�The impulse toward perfection is more important than perfection itself.�
�You can strive for perfection� and sometimes that makes you a miserable son of a bitch.�
THE TALE OF THE DETECTIVE: OH WHAT A CHART
Let�s imagine it�s 1958 and, you�ve just received a "Field Promotion" for a good collar, and find yourself in the Detective Bureau. Like Frank Bolz, you may have had the opportunity to make a good homicide collar that was noticed by some brass, and now get your opportunity to prove your worth as a detective.
Recent postings have discussed detective life before overtime, and the 1970 Detective Duty Chart was also noted. The 1960 Detective Chart is even better.
As a detective in 1960 you would find yourself working a chart that consisted of a six-week cycle. That meant that you were off for one � 1 � RDO every week for 4 weeks; your 5th week you had 2 RDO�s, and your 6th week was a "Special Duty" Week.
Here�s how it worked.
Monday, you worked the Day Duty � 0800 x 1700 hours.
Tuesday into Wednesday, you came in for your Overnight Duty. This started at 1700 hrs and ended the next morning at 0800 hours. There was no steady Night Watch; this overnight tour provided the coverage for the late tour.
Thursday was your RDO.
Friday was an "Open Day". On your Open Day you worked an 8 hour tour at the direction of the Squad Commander.
You then repeated your set with a Day Duty followed by and Overnight Duty, then an RDO.
On your sixth week, coming off your 2-RDO�s, you worked a week of "Special Duty".
Your Special Duty Week consisted of a 40 hour work-week at the direction of the Squad Commander.
My guess, and it is only a guess, is that this Special Duty Week � and the Open Day � is where a lot of the "dedicated time" with no-OT was covered over by the Squad C.O. Again, it�s only a guess.
IMPORTANT DATES IN NYPD HISTORY
August 14, 1934. The Police Combat Cross established.
August 15, 1918. Mary Hamilton appointed the first policewoman, along with five others.
August 15, 1973. The Policewomen�s Bureau disbanded. The title "Police Officer" adopted for both men and women.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Area decoder
Enter a location name or dial code.
http://www.areadecoder.com/
The Telephone Prefix Location Directory: To find a prefix location in a specific area code, click on the area code to go to the search page for that area code.
http://www.thedirectory.org/pref/
AREA CODE DATABASES:
Area code info. & more.
http://www.areacode-info.com/
Toll Free: The internet 800 directory
http://inter800.com/
YOU�RE DEFINITELY A HAIRBAG IF YOU CAN REMEMBER�
Washing and waxing your RMP on Sunday day tours, when crews were permanently assigned.
The green covered Rules & Procedures before there was anything known as a Patrol Guide.
Getting your 15 alarms in your memo book before turning out.
Having to plug in patch cords on TS duty.
Outside station house security post. The Desk Lieutenant would have your butt if anyone got inside to bother him.
Going to Broome Street the day after getting sworn in to get your gun, shield and equipment.
When patrol cars had a rifle in a wooden box in the trunk.
Patrol cars with push-button transmissions, that always got stuck.
When you didn�t need a shoulder patch for people to know you were NYPD.
When a Smith & Wesson M&P Service revolver cost $42, and a Chief�s Special off duty revolver cost $52.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
Some Brooklyn North detective promotions to be recognized.
Det. Herbert Brown, 73 Squad, promoted to Sergeant.
Det. Nadine Mosley, 79 Squad, promoted to Detective First Grade.
Det. Joyce Mariner, 83 Squad, promoted to detective Second Grade.
PO Richard Carney, 94 Squad, promoted to Detective.
Also promoted to Detective is Loida Alicea, a Brooklyn North Patrol Borough alumna, she is now assigned to the DC Counterterrorism Bureau.
Congratulations and best wishes to all on your well deserved promotions!
WISHING ALL THE BEST OF LUCK
The Commanding Officer of Brooklyn North detectives, Insp. Michael Gabriel, has performed his last tour of duty and is beginning his retirement.
With almost twenty-five years on the job Mike is leaving the department to take over as Director of Security for the New York Public Library.
We will all miss you very much, Mike, but you will not be forgotten! Best of luck to you in your new endeavor!
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP: TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION!
In Kentucky, two men tried to pull the front off an ATM by running a chain from the machine to the bumper of their pickup truck.
Instead of pulling the panel off the machine, however, they pulled the bumper off the truck. Scared, they left the scene of the crime.
Their bumper, along with their license plate was still attached to the ATM.
Wishing everyone all the best on this coming holiday weekend. While it is known to most people as Labor Day Weekend, we here in Brooklyn North know it more properly as West Indian Day Parade Weekend. Here's hoping all have an enjoyable weekend, whatever you may be doing!
Friday, August 29, 2003
Monday, August 25, 2003
"Never be the first to arrive at a party or the last to go home, and never, ever be both."
POLICEWOMEN
The first women appointed to the NYC Police Department were appointed in 1891, and were part of the Women�s Bureau.
Their duties, which remained pretty much the same up until the late 1950s, included work performed as matron�s to precinct�s with women detention cells, guarding hospitalized female prisoners, assisting lost children at the various beaches and parks, searching DOA�s, and performing uniform duties at parades and other ceremonial functions.
As noted in her book, Detective Marie Cirile: Memoirs of a Police Officer, this searching of female DOA�s is somewhat interesting. At the time (1950�s-60�s) female DOA�s had to be searched by a female officer. This could take several hours waiting for a policewomen to become available to perform the search. Once the body was searched by the female officer it would then be turned over to the male ME attendants, who would remove the body to the morgue to be examined by the male ME before turning the body over to the male undertakers.
During the early 60�s the Policewomen�s Bureau was headed by a Director, Theresa Melchionne, who made a lot of strides in bringing female officers forward. She was instrumental in instituting numerous specialized, undercover assignments for policewomen which eventually to the Policewomen�s Bureau being responsible for six to eight hundred arrests each year by the mid-1960�s.
At that time Policewomen were deployed in such assignments as the shoplifting detail, Gypsy Squad, Broadway Squad, the Degenerate Squad, and the Abortion Squad. They also performed duties as decoys and undercover investigations.
On October 28, 1963, Director Melchionne was promoted to deputy commissioner of Youth Programs, and left the Women�s Bureau. Her departure preceeded the eventual decentralization of the Policewomen�s Bureau, with a number of policewomen assigned to each precinct to perform their duties under the direction of the precinct commander. These specialized squad assignments ended, but was also the start of the movement of bringing policewomen within the ranks of the department on an equal basis.
BROADWAY SQUAD
What a high-sounding name for such an assignment.
The Broadway Squad, part of the Policewomen�s Bureau, consisted of a small handful of policewomen who were detailed to cover the Broadway movie houses. Their mission was to seek out jostlers and pervert-exposurers.
These policewomen would seek out the thieves who sat behind or next to an unsuspecting mark and then jostle their pocketbooks for money or other belongings. The indecent exposure perps would look for a lone female of their liking, exposing themselves or performing other lewd acts.
This squad differed from the Degenerate Squad in that it worked the Broadway movie houses solely; the Degenerate Squad would track down degenerates every place else! Obscene phone callers, molesters in public parks and rest rooms � these were all prey to the policewomen of the Degenerate Squad!
Oh, how times have changed!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here are some law enforcement sites worth bookmarking.
http://copseek.com/
http://www.officer.com/
http://police.sas.ab.ca/homepage.html
http://www.coplink.com/
Note that this site has thousands of links, but has been found to be slow loading.
http://www.nycop.com/
Highly recommended to bookmark this site!
SAFIS AND AFIS
New York police use the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (SAFIS).
The national automated fingerprint database is AFIS.
DNA RELATED
DNA Extractable From Fingerprints!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/nl/n.DNAextra.html
The following is excerpted from the above noted web-site. Check out the full article by going direct to the site.
This certainly looks like it could be a very interesting, major development in DNA analysis.
It seems that if the only evidence forensic analysts can pull from a crime scene is a fingerprint smudged beyond recognition, a new technique developed by Canadian scientists soon could harvest enough DNA from the print to produce a genetic identity.
It is noted that this new system can extract DNA in only 15 minutes, even if the print has been stored for a year. Scientists expect the invention to help crime-fighters solve mysteries, and already are in talks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In addition, researchers predict the technology could be at least twice as cheap as existing DNA collection methods. (Note that it is also the RCMP that possesses the state-of-the-art �vacco-metal deposition� equipment to lift prints off plastic bags).
The new method may provide scientists with a reliable and simple method of extracting DNA.
The findings were revealed at the American Society for Microbiology's nanotechnology conference in New York earlier this month. Although 10 "nanograms" might not sound like much, for DNA analysis, even 0.1 nanogram is enough, Viaznikova said. "Scientists try not to use less than 5 to 10 nanograms, so this is fine."
She said forensic scientists have known for about five years that fingerprints contain DNA. However, commonly used extraction techniques need several hours or even days of lab work. "We can do it in 15 minutes," she added.
The most immediate application such a technique could find is with forensics, said molecular biologist Margaret Wallace of John Jay College in New York and one-time DNA analyst for the city's chief medical examiner's office. "It could save a lot of time, particularly given we have this huge backlog on DNA that needs to be analyzed," Wallace told UPI. "There are hundreds of thousands of samples that need to be looked at now."
HAWAII FIVE-O
Hawaii Five-O aired from September 1968 to April 1980. Up until recently, it was the longest continuous-running police series in U.S. television history.
With few exceptions, it was filmed entirely on location in Hawaii. Its fans list the authenticity and beauty of the scenery as its number one draw; second come the actors and the characters they portrayed.
Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett, head of an elite state police unit investigating "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, felonies of every type." James MacArthur played his second-in-command Danny ("Danno") Williams, with local actors Kam Fong, Zulu, Al Harrington, and Herman Wedemeyer, among others, playing members of the Five-O team.
Although the men of Hawaii Five-O were based in the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, they were not members of the Honolulu Police Department. They worked as part of the Hawaiian State Police and were accountable directly to Governor Philip Grey.
Actually, Hawaii does not and never did have a state police force.
Steve McGarrett was the head of the Five-O and worked with his own men and the local police in solving crimes and fighting the organized groups of the Hawaiian underworld.
The most hated man on any of the islands was the criminal genius Wo Fat. He would pop up every now-and-then to make life difficult for McGarrett, who was determined to put him in prison. Although he did manage to interfere with Wo Fat's illegal activities, he could never get enough evidence to put him away for good.
