn South Homicide receiving their deserving First Grade designations as well.

Other Second Grade designations from DBB went to John Ryan, 66 Sqd; Chris Karolkowski, 69 Sqd; Sal Zambito, 70 Sqd; and Jeff Boyce from DBB.

Congratulations to all!


SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

The February 1964 issue of SPRING 3100 outlined the evolving duties of the Lieutenant and the Patrol Sergeant.

A pilot project had been introduced that placed Lieutenants in command of “outside” platoons and the sergeants on desk duty. This was introduced in four precincts in the city.

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

The regular role of the patrol sergeant was outlined as follows.

Generally three sergeants turn out with each platoon, one to ride the precinct in a radio car, one to supervise on foot, and one to handle the switchboard. (This was when there was actually a “switchboard” to handle!).

After four hours the sergeants alternate assignments, with the foot sergeant relieving the desk lieutenant for meal.

On the “boxes” (telephone switchboard) a sergeant receives the hourly rings of the patrolmen on post and in RMP cars. He receives calls for assistance from the public, using the direct wire (tie-line) to notify the borough Communications Unit. The communications unit, in turn, transmits calls for assistance to the proper radio car for prompt police handling.

While on patrol, the sergeant is responsible for supervising the men on post and in RMP cars. Every post is visited frequently, with the patrolman tending a brisk, military salute on the sergeant’s approach.


POLICEWOMEN

Most readers are aware that there was a time when all Policewomen (that was their official title) were assigned to the Bureau of Policewomen.

They were issued separate and distinct shields, different from the shield of the Patrolman.

The 1964 Self-Portrait issue of SPRING 3100 outlined some of the duties of these Policewomen that I’m sure you’d enjoy. What a difference some forty-years can make!

It was noted how the women’s role in modern police operations has risen steadily since the first time matrons were employed in the NYPD, some 75 years prior (late 1800’s).

“Policewomen have full police powers. They carry revolvers and handcuffs and make summary arrests of all criminals, but specialize in such crimes as pickpockets, degenerates, narcotic violators, shoplifters, professional gamblers and criminal abortionists”.

“They safeguard female prisoners and protect female material witnesses”.

This is the part that you’ll love:

“In performing any of these functions, in no sense does the policewoman serve in place of a male officer. Rather, she is delegated those police tasks that can be performed best by a woman. For example, policewomen process reports of obscene or threatening phone calls made to women… The use of policewomen addressing juvenile crime is another area a women enjoys a unique advantage for establishing a positive relationship with young people. More than one-fourth of the 340 policewomen are assigned to the Youth Division”.



MI5 – MI6

In The United Kingdom, there are two security services that operate to keep their homeland safe – internally, and on foreign soil. Much like our own FBI protects the US homeland, and the CIA gathers intelligence from foreign lands, Britain has their version in the form of what they call MI5 and MI6.

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

The Security Service (MI5), based at Thames House in London, is the UK's security intelligence Agency, responsible for protecting the UK, its citizens and interests, at home and overseas, against the major threats to national security.

Eliza Manningham-Buller is responsible for the work of the Security Service, for which the Home Secretary has Parliamentary accountability.

Meanwhile, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), based at Vauxhall Cross in London, is primarily responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK in support of the government's security, defense, foreign and economic policies. John Scarlett is responsible for the work of SIS, for which the Foreign Secretary is accountable in Parliament.

MI6 is the home for the infamous fictional character, James Bond.

MI5 - The Security Service - is responsible for "protecting the UK against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and sabotage, from the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means."

The Security Service’s principal activity concerns counter-terrorism.

MI6 – The Secret Intelligence Service , or SIS, provides the British Government with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

SIS operates world-wide to collect secret foreign intelligence in support of the British Government's policies and objectives.

Regional instability, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal narcotics are among the major challenges of the 21st century. SIS assists the government to meet these challenges. To do this effectively SIS must protect the secrets of its sources and methods.

The origins of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) are to be found in the Foreign Section of the Secret Service Bureau, established by the Committee of Imperial Defence in October 1909. The Secret Service Bureau was soon abbreviated to 'Secret Service', 'SS Bureau' or even 'SS'.

The first head of the Foreign Section, Captain Sir Mansfield Cumming RN, signed himself 'MC' or 'C' in green ink. Thus began the long tradition of the head of the Service adopting the initial 'C' as his symbol.

The organisation was known at various times by several titles, including the 'Foreign Intelligence Service', the 'Secret Service', 'MI1(c)', the 'Special Intelligence Service' and even 'C's organisation'.

Around 1920, it began increasingly to be referred to as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a title that it has continued to use to the present day and which was enshrined in statute in the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

'MI6' has become an almost interchangeable title for SIS, at least in the minds of those outside the Service. Although 'MI6' fell into official disuse years ago, many writers and journalists continue to use it to describe SIS.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
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 Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
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
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
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

HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

Thursday, November 30, 2006 was a very happy day for many in the Brooklyn North Detective Family.

It makes me so happy to report that JOHN MCARDLE was promoted to the very deserving, long overdue designation as SUPERVISOR OF DETECTIVE SQUAD (SDS) designation! I can think of not other more worthy of this promotion! Congratulations, John!

Also getting the nod to deserving Detective Grades were the following:

Steve Hunter from the 73 Sqd was promoted to First Grade Detective, as was Bill Ponzio of the 83 Squad and Joyce Mariner from Brooklyn North Homicide. All first-rate, First Grade detectives!

Second Grade honors were bestowed on John Ulmer, 73 Sqd and Kevin McCarthy of the 83 Sqd, along with Erik Paulsen of the BNDO Apprehension Team.

DBB Detectives were well represented at the promotion ceremony, with our neighbors to the South picking up some honored grades as well.

I was very happy to see three old friends, and great detectives, Hector Rivera from the 72 Squad, Pete Margraf from the 71 Squad and Wayne Carey from Brooklyn South Homicide receiving their deserving First Grade designations as well.

Other Second Grade designations from DBB went to John Ryan, 66 Sqd; Chris Karolkowski, 69 Sqd; Sal Zambito, 70 Sqd; and Jeff Boyce from DBB.

Congratulations to all!


SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

The February 1964 issue of SPRING 3100 outlined the evolving duties of the Lieutenant and the Patrol Sergeant.

A pilot project had been introduced that placed Lieutenants in command of “outside” platoons and the sergeants on desk duty. This was introduced in four precincts in the city.

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

The regular role of the patrol sergeant was outlined as follows.

Generally three sergeants turn out with each platoon, one to ride the precinct in a radio car, one to supervise on foot, and one to handle the switchboard. (This was when there was actually a “switchboard” to handle!).

