"It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data"
Sherlock Holmes



DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR UNTIL YOU FIND IT

A detective seeks to find the truth.

Whether it be a criminal investigation, and you are looking for the culprit who committed the crime. Or you are investigating a “Missing Person”, and you are trying to find out where that person is. What we do as Detective’s is seek the truth.

In our truth-seeking mission, we sometimes do not know what we are looking for when we start out. We ask questions, we take notes, and then we go over our notes and start asking questions again.

We are constantly asking questions and seeking answers. Whether we are physically asking questions to another person, or we are looking over printouts of cell phone records or address listings, what we are doing is asking questions and seeking answers.

Many times the questions we ask, and the answers we get, will lead us down the path to more questions. That’s what I mean when I say that we sometimes do not know what we are looking for until we find it.

You begin looking at cell phone records. Who was called, when, for how long? Does any of this information help? Does it lead you anywhere? You won’t know until you start looking at it.

A phone number appears in an obscure manner; no particular time or date of meaning to your investigation, but it was longer than most of the other calls on the record. Who was he speaking to? What about? Is this a co-conspirator who may be able to be “flipped” for information? Is it a girlfriend who he may seek out for refuge when he is on the run?

You are looking over an Accurint printout of people residing at a location. Suspect name appears, siblings are there, but who is this female with a different last name? Is this a girlfriend or a relative? Someone told you your suspect was out of state with an aunt. Is this the aunt, and does she have an out of state connection?

You very often don’t know what you’re looking for until you find it. And when you find it, bells and whistles will go off like never before!

(Or, as Sherlock Holmes put it, don’t come to conclusions until the facts lead you there!).



“HEY KID- GET A HAT”

The fedora was once a staple item in the detective’s wardrobe.

Any old-time crime scene photo would prove this. Detectives at crime scenes always wore a hat.

The hat was a part of everyday dress to most men. Looking at photos from World Series games in the 40’s and 50’s you notice that all the men in the stadium wore hats, and were probably wearing a suit and tie as well! How things have changed.

Elmore Leonard, a noted author of crime fiction, had a quote in a book that I used previously on this site. “I like homicide detectives. They wear hats. They wear hats so that other law-enforcement people will know they’re homicide”The NYPD was no different. A detective in the NYPD wore a hat, most likely a fedora. If you were trying to stand out a little, or flexing your individuality, you may have gone with a homburg (Jack Maple), or a porkpie (ala Popeye Doyle in French Connection) hat.

There was a saying in the department. “Hey Kid- Get a Hat”.

That meant you were getting promoted to Detective (or, more likely, to the Detective Division as a white shield investigator). When someone told you to “Get a Hat” it meant you were moving into “The Squad” – and you had better make sure you dressed the part!


DETECTIVES WEAR TRENCH COATS – THEY DON’T CARRY UMBRELLAS

The image is there- a Detective in a trench coat.

You merely have to say it and people throughout America will have the image in their mind – a detective in a trench coat.

In New York, a Detective would not be seen with an umbrella in his hand. Detectives here, in foul weather, would most likely be seen wearing a trench coat – indeed, the trench coat has become somewhat of a uniform item for detectives – and perhaps a fedora in the rain. Years back, all detectives wore hats – in fact, there was a saying in the NYPD, when someone was being promoted to detective, you would tell him “Get a Hat – Your Getting Promoted”. But an umbrella? Never a part of a New York Detective’s equipment.

But what about a detective with an umbrella?

I recall making a remark to some detectives at a crime scene where we were standing in the rain that “A detective doesn’t carry an umbrella – he wears a hat”.

Is that accurate? Do detectives carry umbrellas?

While I cannot say that a detective with an umbrella is at all common here in New York, or even in the US, what about elsewhere?

What better place to find out than from the city of rain – London.

Do Scotland Yard detectives in fact carry umbrellas, that here in New York would be totally foreign to us?

My question to you is: Would it be reasonable for a Scotland Yard Detective to be at a crime scene, or on an investigation, carrying an umbrella?

A fashionable man in the City of London would certainly carry an umbrella – what about Detectives?