Near the end of it's run, on April 5, 1980, McGarrett's toughest rival was finally brought to justice. Disguised as a scientist, McGarrett sprung a trap that sent Wo Fat - seen for the first time in five years - to jail.
Jack Lord, who played McGarrett, died in Honolulu on January 21, 1998 of congestive heart failure.
You can catch re-runs of Hawaii Five-O on Sundays, on the Hallmark Channel. Starting at 4pm you can watch an hour of Hawaii Five-O, followed by an hour of Kojak at 5pm.
No better 2 hours on television can be found all week!
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Drug Possession Defendant, Christopher Jansen, on trial in March in Pontiac, Michigan, said he had been searched without a warrant. The prosecutor said the officer didn't need a warrant because a "bulge" in Christopher's jacket could have been a gun.
"Nonsense," said Christopher, who happened to be wearing the same jacket that day in court. He handed it over so the judge could see it. The judge discovered a packet of cocaine in the pocket and laughed so hard he required a five-minute recess to compose himself.
POLICEWOMEN
The first women appointed to the NYC Police Department were appointed in 1891, and were part of the Women�s Bureau.
Their duties, which remained pretty much the same up until the late 1950s, included work performed as matron�s to precinct�s with women detention cells, guarding hospitalized female prisoners, assisting lost children at the various beaches and parks, searching DOA�s, and performing uniform duties at parades and other ceremonial functions.
As noted in her book, Detective Marie Cirile: Memoirs of a Police Officer, this searching of female DOA�s is somewhat interesting. At the time (1950�s-60�s) female DOA�s had to be searched by a female officer. This could take several hours waiting for a policewomen to become available to perform the search. Once the body was searched by the female officer it would then be turned over to the male ME attendants, who would remove the body to the morgue to be examined by the male ME before turning the body over to the male undertakers.
During the early 60�s the Policewomen�s Bureau was headed by a Director, Theresa Melchionne, who made a lot of strides in bringing female officers forward. She was instrumental in instituting numerous specialized, undercover assignments for policewomen which eventually to the Policewomen�s Bureau being responsible for six to eight hundred arrests each year by the mid-1960�s.
At that time Policewomen were deployed in such assignments as the shoplifting detail, Gypsy Squad, Broadway Squad, the Degenerate Squad, and the Abortion Squad. They also performed duties as decoys and undercover investigations.
On October 28, 1963, Director Melchionne was promoted to deputy commissioner of Youth Programs, and left the Women�s Bureau. Her departure preceeded the eventual decentralization of the Policewomen�s Bureau, with a number of policewomen assigned to each precinct to perform their duties under the direction of the precinct commander. These specialized squad assignments ended, but was also the start of the movement of bringing policewomen within the ranks of the department on an equal basis.
BROADWAY SQUAD
What a high-sounding name for such an assignment.
The Broadway Squad, part of the Policewomen�s Bureau, consisted of a small handful of policewomen who were detailed to cover the Broadway movie houses. Their mission was to seek out jostlers and pervert-exposurers.
These policewomen would seek out the thieves who sat behind or next to an unsuspecting mark and then jostle their pocketbooks for money or other belongings. The indecent exposure perps would look for a lone female of their liking, exposing themselves or performing other lewd acts.
This squad differed from the Degenerate Squad in that it worked the Broadway movie houses solely; the Degenerate Squad would track down degenerates every place else! Obscene phone callers, molesters in public parks and rest rooms � these were all prey to the policewomen of the Degenerate Squad!
Oh, how times have changed!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here are some law enforcement sites worth bookmarking.
http://copseek.com/
http://www.officer.com/
http://police.sas.ab.ca/homepage.html
http://www.coplink.com/
Note that this site has thousands of links, but has been found to be slow loading.
http://www.nycop.com/
Highly recommended to bookmark this site!
SAFIS AND AFIS
New York police use the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (SAFIS).
The national automated fingerprint database is AFIS.
DNA RELATED
DNA Extractable From Fingerprints!
http://www.pimall.com/nais/nl/n.DNAextra.html
The following is excerpted from the above noted web-site. Check out the full article by going direct to the site.
This certainly looks like it could be a very interesting, major development in DNA analysis.
It seems that if the only evidence forensic analysts can pull from a crime scene is a fingerprint smudged beyond recognition, a new technique developed by Canadian scientists soon could harvest enough DNA from the print to produce a genetic identity.
It is noted that this new system can extract DNA in only 15 minutes, even if the print has been stored for a year. Scientists expect the invention to help crime-fighters solve mysteries, and already are in talks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In addition, researchers predict the technology could be at least twice as cheap as existing DNA collection methods. (Note that it is also the RCMP that possesses the state-of-the-art �vacco-metal deposition� equipment to lift prints off plastic bags).
The new method may provide scientists with a reliable and simple method of extracting DNA.
The findings were revealed at the American Society for Microbiology's nanotechnology conference in New York earlier this month. Although 10 "nanograms" might not sound like much, for DNA analysis, even 0.1 nanogram is enough, Viaznikova said. "Scientists try not to use less than 5 to 10 nanograms, so this is fine."
She said forensic scientists have known for about five years that fingerprints contain DNA. However, commonly used extraction techniques need several hours or even days of lab work. "We can do it in 15 minutes," she added.
The most immediate application such a technique could find is with forensics, said molecular biologist Margaret Wallace of John Jay College in New York and one-time DNA analyst for the city's chief medical examiner's office. "It could save a lot of time, particularly given we have this huge backlog on DNA that needs to be analyzed," Wallace told UPI. "There are hundreds of thousands of samples that need to be looked at now."
HAWAII FIVE-O
Hawaii Five-O aired from September 1968 to April 1980. Up until recently, it was the longest continuous-running police series in U.S. television history.
With few exceptions, it was filmed entirely on location in Hawaii. Its fans list the authenticity and beauty of the scenery as its number one draw; second come the actors and the characters they portrayed.
Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett, head of an elite state police unit investigating "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, felonies of every type." James MacArthur played his second-in-command Danny ("Danno") Williams, with local actors Kam Fong, Zulu, Al Harrington, and Herman Wedemeyer, among others, playing members of the Five-O team.
Although the men of Hawaii Five-O were based in the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, they were not members of the Honolulu Police Department. They worked as part of the Hawaiian State Police and were accountable directly to Governor Philip Grey.
Actually, Hawaii does not and never did have a state police force.
Steve McGarrett was the head of the Five-O and worked with his own men and the local police in solving crimes and fighting the organized groups of the Hawaiian underworld.
The most hated man on any of the islands was the criminal genius Wo Fat. He would pop up every now-and-then to make life difficult for McGarrett, who was determined to put him in prison. Although he did manage to interfere with Wo Fat's illegal activities, he could never get enough evidence to put him away for good.
Near the end of it's run, on April 5, 1980, McGarrett's toughest rival was finally brought to justice. Disguised as a scientist, McGarrett sprung a trap that sent Wo Fat - seen for the first time in five years - to jail.
Jack Lord, who played McGarrett, died in Honolulu on January 21, 1998 of congestive heart failure.
You can catch re-runs of Hawaii Five-O on Sundays, on the Hallmark Channel. Starting at 4pm you can watch an hour of Hawaii Five-O, followed by an hour of Kojak at 5pm.
No better 2 hours on television can be found all week!
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Drug Possession Defendant, Christopher Jansen, on trial in March in Pontiac, Michigan, said he had been searched without a warrant. The prosecutor said the officer didn't need a warrant because a "bulge" in Christopher's jacket could have been a gun.
"Nonsense," said Christopher, who happened to be wearing the same jacket that day in court. He handed it over so the judge could see it. The judge discovered a packet of cocaine in the pocket and laughed so hard he required a five-minute recess to compose himself.
Friday, August 22, 2003
"We have to do more with less".
The annoying currently popular catch-phrase spoken by many CEO�s about current situations applicable to everyone in the firm � except, of course, the CEO and his/her staff.
"You get what you pay for".
The age-old proverb spoken by many a merchant on Delancey Street.
AMBER ALERT
The AMBER Plan is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases.
Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System (EAS), formerly called the Emergency Broadcast System, to air a description of the missing child and suspected abductor.
This is the same concept used during severe weather emergencies. The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.
The AMBER Plan was created in 1996 as a powerful legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, a bright little girl who was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.
The tragedy shocked and outraged the entire community. Residents contacted radio stations in the Dallas area and suggested they broadcast special �alerts� over the airwaves so that they could help prevent such incidents in the future.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children suggests three criteria that should be met before an Alert is activated.
First, law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted. In addition, law enforcement must believe the circumstances surrounding the abduction indicates that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death, and finally there is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect�s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help.
If these criteria are met, alert information must be put together for public distribution. This information can include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, a suspected vehicle, and any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.
Upon receipt of an Amber Alert from Law Enforcement Authorities anywhere in the world, day or night, the CodeAmber ticker will be updated immediately. During an Amber Alert all of the relevant details provided by the reporting Authority will be scrolled in the Code Amber ticker window.
The information will include the location of the abduction and contact information for the reporting Authority as well as links (if available) to images of the abductee, suspect composites and any other details provided by the reporting Authority.
A recent Interim Order contains the relevant information on activating an AMBER Alert in New York City.
MANHATTAN STREET LOCATOR
Here's a handy little guide to help find the nearest Manhattan street to an address of an Avenue. You may want to cut and paste this into your PDA, or to print it out for your future reference.
1. Cancel the last figure in the address. Divide the remainder by 2 and then add the key number given below to find the nearest street. For example, 500 Fifth Avenue: Cancel the 0, divide the 50 by 2, then add the result (25) to the Key Number (17), and the nearest street is 42nd Street.
Avenue A Key# 3
Avenue B 3
Avenue C 3
Avenue D 3
First Avenue 3
Second Avenue 3
Third Avenue 10
Fourth Avenue 8
Fifth Avenue (Below No. 200) 13
Fifth Avenue (Above No. 200) 17
Sixth Avenue Deduct 12
Seventh Avenue below CP 12
Eighth Avenue below CP 9
Ninth Avenue 13
Tenth Avenue 14
Eleventh Avenue 15
Lexington Avenue 22
Madison Avenue 26
Park Avenue 35
Columbus Avenue 60
Amsterdam Avenue 60
Broadway Deduct 30
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Complete List of Federal Web Sites
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/locators/agency/index.html
United States Supreme Court
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/index.html
77 SUNSET STRIP
A very popular private-eye television show that aired from October 1958 to September 1964 was 77 SUNSET STRIP.