After four hours the sergeants alternate assignments, with the foot sergeant relieving the desk lieutenant for meal.

On the “boxes” (telephone switchboard) a sergeant receives the hourly rings of the patrolmen on post and in RMP cars. He receives calls for assistance from the public, using the direct wire (tie-line) to notify the borough Communications Unit. The communications unit, in turn, transmits calls for assistance to the proper radio car for prompt police handling.

While on patrol, the sergeant is responsible for supervising the men on post and in RMP cars. Every post is visited frequently, with the patrolman tending a brisk, military salute on the sergeant’s approach.


POLICEWOMEN

Most readers are aware that there was a time when all Policewomen (that was their official title) were assigned to the Bureau of Policewomen.

They were issued separate and distinct shields, different from the shield of the Patrolman.

The 1964 Self-Portrait issue of SPRING 3100 outlined some of the duties of these Policewomen that I’m sure you’d enjoy. What a difference some forty-years can make!

It was noted how the women’s role in modern police operations has risen steadily since the first time matrons were employed in the NYPD, some 75 years prior (late 1800’s).

“Policewomen have full police powers. They carry revolvers and handcuffs and make summary arrests of all criminals, but specialize in such crimes as pickpockets, degenerates, narcotic violators, shoplifters, professional gamblers and criminal abortionists”.

“They safeguard female prisoners and protect female material witnesses”.

This is the part that you’ll love:

“In performing any of these functions, in no sense does the policewoman serve in place of a male officer. Rather, she is delegated those police tasks that can be performed best by a woman. For example, policewomen process reports of obscene or threatening phone calls made to women… The use of policewomen addressing juvenile crime is another area a women enjoys a unique advantage for establishing a positive relationship with young people. More than one-fourth of the 340 policewomen are assigned to the Youth Division”.



MI5 – MI6

In The United Kingdom, there are two security services that operate to keep their homeland safe – internally, and on foreign soil. Much like our own FBI protects the US homeland, and the CIA gathers intelligence from foreign lands, Britain has their version in the form of what they call MI5 and MI6.

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

The Security Service (MI5), based at Thames House in London, is the UK's security intelligence Agency, responsible for protecting the UK, its citizens and interests, at home and overseas, against the major threats to national security.

Eliza Manningham-Buller is responsible for the work of the Security Service, for which the Home Secretary has Parliamentary accountability.

Meanwhile, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), based at Vauxhall Cross in London, is primarily responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK in support of the government's security, defense, foreign and economic policies. John Scarlett is responsible for the work of SIS, for which the Foreign Secretary is accountable in Parliament.

MI6 is the home for the infamous fictional character, James Bond.

MI5 - The Security Service - is responsible for "protecting the UK against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and sabotage, from the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means."

The Security Service’s principal activity concerns counter-terrorism.

MI6 – The Secret Intelligence Service , or SIS, provides the British Government with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

SIS operates world-wide to collect secret foreign intelligence in support of the British Government's policies and objectives.

Regional instability, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal narcotics are among the major challenges of the 21st century. SIS assists the government to meet these challenges. To do this effectively SIS must protect the secrets of its sources and methods.

The origins of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) are to be found in the Foreign Section of the Secret Service Bureau, established by the Committee of Imperial Defence in October 1909. The Secret Service Bureau was soon abbreviated to 'Secret Service', 'SS Bureau' or even 'SS'.

The first head of the Foreign Section, Captain Sir Mansfield Cumming RN, signed himself 'MC' or 'C' in green ink. Thus began the long tradition of the head of the Service adopting the initial 'C' as his symbol.

The organisation was known at various times by several titles, including the 'Foreign Intelligence Service', the 'Secret Service', 'MI1(c)', the 'Special Intelligence Service' and even 'C's organisation'.

Around 1920, it began increasingly to be referred to as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a title that it has continued to use to the present day and which was enshrined in statute in the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

'MI6' has become an almost interchangeable title for SIS, at least in the minds of those outside the Service. Although 'MI6' fell into official disuse years ago, many writers and journalists continue to use it to describe SIS.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
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 Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
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
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
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
HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

Thursday, November 30, 2006 was a very happy day for many in the Brooklyn North Detective Family.

It makes me so happy to report that JOHN MCARDLE was promoted to the very deserving, long overdue designation as SUPERVISOR OF DETECTIVE SQUAD (SDS) designation! I can think of not other more worthy of this promotion! Congratulations, John!

Also getting the nod to deserving Detective Grades were the following:

Steve Hunter from the 73 Sqd was promoted to First Grade Detective, as was Bill Ponzio of the 83 Squad and Joyce Mariner from Brooklyn North Homicide. All first-rate, First Grade detectives!

Second Grade honors were bestowed on John Ulmer, 73 Sqd and Kevin McCarthy of the 83 Sqd, along with Erik Paulsen of the BNDO Apprehension Team.

DBB Detectives were well represented at the promotion ceremony, with our neighbors to the South picking up some honored grades as well.

I was very happy to see three old friends, and great detectives, Hector Rivera from the 72 Squad, Pete Margraf from the 71 Squad and Wayne Carey from Brooklyn South Homicide receiving their deserving First Grade designations as well.

Other Second Grade designations from DBB went to John Ryan, 66 Sqd; Chris Karolkowski, 69 Sqd; Sal Zambito, 70 Sqd; and Jeff Boyce from DBB.

Congratulations to all!



SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

The February 1964 issue of SPRING 3100 outlined the evolving duties of the Lieutenant and the Patrol Sergeant.

A pilot project had been introduced that placed Lieutenants in command of “outside” platoons and the sergeants on desk duty. This was introduced in four precincts in the city.

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

The regular role of the patrol sergeant was outlined as follows.

Generally three sergeants turn out with each platoon, one to ride the precinct in a radio car, one to supervise on foot, and one to handle the switchboard. (This was when there was actually a “switchboard” to handle!).

After four hours the sergeants alternate assignments, with the foot sergeant relieving the desk lieutenant for meal.

On the “boxes” (telephone switchboard) a sergeant receives the hourly rings of the patrolmen on post and in RMP cars. He receives calls for assistance from the public, using the direct wire (tie-line) to notify the borough Communications Unit. The communications unit, in turn, transmits calls for assistance to the proper radio car for prompt police handling.

While on patrol, the sergeant is responsible for supervising the men on post and in RMP cars. Every post is visited frequently, with the patrolman tending a brisk, military salute on the sergeant’s approach.



POLICEWOMEN

Most readers are aware that there was a time when all Policewomen (that was their official title) were assigned to the Bureau of Policewomen.

They were issued separate and distinct shields, different from the shield of the Patrolman.