I checked in with a friend from Scotland Yard, a Detective Superintendent who I knew would surely be able to let me – and my loyal readers – know about this unusual issue.

He assured me that, on his side of the world, detectives also would not be seen carrying an umbrella! Even in damp and foggy London!

“Can't say that I've seen a detective at a crime scene with an umbrella - ever!”

“Having numerous homicide and serious crime scenes over the past few years I haven't had one and have not seen any colleagues with one either.”

He added that for the most part you might see a detective at a crime scene wearing “The Berghaus waterproof” – which is similar to an Eddie Bauer-type winter coat (3/4 length ski coat) that we might wear. Of course, even in London you could expect to see “the senior detectives in a great coat.”

Maybe a Burberry trench coat? I wonder if they have “London Fog” coats in London?




IT’S NOT IN SCOTLAND – AND THERE’S NO YARD

The name Scotland Yard invokes the image of a foggy London street being patrolled by a detective in a trench coat puffing smoke from his pipe.

But Scotland Yard has an easily muddled history, full of misnomers and controversy.

Neither in Scotland, nor in a yard, it is the name of the headquarters of London's Metropolitan Police and, by association, has become synonymous with the force.

The Yard doesn't serve the city either, but instead the Greater London area.

Think of it this way.

There is an area of London that is classified as the “City of London”. This particular part of London encompasses approximately one square mile. The City Of London is the downtown financial center of the city, and can be thought of – in terms of New York – as the Financial District. The City of London has a separate police force that handles this one square mile.

Everything else around this square mile, in what is also known as London, is handled by the Metropolitan Police Service – commonly known as Scotland Yard. So if the downtown financial district of New York is thought of as the City of London, than the surrounding areas – and the other boroughs of New York – is the area that Scotland Yard is responsible for.

Besides the City of London Police force and Scotland Yard, there is also a British Transport Police force that patrols the subway – “The Tube” – and a parks area police force.

If you really would like to read more about policing on the other side of the pond, you can check out the following web site:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/world-history/brief-scotland.html?c=y&page=1#ixzz0WfdIsbQa



THAT’S ATROCIOUS!

Every so often, as a detective you will be reviewing a “rap” sheet that includes out-of-state arrests. Familiar terms in the New York State Penal Law often have very unusual sounding terms in other jurisdictions.

Squad Commander Lt. Seamus McHugh recalls looking over a rap sheet one time for a perp that he was booking and noticing that he had been arrested in the past for what was identified as “Atrocious Assault”.

Inquiring of his prisoner what exactly he did that was termed “Atrocious Assault”, without skipping a beat he was told “It was really, really bad”.

I guess so.


THAT’S SOME GREAT STUFF – WD40

One of the two most essential items for anyone’s tool kit – the other one being duct tape – has to be “WD40”.

Too tight to break the seal of a lug nut, squeaky door or chair, rusted bolt on a door frame – nothing that can’t be handled by WD40.

Standing for “Water Displacement 40”, meaning it was the fortieth recipe tried for the stuff, you can’t go wrong carrying a can of this around in the trunk of your car or leaving one in a file cabinet drawer.

Just make sure you’re ready for the solution.

I recall a squeaky front-gate in the 77 Squad Room. Anytime someone entered into the squad room from the front waiting room, the front gate squeaked. Not so loud as to be an annoyance, but one of those noises that you almost didn’t realize you heard – until it wasn’t there anymore.

When a rather industrious Detective decided to spray some WD40 on the front gate to eliminate the squeak, he came under some heavy objections from other squad members – including the squad commander!

You see, that squeak served as a good way to alert someone in an outer office – like the squad commander! – that someone had walked into the squad room. No squeak – surprise entrance!

After being tired of the squeak that my desk chair had everytime I swiveled around, I decided to get some of this miracle spray and eliminate the annoying squeak. No squeak, quiet chair, makes for a happy me.

It seems, though, that the squeaky chair served as an alarm to the detectives in the squad room that the boss was getting up from his chair and on his way out. I didn’t realize it at the time!