This one hour show was referred to as "the Mack-daddy of the late fifties detective shows, the one that started the young, cool private detective craze of the early sixties".
The premise of the show concerned Stu Bailey, former CIA-OSS officer and his partner Jeff Spencer, a former undercover police officer, as the swinging, martini-clutching private eyes that worked out of their office at 77 Sunset Boulevard in LA.
They drove brand new sports cars � of course � and shared a driveway with the swinging nightspot Dino�s, that always managed to become a hangout and chick-magnet for the pair.
"The thing I liked about this show were the snub nose 38s and the shoulder holsters that they really display rather prominently whenever Jeff's and Stu's sportcoats were off." Another viewer notes "and the other thing I liked about the show was the '60s style Thunderbird. A really sharp car."
This show was the first hour-long private eye show, and became one of the most influential private eye show � setting the tone for the others that followed.
Hard broiled drama was out, and gimmicks were in, as the show included a racetrack tout named Roscoe and a hair-combing Dino�s parking lot attendant and beatnik PI wanna-be named Kookie.
Incidentally, the star of the show who played Stuart Bailey was none other than Efrem Zimbalist Jr, the same actor who later starred in the TV show "The FBI" as Inspector Erskine.
BOMB SQUAD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The NYPD Bomb Squad will be celebrating its Centennial Year of operation at a gala event this coming November.
On November 21, starting at 6PM to midnight, the Bomb Squad will be hosting a dinner celebration at the NY Hilton Hotel, 1335 6 Ave, NYC. Honoring the squad for its 100 years of service to the city, the dinner committee is indicating that black tie is optional � although recommended. Tickets are $75 per/person.
For more information contact Gerry Fitzpatrick, Brian Coughlin or Mark Torre at
212-741-4835.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert an hour east of Bakersfield, California, a woman new to boating was having a problem. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't get her brand new 22-ft Bayliner to perform.
It wouldn't get on a plane at all, and it was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power she applied.
After about an hour of trying to make it go, she putted over to a nearby marina. Maybe they could tell her what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything was in perfect working order. The engine ran fine, the outdrive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath.
He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
REMEMBER� TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION
Send an e-mail to:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
The annoying currently popular catch-phrase spoken by many CEO�s about current situations applicable to everyone in the firm � except, of course, the CEO and his/her staff.
"You get what you pay for".
The age-old proverb spoken by many a merchant on Delancey Street.
AMBER ALERT
The AMBER Plan is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases.
Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System (EAS), formerly called the Emergency Broadcast System, to air a description of the missing child and suspected abductor.
This is the same concept used during severe weather emergencies. The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.
The AMBER Plan was created in 1996 as a powerful legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, a bright little girl who was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.
The tragedy shocked and outraged the entire community. Residents contacted radio stations in the Dallas area and suggested they broadcast special �alerts� over the airwaves so that they could help prevent such incidents in the future.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children suggests three criteria that should be met before an Alert is activated.
First, law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted. In addition, law enforcement must believe the circumstances surrounding the abduction indicates that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death, and finally there is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect�s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help.
If these criteria are met, alert information must be put together for public distribution. This information can include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, a suspected vehicle, and any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.
Upon receipt of an Amber Alert from Law Enforcement Authorities anywhere in the world, day or night, the CodeAmber ticker will be updated immediately. During an Amber Alert all of the relevant details provided by the reporting Authority will be scrolled in the Code Amber ticker window.
The information will include the location of the abduction and contact information for the reporting Authority as well as links (if available) to images of the abductee, suspect composites and any other details provided by the reporting Authority.
A recent Interim Order contains the relevant information on activating an AMBER Alert in New York City.
MANHATTAN STREET LOCATOR
Here's a handy little guide to help find the nearest Manhattan street to an address of an Avenue. You may want to cut and paste this into your PDA, or to print it out for your future reference.
1. Cancel the last figure in the address. Divide the remainder by 2 and then add the key number given below to find the nearest street. For example, 500 Fifth Avenue: Cancel the 0, divide the 50 by 2, then add the result (25) to the Key Number (17), and the nearest street is 42nd Street.
Avenue A Key# 3
Avenue B 3
Avenue C 3
Avenue D 3
First Avenue 3
Second Avenue 3
Third Avenue 10
Fourth Avenue 8
Fifth Avenue (Below No. 200) 13
Fifth Avenue (Above No. 200) 17
Sixth Avenue Deduct 12
Seventh Avenue below CP 12
Eighth Avenue below CP 9
Ninth Avenue 13
Tenth Avenue 14
Eleventh Avenue 15
Lexington Avenue 22
Madison Avenue 26
Park Avenue 35
Columbus Avenue 60
Amsterdam Avenue 60
Broadway Deduct 30
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Complete List of Federal Web Sites
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/locators/agency/index.html
United States Supreme Court
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/index.html
77 SUNSET STRIP
A very popular private-eye television show that aired from October 1958 to September 1964 was 77 SUNSET STRIP.
This one hour show was referred to as "the Mack-daddy of the late fifties detective shows, the one that started the young, cool private detective craze of the early sixties".
The premise of the show concerned Stu Bailey, former CIA-OSS officer and his partner Jeff Spencer, a former undercover police officer, as the swinging, martini-clutching private eyes that worked out of their office at 77 Sunset Boulevard in LA.
They drove brand new sports cars � of course � and shared a driveway with the swinging nightspot Dino�s, that always managed to become a hangout and chick-magnet for the pair.
"The thing I liked about this show were the snub nose 38s and the shoulder holsters that they really display rather prominently whenever Jeff's and Stu's sportcoats were off." Another viewer notes "and the other thing I liked about the show was the '60s style Thunderbird. A really sharp car."
This show was the first hour-long private eye show, and became one of the most influential private eye show � setting the tone for the others that followed.
Hard broiled drama was out, and gimmicks were in, as the show included a racetrack tout named Roscoe and a hair-combing Dino�s parking lot attendant and beatnik PI wanna-be named Kookie.
Incidentally, the star of the show who played Stuart Bailey was none other than Efrem Zimbalist Jr, the same actor who later starred in the TV show "The FBI" as Inspector Erskine.
BOMB SQUAD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The NYPD Bomb Squad will be celebrating its Centennial Year of operation at a gala event this coming November.
On November 21, starting at 6PM to midnight, the Bomb Squad will be hosting a dinner celebration at the NY Hilton Hotel, 1335 6 Ave, NYC. Honoring the squad for its 100 years of service to the city, the dinner committee is indicating that black tie is optional � although recommended. Tickets are $75 per/person.
For more information contact Gerry Fitzpatrick, Brian Coughlin or Mark Torre at
212-741-4835.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert an hour east of Bakersfield, California, a woman new to boating was having a problem. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't get her brand new 22-ft Bayliner to perform.
It wouldn't get on a plane at all, and it was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power she applied.
After about an hour of trying to make it go, she putted over to a nearby marina. Maybe they could tell her what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything was in perfect working order. The engine ran fine, the outdrive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath.
He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
REMEMBER� TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION
Send an e-mail to:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
�You have to try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.�
SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM MR. COMPSTAT: THE OLD 77 DAYS
In case you didn�t know it, Chris Cincotta � otherwise known as Mr. Compstat � spent some very good times in the 77 Squad as a Squad Sergeant. Now retired and living it up as the Vice President for Corporate Security at Lehman Brothers, Chris certainly had more than his share of excitement at the House on Utica Avenue - or Chinatown, as Pete Tartaglia like to refer to it as. (You remember the last line from that infamous Jack Nicholson film: "Forget it , Jake, it�s Chinatown"
Just get him started and he�s sure to regale you with tales of the heyday in the late 80�s, early 90�s, when crack drove homicides through the roof. Such notable characters as the legendary John Barba, Brian Gundlach, Kevin Smith, and Howie Distefano were making the streets safer one-crook at a time.
Some particularly notable crimes include the following.
There was a prominent serial killer � before serial killers were characterized � back in 1991 or 1992. He was dubbed "The 9MM Madman".
Eban Roberts killed 6 or 7 people after being released from jail for a 1983 Murder. He was released to an address in the Kingsboro Projects. It really didn't get much publicity back then. But then again, remember, that�s also when you had about 600+ murders in Brooklyn North alone. Six or seven just didn't get on the radar.
He noted also that about a year earlier they had another similar case, only that one had two perps involved.
They were locals, one being a parolee, who were responsible for well over a half-dozen murders of shop keepers in the 71, 73 and 77 Precincts.
Daily News reporter Mike McCalary dubbed them "The Takeout Killers", because they would just walk into a bodega and take them out with out saying a word. Geeshawn Crittelton, and a guy by the name of "King" were responsible for those heinous crimes.
FOR THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR
Rigor: Result of stiffening or contraction of the body muscles related to chemical changes occurring within the muscles after death.
As a general rule, rigor mortis begins two to four hours after death. It starts at the same time throughout the body, however it is first observed in the jaws and neck. It then progresses in a head-to-foot direction and is complete in eight to twelve hours after death. This complete rigor begins to disappear about 18 to 36 hours after death, and in the average body is completely gone within 48-60 hours.
It should be noted that this factor is the poorest of the gauges used in estimating time of death because of the many variables involved. For example, obese people do not always develop rigor, skinny people develop it fast; heat speeds up the process, while cold retains it; a fight or body shock (i.e. violent death) usually accelerates it; no two bodies develop it at the same time, etc.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Thousands of world wide newspapers at your finger tips.
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/
Welcome to NewsCentral. Here you will find links to most of the newspapers available online. More than 3500 newspaper links are currently available.
http://www.all-links.com/newscentral/
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF NEWS LINKS
http://pppp.net/links/news/
News from Coast to Coast!
Here are links to the country's biggest newspapers !
http://www.freetips.com/news.html
Newspapers. com
http://www.newspapers.com/
DNA ISSUES
Indianapolis Police Reviewing DNA Cases
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/7-18-2003/20030718033004_2.html
Authorities in Indianapolis are double-checking DNA evidence in 64 criminal cases from Marion County over concerns a lab technician may have cut corners.
Prosecutors downplayed the potential impact of any retesting, saying the technician is not accused of improper testing - rather, they allege he failed to perform additional steps to verify tests' accuracy.