The 1964 Self-Portrait issue of SPRING 3100 outlined some of the duties of these Policewomen that I’m sure you’d enjoy. What a difference some forty-years can make!

It was noted how the women’s role in modern police operations has risen steadily since the first time matrons were employed in the NYPD, some 75 years prior (late 1800’s).

“Policewomen have full police powers. They carry revolvers and handcuffs and make summary arrests of all criminals, but specialize in such crimes as pickpockets, degenerates, narcotic violators, shoplifters, professional gamblers and criminal abortionists”.

“They safeguard female prisoners and protect female material witnesses”.

This is the part that you’ll love:

“In performing any of these functions, in no sense does the policewoman serve in place of a male officer. Rather, she is delegated those police tasks that can be performed best by a woman. For example, policewomen process reports of obscene or threatening phone calls made to women… The use of policewomen addressing juvenile crime is another area a women enjoys a unique advantage for establishing a positive relationship with young people. More than one-fourth of the 340 policewomen are assigned to the Youth Division”.



MI5 – MI6

In The United Kingdom, there are two security services that operate to keep their homeland safe – internally, and on foreign soil. Much like our own FBI protects the US homeland, and the CIA gathers intelligence from foreign lands, Britain has their version in the form of what they call MI5 and MI6.

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

The Security Service (MI5), based at Thames House in London, is the UK's security intelligence Agency, responsible for protecting the UK, its citizens and interests, at home and overseas, against the major threats to national security.

Eliza Manningham-Buller is responsible for the work of the Security Service, for which the Home Secretary has Parliamentary accountability.

Meanwhile, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), based at Vauxhall Cross in London, is primarily responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK in support of the government's security, defense, foreign and economic policies. John Scarlett is responsible for the work of SIS, for which the Foreign Secretary is accountable in Parliament.

MI6 is the home for the infamous fictional character, James Bond.

MI5 - The Security Service - is responsible for "protecting the UK against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and sabotage, from the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means."

The Security Service’s principal activity concerns counter-terrorism.

MI6 – The Secret Intelligence Service , or SIS, provides the British Government with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

SIS operates world-wide to collect secret foreign intelligence in support of the British Government's policies and objectives.

Regional instability, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal narcotics are among the major challenges of the 21st century. SIS assists the government to meet these challenges. To do this effectively SIS must protect the secrets of its sources and methods.

The origins of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) are to be found in the Foreign Section of the Secret Service Bureau, established by the Committee of Imperial Defence in October 1909. The Secret Service Bureau was soon abbreviated to 'Secret Service', 'SS Bureau' or even 'SS'.

The first head of the Foreign Section, Captain Sir Mansfield Cumming RN, signed himself 'MC' or 'C' in green ink. Thus began the long tradition of the head of the Service adopting the initial 'C' as his symbol.

The organisation was known at various times by several titles, including the 'Foreign Intelligence Service', the 'Secret Service', 'MI1(c)', the 'Special Intelligence Service' and even 'C's organisation'.

Around 1920, it began increasingly to be referred to as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a title that it has continued to use to the present day and which was enshrined in statute in the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

'MI6' has become an almost interchangeable title for SIS, at least in the minds of those outside the Service. Although 'MI6' fell into official disuse years ago, many writers and journalists continue to use it to describe SIS.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
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 Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
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
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
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, November 10, 2006




There are people in this department that work with calculators, and there are people that work with handcuffs. The problem arises when those with the calculators get in the way of those with the handcuffs.
- From an unnamed source known to the editor.


1855 MEDAL CEREMONY

Saturday, May 26, 1855.

Long before the scheduled 2 pm ceremony, a vast multitude, well over fifteen thousand of New York’s most prominent citizens gathered in City Hall Park to watch the first time ever assembly of almost the entire Municipal Police Department in uniform for a grand review and parade.

City Hall was brightly decked out with the stars and strips, city flags, along with red, white and blue banners and ribbons, all flowing lazily in a light breeze. Every window was crowded with dignitaries and vibrantly dressed ladies with colorful parasols. Even the roof was jammed with humanity. Many climbed into the trees, and almost every available branch and limb was teeming with humanity. So much so, that several of the younger tree’s tender branches gave way, abruptly dumping a spectator here and there to the ground.

In the meantime, Mayor Fernando Wood was arranging the dignitaries and elected officials for the review of the Municipal Police.

Among those present were the mayors of Jersey City and Brooklyn, many generals, most of New York’s judges, all of the police magistrates, aldermen, council members, department heads and many foreign dignitaries.

For the mayor and New York’s first Chief of Police George W. Matsell, this day would be the culmination of long planning and many months of hard work. After ten long years, the Municipal Police had finally come into its own. The department, for the first time ever, was now fully uniformed, spiffily dressed in gray pants with 1” black strips, dark blue coats and blue caps.
Moreover, many of its men had performed heroically, some making newsworthy arrests at great personal risk; others under imminent danger to themselves had performed valiant rescues. The ‘Star Police’ were now setting the standards for exemplary and meritorious service to the city.
So acting upon the recommendations of George Matsell, Mayor Fernando Wood decided that it was now time to honor the department and its heroes.

To do this, Wood and Matsell decided that there should be a grand parade and review with a ceremony to honor the finest of the ‘Stars’ for “Heroic” or “Meritorious conduct.”
Seven deserving patrolmen would be awarded silver ‘medals of merit’ at this ceremony and would be the first members of the department to be inducted into a “Legion of Honor” to be made up of the very finest that the Municipal Police Department had to offer. Six of the patrolmen would be honored for “Heroic Conduct”, and one would be honored for “Meritorious Conduct.”

To accomplish this honor, Mayor Wood, using his own personal money graciously purchased these first solid silver medals for the department.

So at the Board of Aldermen’s meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 1855, the mayor, acting on the recommendations of Chief George Matsell, introduced a resolution for the above mentioned parade, ceremony and honors. He also formally nominated the names of those first patrolmen to be awarded these medals and inducted into the ‘Legion of Honor’.

To the accompaniment of a 37-piece band and an hour behind schedule because of the huge throngs of joyous spectators cramming the park and its outlying areas, the department’s 22 ward corps, plus its reserve corps - almost the entire Municipal Police Department, over 900 men strong, proudly marched into the park, trumpets blaring and drums beating, ramrod straight and in perfect order.

Each command was led by its captain.

Just before pinning the medals on each of the patrolmen, the mayor read the accounts of each patrolman’s noteworthy deeds and Matsell pinned the medal on the patrolman’s breast.

Each of the ‘Medals of Merit’ being awarded to the patrolmen were all identical. They were all made of pure silver and were hung from a solid blue ribbon. The medal itself was in the shape of a shield, surmounted by a spread eagle, bearing a scroll inscribed with the first half of the Municipal Police Department’s motto, "Fiat justitia ruat coelum." The shield itself was decorated with stars and inscribed with the words, "New York Police."