I think I have uncovered a plot to pour water on my chairs mechanism seeking to get that squeaky-sound back!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Just want to take a moment and wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Seems like only yesterday we were making plans for the Labor Day weekend. Next thing you know, the Christmas decorations appear.

Enjoy the holiday, in whatever way you celebrate, with family and loved ones.


THE DUFFY CHILDREN ENDOWMENT FUND

If you would care to contribute, especially around this holiday season, to the fund that has been established for the two children of Det Timothy Duffy who passed away this past September in a car accident, you may do so at:

The Duffy Children Endowment Fund
C/O Kimberly Duffy
The Detective Endowment Association
26 Thomas Street
New York, NY 10007


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 18, 1961 Ptl Charles Gunther, 105 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
November 17, 1849 Ptl William Helms, NFI
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 27, 1992 PO William Gunn, 67 PDU, Shot-investigation
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

“OUTSIDE OF A DOG, A BOOK IS A MANS BEST FRIEND.
INSIDE OF A DOG IT’S TOO DARK TO READ”
Groucho Marx


FLYING SQUADS

An elite branch of Great Britain’s Metropolitan Police – the police agency of greater London, otherwise known as Scotland Yard, has an elite group that is known throughout Britain as “THE SWEENEY”.

“The Sweeney” is the term commonly used to describe the Flying Squad -an elite branch of the Metropolitan Police that specializes in attacking armed robbery and violent crime.

The slang term, Sweeney, derives from the Cockney rhyming slang in which the expression Sweeney Todd rhymes with (and stands for) 'Flying Squad'.

The Flying Squad investigates all methods of robbery (armed or not) of cash in transit companies, office buildings, betting offices, post offices, jewelers, casinos and banks.. They also investigate all robberies at commercial premises where a firearm is produced or intimated.

The Flying Squad is a branch of the Specialist Crime Directorate, within London’s Metropoliatn Police Service. The Squad's purpose is to investigate commercial armed robberies, along with the prevention and investigation of other serious armed crime. Due to the Flying Squad dealing with armed crime, many of the officers assigned are authorized firearms officers.

The squad was originally formed on an experimental basis in 1919.

In October, 1919, twelve detectives from Scotland Yard were organized into this special operation. The group was initially named the "Mobile Patrol Experiment", and its original orders were to perform surveillance and gather intelligence on known robbers and pickpockets, using a horse-drawn carriage with covert holes cut into the canvas.

In 1920, it was officially reorganized and renamed to become the "Central Robbery Squad", under the authority of the Commissioner of Police.

The Mobile Patrol Experiment was given authorization to carry out duties anywhere in the Metropolitan London Police District, meaning that they did not have to observe Division boundaries, giving rise to the name of the "Flying Squad" because the unit knew no boundaries.
In the late early 1980s, the name was changed to the Central Robbery Squad, referred to by most as the Flying Squad.

Some of the most dangerous work undertaken by the Flying Squad is known as "Pavement Ambush", where police ambush armed robbers during the offence. This would be similar to what we would consider a “Stakeout”.

During "Operation Yamoto" and "Operation Char", this approach saw two armed robbers shot dead by police.[

DNA AND ANIMALS

Several years ago, it was reported that DNA was used to help solve a murder, in a rather unusual manner.

A woman was murdered in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Her estranged husband was implicated because a snowy white cat hair was found in a jacket near the scene of the crime, and DNA fragments from the hair matched DNA fragments from Snowball, the cat belonging to the husband's parents.

Whenever you are dealing with a case where animal hair is involved, you should inquire as to whether there is sufficient sample for DNA to be extracted – especially if you have a suspect with a house pet.

TRAFFIC SQUADS

Why is there a separate Traffic Squad Benevolent Association in the annals of the department?

Looking into this topic, the Minister consulted with Mike Bosak, a retired MOS who spent 13 years in Auto Crime and 10 years in the Bureau before retiring several years ago. Mike is a department historian who has been instrumental in restoring much of the previously lost department history. He has provided the following information concerning "Traffic Patrolmen".