"We have no evidence that any of the test results have been tainted," said John Commons, the county prosecutor's chief of staff. "We have no reason to believe the new test results will be any different."
However, any errors that are discovered could lead to new trials. None of the defendants in the 64 cases faces the death penalty. Most of the cases involve rapes or killings.
"If it ends up actually clearing someone, so be it," Commons said.
Prosecutor Carl Brizzi asked police technicians to recheck every DNA match made by Dr. Kuppareddi Balamurugan, who resigned last August after six years at the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency. Prosecutors alleged he tried to save time by skipping additional verification steps.
Lab Director Jim Hamby said he expected the state police audit next week would validate the lab's work.
MEMORIAL SOFTBALL GAME
The 90 Squad announces the 4th Annual DET. KYLE WILLIAMS Memorial Softball Game.
This game will take place on Friday, September 12, 2003, starting at 6PM.
The game, which will be played at the Brooklyn Union Gas Field, Maspeth Ave and Vandervoort St, will see the 90 Squad square off against the team from Boars Head.
Food and refreshments will be served, and donations for the event will go towards the Det. Kyle Williams Memorial Fund.
For more information you can contact the 90 Squad direct at 718-963-5311/368.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!
A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber saw a bottle of scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but he refused and said, "Because I don't believe you are over 21."
The robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he didn't believe him. At this point the robber took his drivers license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over and agreed that the man was in fact over 21, and he put the scotch in the bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot.
The cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the robber that he got off the license. They arrested the robber two hours later.
SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM MR. COMPSTAT: THE OLD 77 DAYS
In case you didn�t know it, Chris Cincotta � otherwise known as Mr. Compstat � spent some very good times in the 77 Squad as a Squad Sergeant. Now retired and living it up as the Vice President for Corporate Security at Lehman Brothers, Chris certainly had more than his share of excitement at the House on Utica Avenue - or Chinatown, as Pete Tartaglia like to refer to it as. (You remember the last line from that infamous Jack Nicholson film: "Forget it , Jake, it�s Chinatown"
Just get him started and he�s sure to regale you with tales of the heyday in the late 80�s, early 90�s, when crack drove homicides through the roof. Such notable characters as the legendary John Barba, Brian Gundlach, Kevin Smith, and Howie Distefano were making the streets safer one-crook at a time.
Some particularly notable crimes include the following.
There was a prominent serial killer � before serial killers were characterized � back in 1991 or 1992. He was dubbed "The 9MM Madman".
Eban Roberts killed 6 or 7 people after being released from jail for a 1983 Murder. He was released to an address in the Kingsboro Projects. It really didn't get much publicity back then. But then again, remember, that�s also when you had about 600+ murders in Brooklyn North alone. Six or seven just didn't get on the radar.
He noted also that about a year earlier they had another similar case, only that one had two perps involved.
They were locals, one being a parolee, who were responsible for well over a half-dozen murders of shop keepers in the 71, 73 and 77 Precincts.
Daily News reporter Mike McCalary dubbed them "The Takeout Killers", because they would just walk into a bodega and take them out with out saying a word. Geeshawn Crittelton, and a guy by the name of "King" were responsible for those heinous crimes.
FOR THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR
Rigor: Result of stiffening or contraction of the body muscles related to chemical changes occurring within the muscles after death.
As a general rule, rigor mortis begins two to four hours after death. It starts at the same time throughout the body, however it is first observed in the jaws and neck. It then progresses in a head-to-foot direction and is complete in eight to twelve hours after death. This complete rigor begins to disappear about 18 to 36 hours after death, and in the average body is completely gone within 48-60 hours.
It should be noted that this factor is the poorest of the gauges used in estimating time of death because of the many variables involved. For example, obese people do not always develop rigor, skinny people develop it fast; heat speeds up the process, while cold retains it; a fight or body shock (i.e. violent death) usually accelerates it; no two bodies develop it at the same time, etc.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Thousands of world wide newspapers at your finger tips.
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/
Welcome to NewsCentral. Here you will find links to most of the newspapers available online. More than 3500 newspaper links are currently available.
http://www.all-links.com/newscentral/
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF NEWS LINKS
http://pppp.net/links/news/
News from Coast to Coast!
Here are links to the country's biggest newspapers !
http://www.freetips.com/news.html
Newspapers. com
http://www.newspapers.com/
DNA ISSUES
Indianapolis Police Reviewing DNA Cases
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/7-18-2003/20030718033004_2.html
Authorities in Indianapolis are double-checking DNA evidence in 64 criminal cases from Marion County over concerns a lab technician may have cut corners.
Prosecutors downplayed the potential impact of any retesting, saying the technician is not accused of improper testing - rather, they allege he failed to perform additional steps to verify tests' accuracy.
"We have no evidence that any of the test results have been tainted," said John Commons, the county prosecutor's chief of staff. "We have no reason to believe the new test results will be any different."
However, any errors that are discovered could lead to new trials. None of the defendants in the 64 cases faces the death penalty. Most of the cases involve rapes or killings.
"If it ends up actually clearing someone, so be it," Commons said.
Prosecutor Carl Brizzi asked police technicians to recheck every DNA match made by Dr. Kuppareddi Balamurugan, who resigned last August after six years at the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency. Prosecutors alleged he tried to save time by skipping additional verification steps.
Lab Director Jim Hamby said he expected the state police audit next week would validate the lab's work.
MEMORIAL SOFTBALL GAME
The 90 Squad announces the 4th Annual DET. KYLE WILLIAMS Memorial Softball Game.
This game will take place on Friday, September 12, 2003, starting at 6PM.
The game, which will be played at the Brooklyn Union Gas Field, Maspeth Ave and Vandervoort St, will see the 90 Squad square off against the team from Boars Head.
Food and refreshments will be served, and donations for the event will go towards the Det. Kyle Williams Memorial Fund.
For more information you can contact the 90 Squad direct at 718-963-5311/368.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!
A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber saw a bottle of scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but he refused and said, "Because I don't believe you are over 21."
The robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he didn't believe him. At this point the robber took his drivers license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over and agreed that the man was in fact over 21, and he put the scotch in the bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot.
The cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the robber that he got off the license. They arrested the robber two hours later.
Friday, August 08, 2003
"I used to play golf. I wanted to be a better player, but after a while I realized I'd always stink. And that's when I really started to enjoy the game."
"There must be things in life that you can never master. Golf is one of them."
DETECTIVE SERGEANT AND MORE ON THE DETECTIVE TITLE
For a very long time, detectives in the department held the title of Detective Sergeant.
In a recent posting regarding the Detective Third Grade position you will note the presence of that title in the detective grades going back to the early 1900�s.
Research into the dropping of this part of the title, helped along by none other than the renowned department historian Ret. Det. 1st Grade John Reilly, reveals the following information.
There could not be found any order the specifically dropped the rank, but it is noted that in S.O No 26 published Jan 30, 1925, a number of Acting Detective Sergeants were transferred back to uniform and that two Detective Sergeant 2nd Grades were promoted to Detective Sergeant 1st Grade.
In an S.O issued Jan. 31, 1925, there was the transfer of a number of Patrolmen who were designated Detective 3rd Grade. It is noted that there was no mention of the Detective Sergeant title.
Also in an article in the NY Times on January 31, 1925, mention is made that the Police Commissioner had created the rank of Acting Lieutenant for all Sergeants and Patrolmen who were in charge of detective squads in Headquarters & precincts throughout the city. One has to remember that all acting detective sergeants were still only patrolmen on a detail and that in many cases there were Detective 1st Graders in command of Detective Squads.
Additional research conducted by The Minister of Investigation may clarify this point a little better.
In the 1882 Laws of New York, under Chapter 179, it reads in part as follows:
"� The board of police commissioners shall establish a bureau which shall be called the central office bureau of detectives. The board shall select and appoint to perform detective duty as many patrolman, not to exceed forty in number, as said board of police may from time to time determine to be necessary� the patrolman so selected and appointed shall be called DETECTIVE SERGEANTS (my capitalization)� vested with the same authority, and be entitled to receive and be paid the same salary as sergeants of the police in the city of New York".
It was Inspector Byrnes who first began to assign patrolman, referred to as "Detective Officers", who had a fair chance of becoming detective sergeants to the detective bureau.
In the early 1900�s, the detective bureau suffered from a problem of graft in units dealing with vice and gambling. In order to remedy this problem, organizational changes were effected. Among other changes, in 1907, the rank and grade of Detective Sergeant was abolished and the current �detail/designation� scheme for assigning members of the police force to service in the Detective Bureau was first established.
This 1907 amendment #290 of the Greater New York Charter states:
"� the rank or grade of detective sergeant in the police force (is) hereby abolished� Of the members so detailed the police commissioner may designate not exceeding one hundred fifty in number as detectives of the first grade, who while performing duty in said bureau and while so designated as detectives of the first grade, shall be paid the same salary as lieutenants of police�"
When the NYC Administrative Code was enacted in 1938, the "detail/designation" scheme for assigning officers to service in the detective bureau remained virtually unchanged.
Although the positions of second and third grade detective had long been established within the department, these positions were never recognized by statute until the 1964 amendment to the Administrative Code.
In 1964, the City Council created the positions of detective second grade, to be paid the same salary as sergeants, and detective third grade, to be paid a salary to be determined by the mayor.
REWARDS OFFERED TO EARLY MOS
While conducting research into the Detective Sergeant title, the following interesting information was discovered.
The NY Times of January 31, 1925, recorded the following information that day.
In a letter to the NY Times, a former Chief of Detectives named George S. Dougherty recommended the payment of bounties to policemen who killed robbers. He specifically mentioned $1,000 as the amount to be offered to any policeman who killed one robber, $2,500 for killing two and to any policeman who kills three or more $5,000.
Dougherty also recommended that for killing one robber a uniformed policeman should be immediately assigned to the detective division, for killing two promotion to second grade detective and for killing three or more, promotion to first grade.
While this never became part of the rules & regulations, for many years the only way to get into Detective Division, if one did not have a hook, was to be involved in a shootout.
The Minister would like to add to this as well.
For a very long time a noted restaurant in New Orleans would donate a cooked ham to any police officer in that city that killed a person who was in the commission of robbing a commercial establishment. During the 60�s and 70�s, a Stakeout Squad was in place, and it was a common practice. When two robbers were killed in a stakeout, the officer would bring one of the dinners home and leave one in the squad for everyone at work. This ended when the notoriety became too great, and the idea of getting a free dinner for killing someone was brought out in the open.