Below the ‘New York Police’ inscription, the second element of the above aphorism, "Partum est Merito", was extolled.

Roughly translated the first Latin phrase means, “let justice be done although the heavens may fall”, expressing a commitment to do what is honorable or right regardless of the consequences. The second phrase’s literal translation is: "The duty is deserving,” expressing the thought that police duty or law enforcement in and by itself is meritorious or rewarding. Putting the two phases together, it expresses the thought, “Let justice be done, regardless of the consequences. The duty in and by itself is the reward.”

On the reverse side, the medal bore the inscription: “Presented to______ by F. Wood, Esq., Mayor, 1855 and 1856.”

As mentioned before, these valuable medals were made out of pure high grade silver and paid for by the mayor out of his own pocket.

Some of those awards included the following.

Ptl. Thomas Sampson – 18th Patrol District - “This officer has distinguished himself upon various occasions, particularly in saving life. He has saved four lives within five years. In August, 1854, he rushed into a house on fire in Seventeenth Street, near Sixth Avenue, and rescued a child, while no other man was found brave enough to undertake it. A distracted mother stood weeping and imploring some bold spirit to restore her child; all refused and skulked away, when this intrepid policeman dashed through the flames and soon placed the child in its mother’s arms. On the 16th of May last he performed another feat almost equally commendable, in rescuing the child of Mr. J.H. Anderson from death, when thrown out of that gentleman’s carriage on the Third Avenue, immediately under the wheels of a railroad car. In this effort he hazarded his own life, which was saved only by accident.”

Ptl. Swain Lindsey – 16th Patrol District – “This officer has been for a period stationed on Broadway, opposite the Museum, for the purpose of regulating the stages, (Editors Note: this means “stagecoaches”) etc., when passing that section of the street. This duty has been performed by him to the entire satisfaction of the Department; it being one for which he was peculiarly qualified. On the 28th of March last while endeavoring to stop a stage, which was proceeding at an unlawful rate, he was thrown down by the horses, and in the struggle to get up unfortunately broke his leg. He is as yet confined to his house and it will be some time before he will be enabled to resume his duties.”

Ptl Thomas N. Hoffman - Reserve Corps -“This officer’s triumphs have been of a more peaceful character. He has distinguished himself in a line of duty which, though less hazardous to personal safety has rendered substantial service. He is a well-known policeman stationed on Broadway opposite Stewart’s dry goods establishment, who has made himself exceedingly useful to the ladies crossing at that point. His attention to all, and the ceaseless vigilance he displays in the discharge of this duty, entitles him to this memento. Besides, he has been ten years a member of the Police Department without having had one charge against him.”

Ptl. Thomas Sloney – 10th Patrol District – This officer arrested, on two separate occasions, burglars with stolen property in their possession, with one of which he had a desperate fight, but succeeded in retaining his hold until assistance arrived. The officer has been recently appointed, which adds much to the affair and his devotion to his duty is additionally meritorious.”

Ptl. Thomas Sampson – 18th Patrol District - “This officer has distinguished himself upon various occasions, particularly in saving life. He has saved four lives within five years. In August, 1854, he rushed into a house on fire in Seventeenth Street, near Sixth Avenue, and rescued a child, while no other man was found brave enough to undertake it. A distracted mother stood weeping and imploring some bold spirit to restore her child; all refused and skulked away, when this intrepid policeman dashed through the flames and soon placed the child in its mother’s arms. On the 16th of May last he performed another feat almost equally commendable, in rescuing the child of Mr. J.H. Anderson from death, when thrown out of that gentleman’s carriage on the Third Avenue, immediately under the wheels of a railroad car. In this effort he hazarded his own life, which was saved only by accident.”

Ptl. Jesse C. Kinner – 3rd Patrol District – This officer performed a highly commendable feat on the morning of the 17th of February last, in which he nearly lost his life. He was on detective duty, and observed two suspicious persons before daylight on that morning, at the corner of Broadway and John Street, he watched them until satisfied they were burglars, and there with the intention of robbery. He then made an effort to arrest them both. One of them struck him with a jimmy in the jaw, cutting it severely, and the other at the same time cut him on the head with a chisel. He, however, made a desperate fight and succeeded after a long chase in capturing them both, though suffering much from loss of blood and the injuries he had received. The burglars have since been sentenced to the State prison.”



THE WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE CIGAR

If you're a cigar aficionado and money is no object you might want to try to get your hands one some of these:

It's the world's most expensive cigar -- US$440 each and it only comes in boxes of 40 -- but is it the best? Nobody knows because no one has smoked one.

The Cuban havanas from the Cohiba brand are so precious no one has actually lit one yet.

The blend was tested by a group of tasters before the cigar went into hand-made production, says Norma Fernandez, the "torcedora" or cigar-roller from the El Laguito factory in Havana.

The cigar was launched in Spain recently by Altadis, the exclusive importer of Cuban cigars into Spain. Only 4,000 cigars were rolled.

The Cohiba "Behike" can only be bought in special humidors -- US$18,860 for the 40 cigars.


INTERESTING WEB SITE

A THREE HOUR TOUR

http://tarlton.law.utexas.edu/lpop/etext/jarvis.htm

This site provides an unbelievable report on GILLIGAN’S ISLAND. If you've ever watched this show, you've got to check this out!


COOL-COP VIDEO

http://www.veoh.com/videoDetails.html?v=e134935gZrxj524



MY NOTE ABOUT LINKS FROM THIS SITE

It’s been brought to my attention that some readers have been trying to “click” on the links noted on this site in an attempt to bring themselves directly to the linked-site.

That’s certainly understandable, as that’s the way it’s done on most internet sites.

Except, for now, on this one.

You see, I’m not that good at setting up these “instant” links – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Please bear with me as I try to get better.

In the meantime, anytime you want to “check out” a link I’ve mentioned, if simply clicking on it doesn’t do the trick, then just try the old-standby – drag the cursor over the link, and “copy” it, then in the internet address at the top of the page, “paste” it and hit “enter” – that should bring you to the link.

I’m sorry it isn’t always easier – but, hey – I just figured out how to insert a photo – and this is purely a part-time venture – I’m trying my best.

If there are any readers who can “tutor” me along these lines – how I can make it so you just have to “click” on a word and it brings you to the internet link – I’d be glad to take any assistance you could give me!

Ltjac77@yahoo.com

Thanks again!