At one time Traffic Precincts and Bridge Precincts were common throughout the city.

At first "Traffic Patrolmen" were assigned to Traffic and Bridge Precincts only. If memory serves correct, these precincts were originally under a parent command called the "Bureau of Street Traffic".

Many of the bridges such as the 59th Street Bridge, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn had their very own precincts. They were called Bridge Precincts, but their duties were basically traffic control and they had the same type table of organization as a Traffic Precinct.

Besides these Bridge Precincts, responsible for traffic duty, each borough also had from 2 to 5 Traffic Precincts.

The perception back in the early 20th Century was that NYC # 1 primary police problem was traffic control. Most "Traffic Patrolman" assigned to these precincts were assigned to "Traffic" fixers.

And it wasn't a four-hour fixer, 1-hour meal and three hours on a patrol post. (Remember no official time for meal and you also had reserve duty in the S.H.) For the specified whole tour, you were on a traffic fixer.

They even had their own "Traffic" chart. So "Traffic Cops" were a whole breed unto themselves.

The chart was brutal. When Traffic patrolmen got their new chart, the rest of the job also changed charts. This chart was in effect until 1905 for the entire job, all ranks!!

The only difference was the vacation days: Doorman and Patrolman got 5 days; Roundsmen, Sergeants, Captains and Inspectors, got either 8 or 10 vacation days.

The Traffic Patrol chart was not much better and was geared more towards working daylight hour. Back then, not only did the NYPD have "Traffic Patrolmen" but also had "Bicycle Patrolmen; "Mounted Patrolmen" and just plain "Patrolmen" from 5th Grade to 1st Grade. They were paid different salaries and had different duties as spelled out in the Rules & Procedures.

Uniform ranks were different too: Doorman, Patrolmen, Roundsman, Sergeant, Captain and Inspector.

When the Doormen's rank was abolished, they were all appointed as 5th Grade Patrolmen.

Even the Detective Bureau went thru many changes. At times patrolmen were "Detectives" with no official rank of "Detective", then we had the official rank of "Detective"; "Detective Sergeants" as 'sergeants as detectives' like the L.A.P.D. has today, and finally back to just plain old "Detective".

In fact at one point in time there were probably almost as many traffic cops as there were regular precinct patrolmen (plain "Patrolmen"; "Bicycle patrolman" and "Mounted Patrolman") on the NYPD. That is why there was a "Traffic Squad Benevolent Association".

Sometimes on the old department orders, not only were you transferred "to and from" a particular precinct, i.e. Bridge, Traffic, Mounted or just 'plain' Precinct, but occasionally the orders specified your detailed "Patrol" or "Traffic Post" (Talk about the hook.)

Also, "Mounted" patrolman were transferred with his individual horse (they had a number & name), saddle and leather equipment as specified on the order. And at the time, the "Bureau of Street Traffic" was a huge; almost separate entity unto itself within the department.

The department's focus on traffic control started to change in the late 1940 to early 1950, and they started doing away with the Traffic Precincts, Traffic Patrolmen" and department's involvement with traffic control. Effective April 1, 1959 the outer boroughs lost their last traffic precincts.

MEXICAN DRUG MUSEUM OVERFLOWING

A recent article in the Financial Times reported on a rather unusual museum in Mexico – a Mexican Narcotics Museum.

Opened in 1986, the drug museum is maintained by the Defense Ministry. It started as a very humble one-room operation with few exhibits of “souvenirs” seized during the drug wars conducted by Mexican authorities. Today it is running out of room!

With the Mexican government in the process of an all-out war against drugs and drug traffickers, attacking the drug cartels at all avenues, every inch of the space allocated for this museum is overflowing with evidence and display cabinets from seizures.

Photographs and memorabilia of drug busts sit among cabinets bursting with narco bling and unusual weapons that have been confiscated along the way.

“We’ve run out of space,” admits Captain Claudio Montane, the museum’s curator. “The collection continues to grow, but there is no more room to show it.”