As it�s been noted before, You Can�t Make This Stuff Up!
GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE
I'd like to take a moment and acknowledge the help of Ret Det. Capt FRANK BOLZ, and his contribution to the recent posting on early detective life.
Many will know Frank as the "Hostage" Expert - one of the originators of the department's Hostage Negotiation Team, and its first Commanding Officer.
Frank started on his police career in the late 50's as a patrolman in Brooklyn North, in the 80 Precinct. He made Detective in what can best be termed a battle-field commission for a good homicide collar, and broke in as a gumshoe here in Brooklyn North in the 81 Squad.
Frank's reminiscences of early detective life can entertain for hours; some of those I've been able to post here, others are best saved for another more appropriate time.
A recent conversation I enjoyed with Frank once again emphasised the expectation of everyone in the Detective Bureau to perform, without thought to overtime ever coming into play. As he noted, also, at the time all MOS had to reside in the city; so coming in for a big case did not involve a major commutation issue. You came in on your own because if you didn't then you were the one who stood out.
As I've often said, it's important to know where you've been to better understand where you are today. I thank Frank for his help in that respect. He is certainly someone who enjoyed every moment he spent as a "Cop", and truly exemplifies the meaning of the title "Detective".
THE MINISTER HAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE
I�ve been reading the newspapers and watching the television news channels recently and I seem to notice an awful lot of noted figures making announcements about events that they are not taking part in. At first I found this odd � if you�re running for office, OK, everyone needs to know that, but do we really care to take up our time listening to someone talk about what they aren�t going to be doing?
Then I thought perhaps I was missing the boat.
There was Arnold Schwarzenegger announcing he wasn�t running for weeks (only to change his mind and throw the proverbial hat into the ring), a host of local one-time politicos announcing they weren�t running for any council or assembly seat � and Jerry Springer announcing he wasn�t running for the U.S. Senate. Now, I�m not really sure where Jerry Springer makes his residence, but I�m sure there are a lot of neighbors who are happy about that announcement.
Well, The Minister has an announcement to make.
I am NOT seeking election to the Governor�s seat of New York State.
I�ve called a press conference together to make this announcement. No, I will not be a candidate for the New York State Governor. Yes, he gets to live in a pretty nice house upstate and all, but I must decline running at this time.
Now I must admit that there has not been a lot of people have actually urging me to run. Maybe even fewer in numbers than the Jerry Springer supporters. But just in case it was in your mind I want to let you know I�m not running. Oh, I would have tapped John Muller to be my campaign manager, but since there won't be any campaign then there's no need for a manager.
I�ve contacted the local media outlets to let them know I will have an announcement to make on the front steps of the 90 Precinct, in case they wanted to muster up those news vans for live coverage. I found out that generally they need to know what type of announcement will be made before they actually send those vans � unless of course you happen to be named something like Lizzie Grubman; then they will send cameras, reporters, and still photographers any time you wish to make an appearance in public.
It seems not many of the media people were all that interested, so I tried to get some of my friends involved. The Daily News wasn�t really interested, nor was the Post. Larry only wanted to know if I had a tip on a juicy homicide, and I think Michelle was off rooting for the Red Sox somewhere. Not even Melissa could be coaxed into running my announcement, although I think I caught her by surprise and she may try for a Sunday feature. I almost got NY1 to bite, but then they realized that it was The Minister who was making the announcement and not The Reverend, and they, too, declined to attend.
You may see some coverage yet, though. Apparently there was an undergrad from Columbia Journalism School getting off the train who stopped to see what was going on. I think she may have taken some notes. A delivery worker from the Chinese restaurant across the street was carrying a copy of the Chinese daily The World Reporter; I think he may be some kind of correspondent for them, and they may pick up the story. Of course, we�ll never know, unless anyone can read mandarin.
I was a little disappointed. I mean, here I was ready to make this big announcement, and the only one I could get to attend my press conference was Norman Horowitz and two cadets from the 124 Room. And I really think Norman was only parking his car and stopped to say hello.
Well, there you have it. I am not running for public office.
Stay tuned for more.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here are a few interesting forensic-related web sites.
Complete Latent Print Examination - source for history, news, and discussion of fingerprinting technology.
http://www.clpex.com/
Latent Print Examination - offers explanation and background
to fingerprinting-related law enforcement topics.
http://www.onin.com/fp/
All about fingerprints
Here is an on-line site that promises to tell you all about "Fingerprints".
http://www.xs4all.nl/~dacty/
SOME INTERESTING FEDERAL REPORTS AVAILABLE ON-LINE
Use of Cold Case Squads Examined.
"Cold Case Squads: Leaving No Stone Unturned" (8 pp.) (NCJ199781) describes the workings of cold case squads used by police departments to investigate unsolved homicides in which the trail of evidence has grown cold. The squads review, revive, and continue the investigation of murder cases in which the lead detective initially assigned to the case has retired or been transferred.
You may access the full text at:
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/bja/coldcasesquads/199781.pdf
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/bja/coldcasesquads/
MONEY LAUNDERING REPORT
You can read a federal report on money laundering at this NCJRS site.
"Money Laundering Offenders, 1994-2001" (12 pp.) (NCJ199574). This report describes the criminal case processing of money laundering defendants in the Federal criminal justice system. It examines both Bank Secrecy Act offenses and Money Laundering Control Act offenses. Included in the report are criminal case processing trends (1994-2001) of Federal money laundering offenders.
You can access the report at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/mlo01.htm
LA CONFIDENTIAL
The hit movie, LA CONFIDENTIAL, is based on the book by the same name written by James Ellroy. Billed as the classic crime novel, it is certainly classic crime noir at its best. Life in 1950�s LA, the City of Angels, is an even book then it is a movie. The movie is pretty close to the book, with some exceptions to make the movie flow.
For example, in the movie, the character of Ed Exley, who wishes to become a Detective Supervisor, appears before a Captain who explains to him why he thinks he�s not right for the job. In the book, it is actually the characters father � a former Detective Commander � who tells him he�s not the right material for a detective.
Ed Exley, speaking to his father Preston Exley, a retired LAPD Inspector, asks him to help get him into the Detective Bureau. Ed is soon to make Lieutenant, having placed first of 23 applicants. He was the youngest applicant by eight years, with the shortest time in grade as a Sergeant and the shortest amount of time on the department.
His father says to him:
"You�re not one of the guys. You�re not a strongarm type. You�re not Bureau".
"I don�t think you have the eye for human weakness that makes a good detective".
He then asks his son:
"One, would you be willing to plant corroborative evidence on a suspect you knew was guilty in order to ensure an indictment.
Would you be willing to shoot hardened armed robbers in the back to offset the chance that they might utilize flaws in the legal system and go free.
And would you be willing to beat confessions out of suspects you knew to be guilty.
Would you be willing to rig crime scene evidence to support a prosecuting attorney�s working hypothesis.
Then for God�s sake, stick to assignments where you won�t have to make those choices. Use the superior intelligence the good Lord gave you."
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
NY Prosecutor's Error Results in New Trial
http://www.nylawyer.com/news/03/07/071503c.html
(As reported in the New York Law Journal)
A man serving a minimum of 16 years in prison for an attempted double killing must receive a new trial because a Queens prosecutor misled a jury about the nature of a key witness's cooperation agreement, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled last week.
During a 1992 trial, Queens Assistant District Attorney Linda Rosero mischaracterized the witness's cooperation agreement and elicited false testimony regarding it, Judge Guido Calabresi wrote for a unanimous panel in Shih Wei Su v. Filion, 02-2683.
The Second Circuit's ruling was the second time in the last nine months that the Queens office has been confronted with serious charges of misconduct by one of its prosecutors. Last November, Mr. Brown acknowledged that a Queens prosecutor had told a judge that he did not know how to contact a witness, when, in fact, he had interviewed the witness only four days earlier. That prosecutor, Claude N. Stuart, who had been assigned to the homicide bureau, quit after being reassigned to administrative duties.
The cooperating witness, Jeffrey Tom, had testified that Mr. Wei Su had commanded the shooting two of companions who were with Mr. Tom in a pool hall on Jan. 1, 1991. Mr. Tom testified against Mr. Wei Su on the same day that he was given youthful offender status and sentenced to five years probation on a grand larceny charge in a separate case.
A sealed transcript of court proceedings on the date Mr. Tom pleaded guilty to the grand larceny charge showed that he had been "offered a promise of [youthful offender status] and probation" as long as he continued to cooperate and testify truthfully in a homicide case.
Yet, as recited in Judge Calabresi's opinion, Ms. Rosero stated on the record before the start of Mr. Wei Su's trial that while "there might have been some talk about "youthful offender treatment," "[t]here was technically no agreement as far as [the prosecutor knew]."
"WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR YOUR SHOES?"
Everyone knows Lieutenant Columbo. This fictional homicide detective from LAPD first aired in 1968. The television series ran for 7 seasons on NBC, from 1971 to 1978, and after an 11 year hiatus a new series began on ABC, continuing for 4 seasons. After that, several television specials also aired, for a total of 68 episodes of "Columbo".
As popular as they were while airing for the first time, these shows continue in popularity all around the world as reruns. Columbo, as well as Kojack, continue to be world recognized American police characters.
Does Columbo have a first name? The correct answer is, No. He was never given a first name throughout all of these shows. When asked during one episode what his first name is, he says �Lieutenant�. On another occasion, he is asked if he has a first name and Columbo says, "I do, but my wife is about the only one who uses it". Columbo enthusiasts have gone so far as to freeze-frame an episode where Columbo presents his shield and ID card; when blown up, his signature can be seen quite clearly. How did he sign his name? "Lt. Columbo" !.
Known for his ability to get the truth out by seeming to be baffled and lost, he created what became a defining moment in an episode early in the second season.
A family attorney is pressing Columbo about his reason for nosing around the victim�s home, when Columbo abruptly changes the subject � in his signature way. Glancing down, he asks: "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a personal question"? "What did you pay for those shoes?" The lawyer is taken aback, but answers him nonetheless, "about sixty or seventy dollars". Columbo pipes back with, "Do you know where I could get a pair like that for around sixteen or seventeen? I ruined these shoes stepping into some water at a murder scene". And so, a part of Columbo legend was born.