“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 9, 1849 Ptl William Helms, 10Dist (7Pct), Bldg collapse (MunicPD)
November 9, 1970 Sgt Henry Tustin, 32 Pct, Shot-robbery
November 10, 1919 Ptl John McCormack, 38 Pct, Shot-DV dispute
November 11, 1989 PO Gary Coe, BSTF, Stabbed, off duty incident
November 11, 1992 PO Milagros Johnson, 109 Pct, Shot – off duty robbery
November 12, 1922 Ptl Charles Hoffman, 3 Pct, Line of duty injury
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, QDAS, Shot by prisoner
November 14, 1907 Ptl Edward Kavanagh, 47 Pct, Shot, robbery pursuit
November 15, 1930 Ptl William Vorden, Traffic C, LOD heart attack
November 17, 1849 Ptl William Helms, NFI
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
November 20, 1980 PO James Dunston, PSA5, Shot-Burglary arrest
November 22, 1857 Ptl Horatio Sanger, 9 Pct, Head injury
November 22, 1930 Ptl William Senk, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
November 23, 1938 Ptl Clarence Clark, 105 Pct, Auto Accident
Ptl. Victor Cooper, 105 Pct, Auto Accident
November 23, 1989 Det Keith Williams, QDAOS, Shot by prisoner
November 24, 1939 Ptl Michael Lonto, 75 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 24, 1971 Ptl Patrick O’Connor, ESU, Auto accident
November 24, 2004 PO William Rivera, 78 Pct, LOD injury
November 25, 1933 Ptl Peter Costa, 3Div, Shot-robbery in progress
November 25, 1946 Lt Charles Michie, ESU, Explosion-Rescue
Ptl Peter Kundsen, ESU, Explosion-Rescue
Ptl Francis O’Hara, 102 Pct, Explosion-Rescue
November 25, 1904 Ptl James Devens, 66 Pct, Trampled by horse
November 27, 1963 Det Ronald Rolker, 18 Sq, Shot-robbery, off duty
November 28, 2005 PO Dillon Stewart, 70 Pct, Arrest
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

Tuesday, October 24, 2006


THE GREEN HORNET

Did you ever get a musical theme stuck in your head, and can’t figure out why?

The other day I found myself walking around humming the theme song from THE GREEN HORNET.

Now I have no idea why; it’s not like this was one of my favorite shows, but the tune is one of those catchy television themes you just can’t get out of your head.

A little research revealed the following.

The Green Hornet was originally a radio series that ran between January 31, 1936 to December 5, 1952.

It was created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, who also created The Lone Ranger.

It used “Flight of the Bumblebee" as its theme song.

The series detailed the adventures of Britt Reid, debonair newspaper publisher by day, crime-fighting masked hero at night, along with his trusty sidekick, Kato, a Filipino of Japanese ancestry.

With the outbreak of World War II his Japanese heritage was almost completely dropped, leading to the common misperception that the character's nationality had been switched by the show's writers. (When the characters were used in a pair of movie serials Kato's nationality was inexplicably given as Korean.)

The leading character Britt Reid is explained to be a close relative of The Lone Ranger.

In the original introduction of the radio show announcer
Mike Wallace proclaimed that the Green Hornet went after criminals that "even the G-Men (FBI agents) couldn't reach".

The show's producers were called by FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover who prompted them to remove the line implying that some crime fighting was beyond the abilities of the FBI.

Inspired by the success of the
Batman series, ABC brought The Green Hornet to television in 1966-67, an adaptation which introduced martial arts master Bruce Lee to American audiences and starred Van Williams as the Green Hornet.

Unlike Batman, the TV version of Green Hornet was played straight, but in spite of the considerable interest in Lee, it was cancelled after only one season. However, Bruce Lee’s career skyrocketed from this point. Lee's popularity in
Hong Kong, where he was raised, was such that the show was marketed there as The Kato Show.
While the music of "Flight of the Bumblebee" was strongly identified with The Green Hornet, the theme used for the television series was written by Billy May and was played on trumpet by Al Hirt.

Years later, this music was featured during a key scene in the
2003 film, Kill Bill, which paid tribute to Kato by featuring dozens of swordfighters wearing Kato masks during the film's key fight sequence. (Check the link at the end of this site to hear the theme song for yourself, and tell me if you don’t find yourself humming this for hours!).

The TV series featured the Hornet's car, Black Beauty, which was a
1965 Chrysler Imperial. The car's regular headlight cluster could be flipped over to reveal green headlights. It could fire tiny explosive charges from tubes at its bumpers, which were said to be rockets.

The TV series also employed an audio device from the radio show. In its era, the engines of cheaper cars made a lot of noise; the expensive Pierce-Arrow was reputed to be extremely quiet. So, when the Green Hornet said, "rig for silent running," the hornet-like buzz on the radio show was turned off and the listener was left to imagine that the car really was silent. On TV, the car sounded like a modern car, but the noise was removed from the soundtrack after this command.

Green Hornet Theme Song: http://www.mythemes.tv/series/greenhor.htm


IN LOVING MEMORY

I’m sorry to have learned that RET. DET FIRST GRADE JOHN T. REILLY passed away this past week.

John passed away a week ago Monday (October 16) in South Carolina of congestive heart failure at the age of 77 years.

Readers of this site will recall my often-made reference to John as the eminent department historian.

John worked most of his career in Manhattan Detectives and without a doubt was the greatest living NYPD police historian ever.

He was described by Mike Bosak, another wealth of department history, as “intelligent and wise; he was a consummate perfectionist and displayed unlimited perseverance in the search for forgotten truths”.

John was very instrumental in the work that resulted in the addition of 100 MOS who died in the line of duty over the years who, for some reason or another, had been omitted from the department’s memorial wall at 1PP. He also authored a great text on the department’s medal’s and honor recipients.

John would answer any inquiry I had promptly with accuracy and background to prove a point. I don’t know how he did it, but he will be sorely by missed by all who had the pleasure, in one way or another, to know this fine man.

Truly a kind and gentle, loving person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family.


RECENT CRIME TRENDS

A recent story in the John Jay College of Criminal Justice “Crime and Justice News” notes a recent nationwide crime trend.

In Many Big Cities, Crime Rises While Police Forces Shrink.

The article goes on to note the following:

“Violent crime increases in many big cities are "reasons for concern but not alarm," says criminologist James Alan Fox of Northeastern University.

Still, Fox believes that the crime picture may be worse than was indicated by a recent Justice Department victimization survey because robberies have increased markedly; the total has remained down in large part because of a decline in reported simple assaults, which Fox says often amount to "people shoving each other."

Fox spoke at a panel sponsored by Criminal Justice Journalists at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Boston. A decline in police staffing has hit many of the same cities where crime is rising, he noted. Cities with populations more than 250,000 have suffered cuts totaling more than 9 percent since 2000, Fox said. By contrast, smaller police department numbers have remained steady.