Some of the more glitzy seizures include 12 pistols that belonged to a drug trafficker killed by police in February during a major shoot-out battle. One of these weapons is a gold-plated Colt .38 Super, that is adorned with the Medusa head of the Versace logo on its handle and has the (previous) owner’s name engraved on the side. (Try explaining that this weapons is not yours, but your brothers, and you just happen to have taken his jacket that day!)

Another gun is engraved with etchings that celebrate the life and times of Pancho Villa, the Mexican revolutionary hero, on every available surface of the gold-and-silver body handgun.

There are several examples of AK-47 assault rifles, which is commonly known in Mexico as a “Goats Horn” because of the curved magazine. One particularly handcrafted model has a tiger engraved in silver and gold on the grip.

Apparently, “Mexican drug traffickers like to show off,” says Capt. Montane.

On yet another shelf sits a cell phone that is plated in gold.

One notorious cartel leader’s handgun is also on display, with the engraving “I would prefer to die standing than to live kneeling down”. Another Colt .45 handgun is decorated with 221 diamonds incrusted into a white-gold handle and fixed to a gold-plate body.

The museum, alas, is not open to the public but is used to teach members of the military and police about illicit drugs and the culture of the people who smuggle them.

The US Government acknowledges that Mexican gangs have grown stronger and more powerful in the past decade and now control “the vast majority of cocaine that is grown in South America and sold on US streets.” There are estimates that place more than 80 percent of cocaine consumed inj the US as passing through Mexico.

The museum was expanded from one room to a total of ten in 2001. While the demand to visit the museum grows, there is a waiting list of visitors requesting to view.


INTERESTING GADGETS

Bluetooth Wireless Hands-Free Car Kit

This device, a VR3 Hands-Free Car Kit, turns your Bluetooth cell phone into a speakerphone. The kit is compatible with all Bluetooth phones. The unit mounts onto your sun visor, works through your cigarette lighter, and retails for only $49.95.

If you’d like to turn your cars interior into a Bluetooth hands-free device so that everyone in the car can be part of your phone conversation, then check it out further at:

http://sewelldirect.com


USB Sunglasses

Always looking for that USB thumb-drive that you can’t seem to find a place to carry?

Calvin Klein has an answer for you. USB Sunglasses.

These new sunglasses, designed in Roger Moore retro style, conceal a 4 GB USB port thumb drive memory stick.

Just pull the detachable arm apart, and plug the thumb drive into a computer. Store and carry images, music, documents and other data right in your sunglasses!

These glasses are retailing for $199.


“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, 1929 Ptl John Duffy, 23 Pct, Shot – Robbery in progress
November 17, 1945 Ptl Francis McKeon, 34 Pct, Shot by EDP
November 17, 1849 Ptl William Helms, NFI
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

“Many times a detective doesn’t know what he’s looking for until he finds it”.



CODE FOR DETECTIVES

I discovered the following, from an old SPRING 3100 magazine, that had been sent to me several years ago by John Reilly – since deceased, and a former detective and department historian. John sent this along to me as he knew it would certainly be of interest.

The date that this was printed in a SPRING magazine was not indicated. I find these magazines to be chock full of department history, and can spend hours going through them.

I believe this was found in an issue from the early 1960’s. Perhaps some of my readers may have better information as to the timing of this item, and I encourage your contributions. I’ll find the exact date some time soon, I’m sure.

The text is reflective on the newly assigned detective – and although it may be dated, the message will surely ring true to its foundation.

“CODE FOR DETECTIVES”

“For those patrolmen who “get the gold shield” of the Detective Division, a new life in police work lies ahead and it is one that requires thoughtful consideration of the standards peculiar to police.

Lt. Arthur Schultheis, 14th Squad commader (today’s Midtown South Squad), a detective since 1945, and a squad commander for more than ten years, seeks to inmpress the meaning of the changeover from patrolman to detective with a code of ethics that he gives to each detective coming to his command. The code follows.