"What did you pay for your shoes" became a Columbo catch-phrase. Although Columbo said it only once, the line became a standard, epitomizing Columbo: the combination of silliness and impertinence, asking the question that seems both blunt and inane, masking the true purpose of the inquisitor.
Second only to the trademark raincoat, Columbo�s shoes were the next part of his wardrobe that helped to create the character. And what a character he was!
SORRY TO SEE THEM GO
The 83 Squad will be celebrating the retirement of five of its members at a Retirement Dinner this September 30.
Sgt. Kevin "Doc" O�Neill, Det1 Dominick Vasaturo, Det2 Raul Perez, Det2 Marcos Martinez, and PO Ralph Correa will be the guests of honor at this bash which will be hosted at Russo�s on the Bay.
Starting at 6PM through 11PM this dinner will celebrate the careers of some of the finest detectives in this city. Their loss to the department cannot be replaced; we wish them all nothing but the best in their future endeavors.
Tickets, at $65 per/person, can be obtained through the 83 Squad. You are asked to please have your money in by September 30.
We look forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces that night!
MOVEMENT AROUND THE BORO
There�s been some movement in and around the Brooklyn North Detective Boro. Some of it welcome additions, and some on to other commands.
A big welcome is extended to the newly assigned Sergeant�s. They are Sgt. Rodney Harrison to the 73 Squad, Janice Brocato to the 77 Squad, Seamus McHugh to the 81 Squad, and John Herbert to the 94 Squad.
We have also lost some people to the JTTF. Sorry to see Sgt. Chuck Ribando of the 75 Squad, Det. John Grosse of Brooklyn North Homicide and Det. John Sica from the 77 Squad move on to this assignment. We wish you all the best of luck there.
The addition to the Firearms Task Force meant a loss to some Brooklyn North commands. Among the transfers to this squad were Sgt. John Brill of the 73 Squad, Det�s. Gregory Jean-Baptiste and John Colwell from the 77 Squad and Marcelo Hernandez from the 73 Squad.
We also lost Det. Donald Logan from the 77 Squad to Gang Investigations, and are welcoming back Det. Buddy Wagner from Gangs to the 83 Squad. Det. Anthony Caban from the 84 Squad went to the Hate Crimes Task Force.
Adjust your scorecards appropriately!
MORE FOR THE CULINARY DETECTIVE
A few words for the adventurous culinary cop.
For those of you who have occasion to venture over the bridge into the Big Apple, it�s worth noting that the following restaurant has received good reviews from some visiting dignitaries.
The New Pastuer Restaurant has some great tasting cuisine for the discerning palate. Located directly across the street from the Tombs at 85 Baxter Street, it is a small Vietnamese restaurant that piles on the food for under $10.00. They have a cooked squid dish and spring roll combo that's hard to beat.
I�m being told that you should find a reason to get there, it's worth the trip!
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!
R.C. Gaitlan, 21, walked up to two patrol officers who were showing their squad car computer equipment to children in a Detroit neighborhood. When he asked how the system worked, the officer asked him for identification. Gaitlan gave them his drivers license, they entered it into the computer, and moments later they arrested Gaitlan because information on the screen showed Gaitlan was wanted for a two-year-old armed robbery in St. Louis, Missouri.
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
A NOTE TO READERS:
The Minister will be away on vacation next week, so I�ve included some extra reading on the posting today to keep everyone busy! Hope everyone�s summer is great, and you�re enjoying some R&R as well. Be safe, and stay healthy�
"There must be things in life that you can never master. Golf is one of them."
DETECTIVE SERGEANT AND MORE ON THE DETECTIVE TITLE
For a very long time, detectives in the department held the title of Detective Sergeant.
In a recent posting regarding the Detective Third Grade position you will note the presence of that title in the detective grades going back to the early 1900�s.
Research into the dropping of this part of the title, helped along by none other than the renowned department historian Ret. Det. 1st Grade John Reilly, reveals the following information.
There could not be found any order the specifically dropped the rank, but it is noted that in S.O No 26 published Jan 30, 1925, a number of Acting Detective Sergeants were transferred back to uniform and that two Detective Sergeant 2nd Grades were promoted to Detective Sergeant 1st Grade.
In an S.O issued Jan. 31, 1925, there was the transfer of a number of Patrolmen who were designated Detective 3rd Grade. It is noted that there was no mention of the Detective Sergeant title.
Also in an article in the NY Times on January 31, 1925, mention is made that the Police Commissioner had created the rank of Acting Lieutenant for all Sergeants and Patrolmen who were in charge of detective squads in Headquarters & precincts throughout the city. One has to remember that all acting detective sergeants were still only patrolmen on a detail and that in many cases there were Detective 1st Graders in command of Detective Squads.
Additional research conducted by The Minister of Investigation may clarify this point a little better.
In the 1882 Laws of New York, under Chapter 179, it reads in part as follows:
"� The board of police commissioners shall establish a bureau which shall be called the central office bureau of detectives. The board shall select and appoint to perform detective duty as many patrolman, not to exceed forty in number, as said board of police may from time to time determine to be necessary� the patrolman so selected and appointed shall be called DETECTIVE SERGEANTS (my capitalization)� vested with the same authority, and be entitled to receive and be paid the same salary as sergeants of the police in the city of New York".
It was Inspector Byrnes who first began to assign patrolman, referred to as "Detective Officers", who had a fair chance of becoming detective sergeants to the detective bureau.
In the early 1900�s, the detective bureau suffered from a problem of graft in units dealing with vice and gambling. In order to remedy this problem, organizational changes were effected. Among other changes, in 1907, the rank and grade of Detective Sergeant was abolished and the current �detail/designation� scheme for assigning members of the police force to service in the Detective Bureau was first established.
This 1907 amendment #290 of the Greater New York Charter states:
"� the rank or grade of detective sergeant in the police force (is) hereby abolished� Of the members so detailed the police commissioner may designate not exceeding one hundred fifty in number as detectives of the first grade, who while performing duty in said bureau and while so designated as detectives of the first grade, shall be paid the same salary as lieutenants of police�"
When the NYC Administrative Code was enacted in 1938, the "detail/designation" scheme for assigning officers to service in the detective bureau remained virtually unchanged.
Although the positions of second and third grade detective had long been established within the department, these positions were never recognized by statute until the 1964 amendment to the Administrative Code.
In 1964, the City Council created the positions of detective second grade, to be paid the same salary as sergeants, and detective third grade, to be paid a salary to be determined by the mayor.
REWARDS OFFERED TO EARLY MOS
While conducting research into the Detective Sergeant title, the following interesting information was discovered.
The NY Times of January 31, 1925, recorded the following information that day.
In a letter to the NY Times, a former Chief of Detectives named George S. Dougherty recommended the payment of bounties to policemen who killed robbers. He specifically mentioned $1,000 as the amount to be offered to any policeman who killed one robber, $2,500 for killing two and to any policeman who kills three or more $5,000.
Dougherty also recommended that for killing one robber a uniformed policeman should be immediately assigned to the detective division, for killing two promotion to second grade detective and for killing three or more, promotion to first grade.
While this never became part of the rules & regulations, for many years the only way to get into Detective Division, if one did not have a hook, was to be involved in a shootout.
The Minister would like to add to this as well.
For a very long time a noted restaurant in New Orleans would donate a cooked ham to any police officer in that city that killed a person who was in the commission of robbing a commercial establishment. During the 60�s and 70�s, a Stakeout Squad was in place, and it was a common practice. When two robbers were killed in a stakeout, the officer would bring one of the dinners home and leave one in the squad for everyone at work. This ended when the notoriety became too great, and the idea of getting a free dinner for killing someone was brought out in the open.
As it�s been noted before, You Can�t Make This Stuff Up!
GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE
I'd like to take a moment and acknowledge the help of Ret Det. Capt FRANK BOLZ, and his contribution to the recent posting on early detective life.
Many will know Frank as the "Hostage" Expert - one of the originators of the department's Hostage Negotiation Team, and its first Commanding Officer.
Frank started on his police career in the late 50's as a patrolman in Brooklyn North, in the 80 Precinct. He made Detective in what can best be termed a battle-field commission for a good homicide collar, and broke in as a gumshoe here in Brooklyn North in the 81 Squad.
Frank's reminiscences of early detective life can entertain for hours; some of those I've been able to post here, others are best saved for another more appropriate time.
A recent conversation I enjoyed with Frank once again emphasised the expectation of everyone in the Detective Bureau to perform, without thought to overtime ever coming into play. As he noted, also, at the time all MOS had to reside in the city; so coming in for a big case did not involve a major commutation issue. You came in on your own because if you didn't then you were the one who stood out.
As I've often said, it's important to know where you've been to better understand where you are today. I thank Frank for his help in that respect. He is certainly someone who enjoyed every moment he spent as a "Cop", and truly exemplifies the meaning of the title "Detective".
THE MINISTER HAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE
I�ve been reading the newspapers and watching the television news channels recently and I seem to notice an awful lot of noted figures making announcements about events that they are not taking part in. At first I found this odd � if you�re running for office, OK, everyone needs to know that, but do we really care to take up our time listening to someone talk about what they aren�t going to be doing?
Then I thought perhaps I was missing the boat.
There was Arnold Schwarzenegger announcing he wasn�t running for weeks (only to change his mind and throw the proverbial hat into the ring), a host of local one-time politicos announcing they weren�t running for any council or assembly seat � and Jerry Springer announcing he wasn�t running for the U.S. Senate. Now, I�m not really sure where Jerry Springer makes his residence, but I�m sure there are a lot of neighbors who are happy about that announcement.
Well, The Minister has an announcement to make.
I am NOT seeking election to the Governor�s seat of New York State.
I�ve called a press conference together to make this announcement. No, I will not be a candidate for the New York State Governor. Yes, he gets to live in a pretty nice house upstate and all, but I must decline running at this time.
Now I must admit that there has not been a lot of people have actually urging me to run. Maybe even fewer in numbers than the Jerry Springer supporters. But just in case it was in your mind I want to let you know I�m not running. Oh, I would have tapped John Muller to be my campaign manager, but since there won't be any campaign then there's no need for a manager.
I�ve contacted the local media outlets to let them know I will have an announcement to make on the front steps of the 90 Precinct, in case they wanted to muster up those news vans for live coverage. I found out that generally they need to know what type of announcement will be made before they actually send those vans � unless of course you happen to be named something like Lizzie Grubman; then they will send cameras, reporters, and still photographers any time you wish to make an appearance in public.