At the same discussion, Police Chief Dean Esserman of Providence, R.I., lamented that many Americans "seem to accept" the fact that "we lose 16,000 people every year" to homicide, five times as many as were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. "We are burying our children and becoming used to it," Esserman said. He called for a re- emphasis on "hometown defense" as well as homeland security”.


STOP BY JIMMY’S BAGELS

If you find yourself on Route 109 in the area of West Babylon, near Suffolk County Police Department’s First Precinct stationhouse, stop by Jimmy Leake’s Bagel Shop and say hello. (It’s not called “Jimmy’s”, but you can’t miss it – it’s a block away from the stationhouse).

The shop is located just to the north of the police station, also on the east side of the street.

Jimmy retired from the 77 Precinct a few years back on a medical disability, having survived a motorcycle accident, and spent his last year performing clerical work in the 77 Squad. Consistently tortured by “Loud” Mark Pouria while he was working, some things never change as Mark makes it a point to stop by often to make sure Jimmy’s doing his job properly!

Stop by, say hello, ask for Jimmy – and tell him The Minister of Investigation sent you in. It should be good for a cup of coffee, at least!



INTERESTING WEB SITES

Current Military Service:

To determine if an individual is currently serving in any of the military services, you can use this public information website: HYPERLINK

https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/owa/home

You'll need his/her SSN and last name or last name, first name and DOB. It won't tell you where they're serving, only if they're serving and in what branch.

Cell Phone Carrier:

Det Phil Schurr of the Major Case Squad wanted to pass on this web site which you may find valuable.

Neustar will tell you if a cell number has been "Ported".

You can register for this free service as law enforcement at
www.nationalpooling.com

and go to the law enforcement section. They will assign you a pin number to use.

It appears that Neustar is contracted by the FCC to provide this service.

For example, if you switch your Nextel to Verizon and keep your number, this service will let you know it has been “ported”.



SCHOOL BANS PLAYING TAG

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/18/no.tag.ap/index.html

I heard this one morning as I awoke, as a news story on TV, and wasn’t sure I heard it correctly.

Another example of a litigious society over-reaction?



“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

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 24, 2002 Det Salvatore Cafiso, SI Narco, Heart attack, LOD
October 26, 1897 Ptl Frederick Smith, 14 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
October 26, 1910 Ptl James Mangen, 144 Pct, Head injury, rescue
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

Tuesday, October 17, 2006



A REFLECTION ON TWENTY-FIVE YEARS:
FIGHTING CRIME AND CATCHING CROOKS


It was October 20, 1981 – a short twenty-five years ago – I stood in an auditorium of a forgettable school, raised my right hand, and repeated after another, for the start of my career as a Police Officer in the City of New York.

I started as a member of the Transit Police Department and in March 1995 became part of the Police Department of the City of New York. I can rightly say that I am proud of both!

This Friday will be my 25-year Anniversary. Some call me old, others call me insane – I just call myself proud, and a little bit honored. What more could I ask for?

I grew up around cops – my father spent 32 years on the job before retiring at age 60. I spent summers at The Police Camp in upstate New York, surrounded by other cops families, growing up just a little bit more each year. My father eventually became a Sergeant, and was part of the Bureau. Working in Queens Homicide, with stops along the way at Sex Crimes, Zone Homicide, and Division Robbery in Manhattan.

Mr. Zigo was a Detective, though, and I wanted to be a Detective. Dress nice, show up on the scene of some capers, put crooks away.

I’ve carried six different shields in my left-front pocket over the past 25 years. Do the math, how do I come up with six, with only 4 different ranks?

One Police Officer shield, number 4559. That was replaced by the “gold shield” of the Detective, numbered 934. I chose that number as it was the closest I could get to what was my fathers Sergeant’s shield number – 1934. Transit Detective shields began with a 3-digit 7, 8 or 9 number. I took 934. My promotion to Sergeant saw a new shield, 437, which I carried until it was lost – right before my promotion to Lieutenant – on the one of only a few times I wore it on a belt clip. Never used a belt clip since! My Lieutenant shield from the New York City Transit Police Department was replaced in March 1995 by the one I currently carry, from the City of New York Police.

That’s six shields. I think Jeff Aiello had six PO shields alone!

Always in the front left pocket. Tactical advantage. Left hand accessible, the non-shooting hand. Front pocket, because I carried my wallet in the back pocket – also tactical advantage. (“Give me your wallet” could be complied with the non-shooting hand, right?). Also, I couldn’t see sitting on the shield that meant so much to you. So it’s always in the front left pocket (and NOT on the belt clip).

“You should write a book”, people say. Alright, maybe not a lot of people, but some people anyway. Yes, maybe some day, is always my reply, but really, who would want to buy it?

I had lots of fun along the way. Patrol in District 33, citywide plainclothes task force, Decoy Squad, Detective, Sergeant in Decoys, back in the Bureau, then to Lieutenant and back into the Bureau.

Twenty five years, with twenty of them in Detective Bureau assignments. No reason to be disappointed. I’ve met a lot of good people along the way, and still do. Work should be fun, and it continues to be. Despite the minor (OK, sometimes not so minor) bumps along the road, it’s still a good life.

I used to start my day as a rookie cop donning a uniform, having a cup of not-so-good coffee and some pancakes, work days on through at Central Booking, come back and do it all over again. Make collars, fight crime, put crooks away. A very simple thought for sure.

Today, I start the day with a much better grade of coffee, some oatmeal and a handful of medication (none of them purple, by the way!) and some vitamins, and go off to fight the same good fight.

I’m still driving the Belt Parkway, and it still gets backed up at the slightest hint of rain. I’m still driving through Highland Park, and to Bushwick Avenue, and it’s still dreaded in the early morning and late afternoons!

If I started to begin naming people along the way I know I would unintentionally forget someone. I’ll save some of that for another time; I’ve already taken up too much of your time reflecting on my little career here in Brooklyn.

Indulge me to at least commemorate my Twenty-Five Year Anniversary on this web site. I congratulate all of my brothers and sisters who are doing so for themselves, wherever they may be. Some of them are still on-the-job; more of them have retired, and some of them have passed on.

We’ve become Dinosaurs!

Fighting crime, and catching crooks. I’m very proud to say I’ve spent my twenty-five years on the frontline, chasing bad-guys. You have to be somewhere, that’s where I am. It sure beats the alternative.

“Give me my cuffs for another fifteen years, then I’m getting the hell out”.

Fighting crime, catching crooks.



MEMORIAL

I would just like to mention two very special people I’ve met along the way who are no longer here to celebrate with me. Irma “Fran” Lozada, and Glenn Davidson. A place in my heart is there for you.