When a patrolman becomes a detective the transition should not be casual. You should realize that you are stepping onto a new and vital plateau in police work and that your competence and attitude are most important qualifications. It is at this time that a clear outline of a detective’s duties should be crystallized and a new loyalty inculcated in the thinking of the officer. It should be impressed upon the patrolman that you are becoming a member of a distinctive organization with an honorable tradition and your future responsibilities should be assumed in a spirit of humility and determination.

Among the more rewarding experiences of a detective is the feeling of personal accomplishment found in the successful completion of a difficult and tenuous investigation, therefore it behooves him to take pride in his work performing his duties in a manner to bring praise and respect to the department and his division (today – Bureau).

Aware of the responsibility of the individual detective, it is felt that a practical and ethical concept of his work should be formalized in a code of behavior emphasizing the fact his duties are singular, challenging and concerned with problems of morality and integrity”.

CODE FOR DETECTIVES

I. A detective should have the highest regard for the primary function of the division – service to the public.

II. Within the framework of the law and department regulations, a detective shall hold inviolate confidential information coming into his possession and do his utmost to protect the reputation of others.

III. To prove the innocence as well as the guilt of persons who are suspect shall be the abiding determination of a detective’s investigation.

IV. A detective shall cooperate with all agencies, both public and private, organized for the betterment of the community.

V. Knowing that teamwork is essential in his profession, a detective shall seek the loyalty and cooperation of his brother officers and return the same without reservation.

VI. A detective shall strive for self improvement; he shall keep himself generally well informed and in matters of crime and criminals he shall keep himself particularly well informed.

VII. A detective’s personal appearance and his conduct in relation with others should reflect the highest credit on the division.

VIII. A detective shall maintain his private life in such a manner as to be a credit to his community.

IX. A detective shall care for department property in his custody and thoroughly familiarize himself with its purpose and operation.

X. A detective shall regard no facet of his work with indifference; each case should be regarded as a personal challenge to be met with enthusiasm and diligence.



I’m wondering if perhaps Frankie Bolz has more information on Arthur Schultheis he could pass along?



ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL

Driving passed St. Mary’s Hospital the other day, at Prospect & Buffalo Avenue, I was reminded of an amusing story. St Mary’s Emergency Room is no longer open, and the hospital is no longer a general care facility. (What it is exactly I’m not quite sure, and even when the ER was “Open”, it wasn’t a place you’d want to be taken to).

Several years back, when the hospital was fully operational, a man was seated in his parked car on Atlantic Avenue and for some reason – too long to get into here – he was approached by another and was shot. He put his car into gear and quickly drove away from the scene. Realizing he had been shot, and familiar with the area, he drove himself the 3 blocks to St Mary’s Hospital seeking medical aid.

He pulled up into the Emergency Room entrance, pulling next to an EMS Ambulance that was parked there. The 2 EMT’s from the ambulance saw the car pull up, and the man screaming for help – saying that he had been shot.

Realizing the man was shot, and would need medical aid immediately, they immediately responded to render him aid. They took him from his car, put him on a stretcher, then … loaded him into their ambulance and drove the 1 ½ miles to Kings County Hospital – to get him the attention he needed!

You see, I guess even the EMT’s knew that bringing the victim into St Mary’s Emergency Room - that was steps away – just wouldn’t do it. This man needed MEDICAL attention!



DNA INFO

CODIS – COmbined DNA Index System

The Databank is part of a national system called CODIS.

CODIS is a searchable software program with three hierarchical tiers of the DNA Index System (DIS) - local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and national (NDIS).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) serves as the NDIS connection and links New York State with other participating states. This tiered approach allows individual state and local agencies to operate their respective DNA databases according to applicable state law and local policy.

National DNA Databank: CODIS

The COmbined DNA Index System, CODIS, blends computer and DNA technologies into a tool for fighting violent crime.

The current version of CODIS uses two indexes to generate investigative leads in crimes where biological evidence is recovered from the crime scene.

The Convicted Offender Index contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of felony sex offenses (and other violent crimes).

The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence.

All DNA profiles stored in CODIS are generated using STR (short tandem repeat) analysis.