It seems not many of the media people were all that interested, so I tried to get some of my friends involved. The Daily News wasn�t really interested, nor was the Post. Larry only wanted to know if I had a tip on a juicy homicide, and I think Michelle was off rooting for the Red Sox somewhere. Not even Melissa could be coaxed into running my announcement, although I think I caught her by surprise and she may try for a Sunday feature. I almost got NY1 to bite, but then they realized that it was The Minister who was making the announcement and not The Reverend, and they, too, declined to attend.
You may see some coverage yet, though. Apparently there was an undergrad from Columbia Journalism School getting off the train who stopped to see what was going on. I think she may have taken some notes. A delivery worker from the Chinese restaurant across the street was carrying a copy of the Chinese daily The World Reporter; I think he may be some kind of correspondent for them, and they may pick up the story. Of course, we�ll never know, unless anyone can read mandarin.
I was a little disappointed. I mean, here I was ready to make this big announcement, and the only one I could get to attend my press conference was Norman Horowitz and two cadets from the 124 Room. And I really think Norman was only parking his car and stopped to say hello.
Well, there you have it. I am not running for public office.
Stay tuned for more.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Here are a few interesting forensic-related web sites.
Complete Latent Print Examination - source for history, news, and discussion of fingerprinting technology.
http://www.clpex.com/
Latent Print Examination - offers explanation and background
to fingerprinting-related law enforcement topics.
http://www.onin.com/fp/
All about fingerprints
Here is an on-line site that promises to tell you all about "Fingerprints".
http://www.xs4all.nl/~dacty/
SOME INTERESTING FEDERAL REPORTS AVAILABLE ON-LINE
Use of Cold Case Squads Examined.
"Cold Case Squads: Leaving No Stone Unturned" (8 pp.) (NCJ199781) describes the workings of cold case squads used by police departments to investigate unsolved homicides in which the trail of evidence has grown cold. The squads review, revive, and continue the investigation of murder cases in which the lead detective initially assigned to the case has retired or been transferred.
You may access the full text at:
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/bja/coldcasesquads/199781.pdf
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/bja/coldcasesquads/
MONEY LAUNDERING REPORT
You can read a federal report on money laundering at this NCJRS site.
"Money Laundering Offenders, 1994-2001" (12 pp.) (NCJ199574). This report describes the criminal case processing of money laundering defendants in the Federal criminal justice system. It examines both Bank Secrecy Act offenses and Money Laundering Control Act offenses. Included in the report are criminal case processing trends (1994-2001) of Federal money laundering offenders.
You can access the report at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/mlo01.htm
LA CONFIDENTIAL
The hit movie, LA CONFIDENTIAL, is based on the book by the same name written by James Ellroy. Billed as the classic crime novel, it is certainly classic crime noir at its best. Life in 1950�s LA, the City of Angels, is an even book then it is a movie. The movie is pretty close to the book, with some exceptions to make the movie flow.
For example, in the movie, the character of Ed Exley, who wishes to become a Detective Supervisor, appears before a Captain who explains to him why he thinks he�s not right for the job. In the book, it is actually the characters father � a former Detective Commander � who tells him he�s not the right material for a detective.
Ed Exley, speaking to his father Preston Exley, a retired LAPD Inspector, asks him to help get him into the Detective Bureau. Ed is soon to make Lieutenant, having placed first of 23 applicants. He was the youngest applicant by eight years, with the shortest time in grade as a Sergeant and the shortest amount of time on the department.
His father says to him:
"You�re not one of the guys. You�re not a strongarm type. You�re not Bureau".
"I don�t think you have the eye for human weakness that makes a good detective".
He then asks his son:
"One, would you be willing to plant corroborative evidence on a suspect you knew was guilty in order to ensure an indictment.
Would you be willing to shoot hardened armed robbers in the back to offset the chance that they might utilize flaws in the legal system and go free.
And would you be willing to beat confessions out of suspects you knew to be guilty.
Would you be willing to rig crime scene evidence to support a prosecuting attorney�s working hypothesis.
Then for God�s sake, stick to assignments where you won�t have to make those choices. Use the superior intelligence the good Lord gave you."
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
NY Prosecutor's Error Results in New Trial
http://www.nylawyer.com/news/03/07/071503c.html
(As reported in the New York Law Journal)
A man serving a minimum of 16 years in prison for an attempted double killing must receive a new trial because a Queens prosecutor misled a jury about the nature of a key witness's cooperation agreement, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled last week.
During a 1992 trial, Queens Assistant District Attorney Linda Rosero mischaracterized the witness's cooperation agreement and elicited false testimony regarding it, Judge Guido Calabresi wrote for a unanimous panel in Shih Wei Su v. Filion, 02-2683.
The Second Circuit's ruling was the second time in the last nine months that the Queens office has been confronted with serious charges of misconduct by one of its prosecutors. Last November, Mr. Brown acknowledged that a Queens prosecutor had told a judge that he did not know how to contact a witness, when, in fact, he had interviewed the witness only four days earlier. That prosecutor, Claude N. Stuart, who had been assigned to the homicide bureau, quit after being reassigned to administrative duties.
The cooperating witness, Jeffrey Tom, had testified that Mr. Wei Su had commanded the shooting two of companions who were with Mr. Tom in a pool hall on Jan. 1, 1991. Mr. Tom testified against Mr. Wei Su on the same day that he was given youthful offender status and sentenced to five years probation on a grand larceny charge in a separate case.
A sealed transcript of court proceedings on the date Mr. Tom pleaded guilty to the grand larceny charge showed that he had been "offered a promise of [youthful offender status] and probation" as long as he continued to cooperate and testify truthfully in a homicide case.
Yet, as recited in Judge Calabresi's opinion, Ms. Rosero stated on the record before the start of Mr. Wei Su's trial that while "there might have been some talk about "youthful offender treatment," "[t]here was technically no agreement as far as [the prosecutor knew]."
"WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR YOUR SHOES?"
Everyone knows Lieutenant Columbo. This fictional homicide detective from LAPD first aired in 1968. The television series ran for 7 seasons on NBC, from 1971 to 1978, and after an 11 year hiatus a new series began on ABC, continuing for 4 seasons. After that, several television specials also aired, for a total of 68 episodes of "Columbo".
As popular as they were while airing for the first time, these shows continue in popularity all around the world as reruns. Columbo, as well as Kojack, continue to be world recognized American police characters.
Does Columbo have a first name? The correct answer is, No. He was never given a first name throughout all of these shows. When asked during one episode what his first name is, he says �Lieutenant�. On another occasion, he is asked if he has a first name and Columbo says, "I do, but my wife is about the only one who uses it". Columbo enthusiasts have gone so far as to freeze-frame an episode where Columbo presents his shield and ID card; when blown up, his signature can be seen quite clearly. How did he sign his name? "Lt. Columbo" !.
Known for his ability to get the truth out by seeming to be baffled and lost, he created what became a defining moment in an episode early in the second season.
A family attorney is pressing Columbo about his reason for nosing around the victim�s home, when Columbo abruptly changes the subject � in his signature way. Glancing down, he asks: "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a personal question"? "What did you pay for those shoes?" The lawyer is taken aback, but answers him nonetheless, "about sixty or seventy dollars". Columbo pipes back with, "Do you know where I could get a pair like that for around sixteen or seventeen? I ruined these shoes stepping into some water at a murder scene". And so, a part of Columbo legend was born.
"What did you pay for your shoes" became a Columbo catch-phrase. Although Columbo said it only once, the line became a standard, epitomizing Columbo: the combination of silliness and impertinence, asking the question that seems both blunt and inane, masking the true purpose of the inquisitor.
Second only to the trademark raincoat, Columbo�s shoes were the next part of his wardrobe that helped to create the character. And what a character he was!
SORRY TO SEE THEM GO
The 83 Squad will be celebrating the retirement of five of its members at a Retirement Dinner this September 30.
Sgt. Kevin "Doc" O�Neill, Det1 Dominick Vasaturo, Det2 Raul Perez, Det2 Marcos Martinez, and PO Ralph Correa will be the guests of honor at this bash which will be hosted at Russo�s on the Bay.
Starting at 6PM through 11PM this dinner will celebrate the careers of some of the finest detectives in this city. Their loss to the department cannot be replaced; we wish them all nothing but the best in their future endeavors.
Tickets, at $65 per/person, can be obtained through the 83 Squad. You are asked to please have your money in by September 30.
We look forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces that night!
MOVEMENT AROUND THE BORO
There�s been some movement in and around the Brooklyn North Detective Boro. Some of it welcome additions, and some on to other commands.
A big welcome is extended to the newly assigned Sergeant�s. They are Sgt. Rodney Harrison to the 73 Squad, Janice Brocato to the 77 Squad, Seamus McHugh to the 81 Squad, and John Herbert to the 94 Squad.
We have also lost some people to the JTTF. Sorry to see Sgt. Chuck Ribando of the 75 Squad, Det. John Grosse of Brooklyn North Homicide and Det. John Sica from the 77 Squad move on to this assignment. We wish you all the best of luck there.
The addition to the Firearms Task Force meant a loss to some Brooklyn North commands. Among the transfers to this squad were Sgt. John Brill of the 73 Squad, Det�s. Gregory Jean-Baptiste and John Colwell from the 77 Squad and Marcelo Hernandez from the 73 Squad.
We also lost Det. Donald Logan from the 77 Squad to Gang Investigations, and are welcoming back Det. Buddy Wagner from Gangs to the 83 Squad. Det. Anthony Caban from the 84 Squad went to the Hate Crimes Task Force.
Adjust your scorecards appropriately!
MORE FOR THE CULINARY DETECTIVE
A few words for the adventurous culinary cop.
For those of you who have occasion to venture over the bridge into the Big Apple, it�s worth noting that the following restaurant has received good reviews from some visiting dignitaries.
The New Pastuer Restaurant has some great tasting cuisine for the discerning palate. Located directly across the street from the Tombs at 85 Baxter Street, it is a small Vietnamese restaurant that piles on the food for under $10.00. They have a cooked squid dish and spring roll combo that's hard to beat.
I�m being told that you should find a reason to get there, it's worth the trip!
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!