Friday, October 13, 2006



NUMBERS

“We can apply a sorting algorithm to these social security numbers and help us take a closer investigative look.”

What the heck does that mean?

Well, that’s exactly what was done on a recent episode of this television cop-show, NUMB3RS.

Yes, I spelled it correctly – this cerebral cop show uses the inverted 3 in place of an “E” in its title – get it? It’s a cop show about… numbers?

Maybe I’m old fashioned. I still think detectives should wear a fedora in the rain, chomp on unlit cigars, and use phrases like “kid” and “caper”. (And NEVER use an umbrella at a crime scene).

My idea of some good cop-shows include Kojak, Homicide- Life on the Street, and the current running “The Wire”. Give me a good episode of Columbo, even Law & Order or NYPD Blue. But a cop show about “numbers”??

This show, which airs on Friday nights, is described as being “inspired by actual cases and experiences”. I always like the way things are “inspired by” actual events – seems like they’ve taken a pretty broad use of the term in this case. “Numb3rs depicts the confluence of police work and mathematics in solving crime”.

Now, there are probably some real life investigators reading this who are trying to remember the last time they were faced with a “confluence of mathematics and crime solving”. (Incidentally, confluence means a “coming together”, a union or joining together; but you already knew that.)

In the show, an FBI agent recruits his mathematical genius brother to help solve a wide range of challenging crimes in Los Angeles from a very distinctive perspective.

We all use math everyday. Now we are finally able to show the rest of the world the big secret of being a detective – the way we use math to solve murder! The big secret is out!

Now I’ve been asked some pretty crazy inquiries by people in the interest of trying to “help” solve crime.

I’ve been asked if we’ve considered speaking to a criminal profiler, if we thought a hypnotist could help, and even asked if it would help us to speak with a psychic. But a mathematician?

Well, the world already thinks we solve crime by consulting an elderly writer of mystery books. They also think we can wave a wand over some fluid and detect DNA, a la CSI.

Who knew we were missing the boat by not having Professor Algebra on our consulting staff?

Mark my words, one day – probably real soon – someone will be asked at a COMPSTAT meeting whether they had tried to apply a sorting algorithm in an effort to solve the shooting.

http://www.tv.com/numb3rs/show/25043/summary.html?full_summary=1&tag=showspace_links;full_summary&om_act=convert&om_clk=summarysh



FLASHERS AND GROPERS BEWARE

NYC has launched “Operation Exposure” aimed at thwarting out unwanted gropers and flashers.

Check it out at:

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/crimprof_blog/2006/10/nycs_leads_the_.html



INTERESTING WEB SITE

History of Scotland Yard

http://www.historybytheyard.co.uk/index.htm



ATTENTION ROOKIES

An e-mail that has been going around recently to many law enforcement types has to do with the good-old “Remember when…” tales.

Some of them are rather good, and worth mentioning here for the benefit of those who did not yet see them. You’ll probably find yourself shaking your head in agreement to more than a few of them.

I remember when…

Ink could be blue and guns were black.

Silver guns weren’t authorized because they didn’t look real.

Nightsticks were wood, not plastic.

Gloves were grey.

Everyone in a radio car had a transistor radio because the RMP’s didn’t even have AM radios.

Bosses never had to get involved with cops who didn’t pick up jobs, the other sectors took care of that FACE TO FACE.

You didn’t head inside until you saw the next platoon coming out of the station house; and the next tour made sure they got their a**es out the door so you could come in.

The first order of business for most cops was to get a good cup of coffee. Not chocolate milk, not a protein shake, not a double-mocha-java-latte – just coffee!

Nobody ever wanted the Sgt to handle a job – that could take a whole set of tours before he got over that!

If I may add my own contribution here – Remember when the Sergeant sat in the recorder seat, and the PO drove the boss? How come every time I see an RMP pull into the lot with a Sgt inside, it’s the Sgt that’s driving? Do they not want to be bosses? Do they not know they are not doing their job properly if their driving the car – they’re supposed to be “observing”, making believe they are “supervising”? And where are the Lieutenant’s and captain’s to say something about this?


GET WELL WISHES, SUNDANCE!

Here’s just a note wishing a good friend PHIL PANZARELLA, better known to most as simply “Sundance”, get well wishes as he recovers from his recent surgery.

Phil will be capping off a notorious career by the end of the month, just 10 months short of his 63rd birthday.

There is probably no other living legend to match his fine record, and probably no notorious murder in the borough of Queens in the past thirty years he hasn’t been involved in solving.

A truly vast wealth of knowledge, and still a driven detective. They may have taken a toll on his heart, but he hasn’t lost his heart for this job, and the work we all do as detectives.

As I noted in a previous posting, he is truly a legend!

May I take a moment and salute you, LIEUTENANT PHIL PANZARELLA, a true Commander of Detectives!



“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

October 7, 1968 Ptl John Varecha, 18 Pct, Shot-investigation
October 7, 1989 PO William Chisolm, 45 Pct, Shot-off duty incident
October 8, 1900 Ptl Charles Horn, 58 Pct Brooklyn, Stabbed
October 8, 1928 Ptl William Stoeffel, 4 Pct, auto accident on patrol
October 8, 1956 Det William Christmas, 92 Sqd, Shot-off duty incident
October 8, 1966 Ptl James Cosgrove, Mcy4(Hwy3), Auto accident on patrol
October 8, 1993 PO John Williamson, HA-PSA6, head injury-bucket from roof
October 9, 1866 Ptl John Hipwell, 45 Pct Brooklyn, Shot,burglary
October 9, 1928 Ptl Thomas Wallace, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol
October 9, 1965 Ptl Philip Shultz, HA-B/SI, Shot-off duty arrest
October 10, 1973 PO George Mead, 42 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
October 10, 1975 PO Walter Tarpey, MSTF, Auto accident on patrol
October 10, 2004 Det Robert Parker, 67Sqd, Shot-arrest
October 10, 2004 Det Patrick Rafferty, 67Sqd, Shot-arrest
October 12, 1946 Ptl George Hunter, 30 Pct, Shot-robbery
October 13, 1968 Ptl David Turman, TPF, Shot-mistaken ID, off duty
October 13, 1970 Ptl Maurice Erben, Harbor, Boat accident
October 13, 1996 PO Brian Jones, PSA4, Shot-off duty dispute
October 15, 1932 Ptl John Fink, 71 Pct, Fire rescue
October 15, 1964 Det James Donegan, 71 Squad, Shot effecting arrest
October 15, 1964 Det Salvatore Potenza, 71 Sqd, Shot effecting arrest
October 15, 1994 PO William Kennedy, Info unavailable
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

Thursday, October 12, 2006

A CLASSIC GUMSHOE LINE

Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe, of private eye-fiction fame, said it best.