CODIS utilizes computer software to automatically search its two indexes for matching DNA profiles. Law enforcement agencies at federal, state, and local levels take DNA from biological evidence (e.g., blood and saliva) gathered in crimes that have no suspect and compare it to the DNA in the profiles stored in the CODIS systems. If a match is made between a sample and a stored profile, CODIS can identify the perpetrator.

In New York State there are eight LDIS DNA laboratories.

The State Police Forensic Investigation Center (FIC) in Albany serves as a LDIS site for forensic casework performed at the FIC and as the SDIS laboratory for New York State.

All LDIS laboratories maintain a Forensic Index which is comprised of DNA profiles from crime scene evidence submitted by the agencies they serve. These profiles are routinely compared in order to identify and link criminal incidents that may involve the same perpetrator.

The SDIS database at the State Police FIC contains forensic DNA profiles uploaded by each of the LDIS laboratories and enables inter-comparisons of crime scene evidence DNA profiles among the participating LDIS laboratories in New York State and across the country.

How does the DNA Databank work?

DNA evidence is collected from a crime scene, and analyzed by a forensic laboratory accredited in DNA testing. A scientist develops a DNA "profile" and uploads it to the state DNA Databank.

That profile is then run against the convicted-offender DNA profiles in the State Databank to determine if a match exists.

In addition, profiles from other unsolved cases are compared against it to identify serial crimes.

The profile is uploaded to the Federal DNA Index System for comparison with DNA profiles from other states. DNA profiles remain in the Federal Databank and are regularly searched against new profiles as they are added to the system.



Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

Mitochondrial DNA analysis (mtDNA) can be used to examine the DNA from samples that cannot be analyzed by RFLP or STR.

Nuclear DNA must be extracted from samples for use in RFLP, PCR, and STR; however, mtDNA analysis uses DNA extracted from another cellular organelle called a mitochondrion.

While older biological samples that lack nucleated cellular material, such as hair, bones, and teeth, cannot be analyzed with STR and RFLP, they can be analyzed with mtDNA.

In the investigation of cases that have gone unsolved for many years, mtDNA is extremely valuable.


DNA AND THE SUPERBOWL?

Super Bowl XXXIV Footballs and 2000 Summer Olympic Souvenirs
Did you know that the NFL used DNA technology to tag all the Super Bowl XXXIV balls, ensuring their authenticity for years to come?

The method was intended to help to combat the growing epidemic of sports memorabilia fraud. The footballs were marked with an invisible, yet permanent, strand of synthetic DNA. The DNA strand is unique and is verifiable any time in the future using a specially calibrated laser.

I wonder if they continued to use this on subsequent Super Bowl items?



FROM THE HUMIDOR

Some Q&A for the cigar smoker, thanks to the Texas Cigar Club.

You can check out their site for more info at: http://www.texascigarclub.com/

How do you prepare a new humidor?

A new humidor must be conditioned before you store any cigars.

The humidor is made of wood and cigars need moisture, so you must put moisture inside the humidor, otherwise the humidor would suck all the moisture out of your cigars.

To prepare the humidor, first wipe down the inside with a damp sponge.

Do NOT use a paper towel; it may leave lint in the box.

Do not use a sponge laying in the sink , it could have soap or bacteria on it. Buy a new one!

Close the lid, then let it dry and repeat the process once again.

Soak the humidifier in distilled water for about 10 minutes. Wipe off any water and place inside the lid of the humidor. Close the lid and let it stand over night. Re-soak the humidifier again the next day before putting in the cigars.

Keep your humidor in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

The more you open your humidor the more you will need to refill the humidifier.




CONGRATULATIONS- CHIEF OF DETECTIVES PHIL T. PULASKI

Congratulations are in order for the newly appointed CHIEF OF DETECTIVES, no stranger to detectives or the department.

Phil T. Pulaski was recently appointed Chief of Detectives, taking over the esteemed position that was vacated by the retirement of GEORGE BROWN.

We wish to extend our best wishes to GEORGE BROWN on his retirement, and look forward to serving under Phil Pulaski.


REMEMBER:

To Contact the Minister of Investigation, you can send an email to:

LTJAC77@yahoo.com