“I need a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat, and a gun.”


REVOLVERS AS A STATUS SYMBOL?

A New York Times article from 2004 recapped the evolution of the police handgun in New York City history. Some of the more interesting points follow.

In the early years of the Police Department, officers carried any weapon they chose, until Theodore Roosevelt, as president of the Board of Police Commissioners, ordered the 4-inch, .32-caliber Colt revolver to be the standard sidearm.

Training with the guns began on Dec. 30, 1895.

Ninety-eight years later, in 1993, after much debate among the department and the unions and legislators in Albany, the department switched from revolvers to semiautomatics, primarily to meet the advanced weaponry carried by criminals and dispel the perception that the officers were outgunned.

The newer guns were easier to reload and held 15 rounds in the magazine and one on the chamber, almost three times as many as the revolver. Officers with revolvers were allowed to keep them if they chose, while rookies received the new guns.

So, the model of an officer's gun dates him or her like rings on a tree.

The outer bands are the semiautomatic, 9-millimeter pistols.

The next ring is much thinner, the brief period of the so-called spurless revolver, a gun with an internal hammer that for safety cannot be cocked.

Finally, in the center, there is the classic revolver, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 10 or the Ruger Police Service Six, more commonly seen on "T. J. Hooker" reruns or film noir than on the streets of New York.


WHO’S THE TARGET?

Ever wonder who you’ve been shooting at during your police career attending firearms range cycles?

Who is that man on the target?

This question was asked (also by the NY Times, in 2005), and the answer is somewhat complex.

There is a theory kept alive in the basement of One Police Plaza in the printing office, where all of the department's literature – and its targets – are printed.

"That's Bruno," said the deputy director. "That's the guy they sketched it from."

"Bruno" is Bruno J. Fulginiti, a member of the police department from 1951 until his retirement in 1977.

Charles Callahan, a former director of printing, said the target was already in use when he arrived in 1968, but everyone agreed that it looked like Officer Fulginiti.

"Bruno had a resemblance to the guy," he said. "He was a press operator, the old letter press," back when the office was on Centre Street, he said. "It's a very manly appearance."

Officer Fulginiti died in 1996, at age 69. His widow, Marie Fulginiti, said she had never heard about any target. "He's never mentioned it," she said on the telephone from her home in Brooklyn. "If that was the case, he would have told me."

Another theory came from a former commander at Rodmans Neck.

"I call it the Ernest Borgnine Target," he said.

In terms of the film and television actor's celebrity at the time the target was created, the theory is solid. Born to Italian immigrants in Hamden, Conn., in 1917 and a boxer in his youth, Mr. Borgnine had appeared in more than 20 films by the time the target was created, most notably as Sgt. James R. (Fatso) Judson, the bully who beats Frank Sinatra's character to death in "From Here to Eternity" in 1953.

The target was created shortly after the range opened in 1960. It was a busy time, with the firearms officers facing brand-new headaches. Bullets sometimes ricocheted off the target posts and back at shooters, until someone developed an angled pole.

Edwin Love was the first administrative lieutenant at the range. Today he is 83 years old, lives in Bayside, Queens, and suffers from a permanent ringing in his ears. He remembers the primitive target in use when he got there.

"If you took a pen and just made a circle for a head, and you made a little open mouth and a couple of dots - it was Mickey Mouse," Mr. Love said. "As soon as I saw it, I felt, 'We got to change that.' "

"I called downtown and they sent up an artist and he was terrific," he said. "I told him what I wanted. He was a quick study. He did excellent, really. Young guy."

The lieutenant - the man who commissioned one of the iconic images of law enforcement - said that he gave the artist a clear command on who it should look like.

Nobody.

" 'The most important thing, don't make it look like anybody,' " Mr. Love said he told the young artist. His fear, he said, was insulting anyone and singling out any specific racial or ethnic group. Whether the artist obeyed, or he happened to glance up and see Sergeant Worell walking past, or he knew Officer Fulginiti from the presses, or he was a fan of the television program "McHale's Navy," which had its debut around that time, may never be known, for Mr. Love does not remember the artist's name.

He does remember inspecting the finished product, and being pleased, for it did look like anybody, and nobody.

Well... almost nobody. Even a target designed to be nobody, it turned out, reminded everybody of somebody else.

"There was a fighter, Rocky Graziano, I thought it looked like him," Mr. Love said, referring to the former world middleweight champion.

"If it looked like anybody, in my estimate," he said. "it was Rocky Graziano."



GLOSSARY OF SOME 1930’S CRIMINAL SLANG

BULL: a policeman.
BULL-OUT-OF-HARNESS: a plain-clothes man.
[To] BUZZ: to pick pockets.
CADGER: a beggar. (Cadging: begging)
CALL THE TURN: said of a criminal after a detective has identified him.CRIB: a gambling house.
DIP: pickpocket.
ON THE DIP: pickpocketing.
ELBOW: detective.
FLY-COP: a detective.
FRONT OFFICE: police headquarters.
HOLLER: to tell or report to the police.
LEATHER: Pocketbook.
MILKY TOGS: white clothes.
MOB: robbing with companions; Five men generally make up a "mob".
MOLL: a girl.
MOLL-BUZZER: a pickpocket who robs only women.
PETER: a safe.
PETERMEN: safe-blowers.
PORCH-CLIMBER: second-story workers.
QUEER: counterfeit money.


FROM THE 1926 ANNUAL REPORT

The 1926 NYPD Annual Report notes the existence of the Precinct Numeral Shop.

This shop “continues for the manufacture of insignia worn on collars of uniforms of members of the Force, indicating command to which attached. These insignia numerals are furnished without cost to members of the Force and are made by two disabled patrolmen."


SECURITY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR: FIGHTING IDENTITY THEFT

Some banks will soon be adopting “Voice Print Technology” in an effort to thwart pretexting. (We all know what pretexting is, having read my previous posting, correct?)

Efforts to thwart identity thieves and others who pretext - or falsely obtain information out of banks - may take on a high-tech spin in the near future.

No longer will social security numbers, mother's maiden name and other traditional verifiers be used by bank customer service agents.

Instead, inbound customer calls will be compared to previously secured voice prints of the customer to verify his or her identity.

A product called Omvia, from Intervoice (www.InterVoice.com), compares the voice on the phone with the previously stored, officially recognized, voice for the account.

Interesting, James Bond-type stuff!


INTERESTING WEB SITE

To check on property records for New York City addresses, try this site:

Property tax search:

http://nycserv.nyc.gov/NYCServInquiry/NYCSERVMain