R.C. Gaitlan, 21, walked up to two patrol officers who were showing their squad car computer equipment to children in a Detroit neighborhood. When he asked how the system worked, the officer asked him for identification. Gaitlan gave them his drivers license, they entered it into the computer, and moments later they arrested Gaitlan because information on the screen showed Gaitlan was wanted for a two-year-old armed robbery in St. Louis, Missouri.
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
A NOTE TO READERS:
The Minister will be away on vacation next week, so I�ve included some extra reading on the posting today to keep everyone busy! Hope everyone�s summer is great, and you�re enjoying some R&R as well. Be safe, and stay healthy�
Monday, August 04, 2003
"Luck is where opportunity meets preparation or preparation meets opportunity".
CREATION OF THE DETECTIVE THIRD GRADE
Thanks to the contribution of Retired Det. 1st Grade John Reilly, the following outlines the creation of the Detective Third Grade position.
On Aug. 23, 1924, Police Commissioner Richard Enright started a program of sending all 750 detectives in the department to a 60-day methods of investigation course. At the end of each session a written examination was to be given to determine each mans fitness or unfitness to remain a detective.
Failure to pass the examination would subject the detective to demotion and return to uniform patrol duty. In addition, there were 51 Patrolmen who were also detailed to the Detective School to take the same course at the same time.
In October of 1924, Enright addressed a closed meeting of the Detectives Endowment Association and stated, "There is a lot of dead wood in the bureau which must go." He also stated that the Detective Bureau would be increased to 1,100 men after Jan. 1, 1925 and that there would be three grades of detectives.
At that time there were only two grades of detectives, Detective Sergeant 1st Grade who was paid $3,300 per year and Detective Sergeant 2nd Grade who were paid the same salary as a patrolman, $2,500 per year.
All Detectives 2nd Grade became subject to an evaluation by a committee composed of a Deputy Commissioner, two Inspectors and the Secretary to the Commissioner. Ratings were based on the following factors: service in the department, seniority in the Detective Bureau, record of arrests and convictions, record of meritorious service, honorable mention and commendations. Efficiency shown by the detective in handling cases and the results obtained, general reputation for integrity, punctuality, courtesy, personality, and willingness to work overtime for the good of the department.
While the Department did not publish the number of detectives who failed either the investigative course or the evaluation process, a perusal of department Special Orders from Sept. 1, 1924 to Jan. 30, 1925, shows one Detective 1st Grade was demoted back to uniform and another six 1st Graders retired. 40 Detectives 2nd Grade were also returned to uniform patrol duty.
On Jan. 30, 1925, Commissioner Enright reorganized the Detective Bureau. With salaries retroactive to Jan. 1, 1925, the Bureau was divided into three grades. Detective Sergeant 1st Grade, at $3,300 per year; Detective Sergeant 2nd Grade, at $2,700 per year and Detective Sergeant 3rd Grade, at $2,500 per year. He also promoted 250 Detective 3rd Grade men to be Detective 2nd Grade. It should be noted that Detectives 3rd Grade did not received any extra compensation until the 1950�s.
INTERVIEWING TIPS: CONTAMINATING A SUBJECT�S BEHAVIOR
When inferring deception from a suspect�s behavior, investigators must remember that a subject�s outward behaviors during questioning are not direct signs of lying. Rather, when a person lies behavior symptoms such as poor eye contact, stammering or foot bouncing are the product of underlying emotions associated with the fear of having the lie detected. These observation are called "symptoms" because none of them directly indicate deception. To determine if an observed behavior is a possible symptom of deception, the investigator must eliminate other variables which may cause the same behavior. In other words, even though the behavior was present, if it was contaminated because of some external or internal factor the investigator should not consider the observation as a reliable indicator of deception.
To read more on Interviewing Tips, go to the John E. Reid & Assocs. Web site, and take a look at the full version of their Monthly Investigative Tip on this subject.
http://www.reid.com/investigatortips.html
INTERESTING WEB SITE
People search, business search, e-mail search, etc..
http://proagency.tripod.com/
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
Privacy Suit Pact Reached Over Police Use of Records
As reported in the New York Law Journal
In apparently the first case in the nation brought under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, a New York town and a former police officer have agreed, on the brink of a federal trial, to pay $325,000 to resolve a complaint that arose after the officer improperly tapped motor vehicle records to give information to a private investigator. The plaintiffs' attorney says this is the first case to address issues related to a violation of the statute and the reach of the statute.
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1058416421077
FROM THE HUMIDOR
A recent survey undertaken by the web-site Habanoscigar.com revealed the following preferences.
We have learned that among cigar smokers 35% are smoking more than 1 cigar a day,
35% are smoking more than 3 cigars per week, and 30% are smoking more than 6 cigars per month.
There are 73% of the cigar smokers who keep the band on the cigar while smoking,
and 27% who remove it.
There are 41% of cigar smokers who prefer to smoke indoors, and 59% who prefer smoking outdoors.
The method of cutting a cigar reveals that 88% cut their cigar using a cutter, while
6% use a knife and another 6% use their teeth.
Although not part of their survey, it is also noted the cigar of choice for The Minister is the La Gloria Cubana Charlemage or the Romeo y Julietta Haban Churchill, while Amo prefers the robusto version. Just in case you were wondering.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
Oklahoma City: Dennis Newton was on trial in a district court for the armed robbery of a convenience store when he fired his lawyer.
Assistant District Attorney Larry Jones said Newton, 47, was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that Newton was the robber.
Newton jumped up, accused the woman of lying and then said, "I should have blown
your (expletive) head off." The defendant paused, then quickly added, "if I'd been the one that was there."
The jury took 20 minutes to convict Newton and recommended a 30-year sentence.
CREATION OF THE DETECTIVE THIRD GRADE
Thanks to the contribution of Retired Det. 1st Grade John Reilly, the following outlines the creation of the Detective Third Grade position.
On Aug. 23, 1924, Police Commissioner Richard Enright started a program of sending all 750 detectives in the department to a 60-day methods of investigation course. At the end of each session a written examination was to be given to determine each mans fitness or unfitness to remain a detective.
Failure to pass the examination would subject the detective to demotion and return to uniform patrol duty. In addition, there were 51 Patrolmen who were also detailed to the Detective School to take the same course at the same time.
In October of 1924, Enright addressed a closed meeting of the Detectives Endowment Association and stated, "There is a lot of dead wood in the bureau which must go." He also stated that the Detective Bureau would be increased to 1,100 men after Jan. 1, 1925 and that there would be three grades of detectives.
At that time there were only two grades of detectives, Detective Sergeant 1st Grade who was paid $3,300 per year and Detective Sergeant 2nd Grade who were paid the same salary as a patrolman, $2,500 per year.
All Detectives 2nd Grade became subject to an evaluation by a committee composed of a Deputy Commissioner, two Inspectors and the Secretary to the Commissioner. Ratings were based on the following factors: service in the department, seniority in the Detective Bureau, record of arrests and convictions, record of meritorious service, honorable mention and commendations. Efficiency shown by the detective in handling cases and the results obtained, general reputation for integrity, punctuality, courtesy, personality, and willingness to work overtime for the good of the department.
While the Department did not publish the number of detectives who failed either the investigative course or the evaluation process, a perusal of department Special Orders from Sept. 1, 1924 to Jan. 30, 1925, shows one Detective 1st Grade was demoted back to uniform and another six 1st Graders retired. 40 Detectives 2nd Grade were also returned to uniform patrol duty.
On Jan. 30, 1925, Commissioner Enright reorganized the Detective Bureau. With salaries retroactive to Jan. 1, 1925, the Bureau was divided into three grades. Detective Sergeant 1st Grade, at $3,300 per year; Detective Sergeant 2nd Grade, at $2,700 per year and Detective Sergeant 3rd Grade, at $2,500 per year. He also promoted 250 Detective 3rd Grade men to be Detective 2nd Grade. It should be noted that Detectives 3rd Grade did not received any extra compensation until the 1950�s.
INTERVIEWING TIPS: CONTAMINATING A SUBJECT�S BEHAVIOR
When inferring deception from a suspect�s behavior, investigators must remember that a subject�s outward behaviors during questioning are not direct signs of lying. Rather, when a person lies behavior symptoms such as poor eye contact, stammering or foot bouncing are the product of underlying emotions associated with the fear of having the lie detected. These observation are called "symptoms" because none of them directly indicate deception. To determine if an observed behavior is a possible symptom of deception, the investigator must eliminate other variables which may cause the same behavior. In other words, even though the behavior was present, if it was contaminated because of some external or internal factor the investigator should not consider the observation as a reliable indicator of deception.
To read more on Interviewing Tips, go to the John E. Reid & Assocs. Web site, and take a look at the full version of their Monthly Investigative Tip on this subject.
http://www.reid.com/investigatortips.html
INTERESTING WEB SITE
People search, business search, e-mail search, etc..
http://proagency.tripod.com/
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
Privacy Suit Pact Reached Over Police Use of Records
As reported in the New York Law Journal
In apparently the first case in the nation brought under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, a New York town and a former police officer have agreed, on the brink of a federal trial, to pay $325,000 to resolve a complaint that arose after the officer improperly tapped motor vehicle records to give information to a private investigator. The plaintiffs' attorney says this is the first case to address issues related to a violation of the statute and the reach of the statute.
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1058416421077
FROM THE HUMIDOR
A recent survey undertaken by the web-site Habanoscigar.com revealed the following preferences.
We have learned that among cigar smokers 35% are smoking more than 1 cigar a day,
35% are smoking more than 3 cigars per week, and 30% are smoking more than 6 cigars per month.
There are 73% of the cigar smokers who keep the band on the cigar while smoking,
and 27% who remove it.
There are 41% of cigar smokers who prefer to smoke indoors, and 59% who prefer smoking outdoors.
The method of cutting a cigar reveals that 88% cut their cigar using a cutter, while
6% use a knife and another 6% use their teeth.
Although not part of their survey, it is also noted the cigar of choice for The Minister is the La Gloria Cubana Charlemage or the Romeo y Julietta Haban Churchill, while Amo prefers the robusto version. Just in case you were wondering.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
Oklahoma City: Dennis Newton was on trial in a district court for the armed robbery of a convenience store when he fired his lawyer.
Assistant District Attorney Larry Jones said Newton, 47, was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that Newton was the robber.
Newton jumped up, accused the woman of lying and then said, "I should have blown
your (expletive) head off." The defendant paused, then quickly added, "if I'd been the one that was there."
The jury took 20 minutes to convict Newton and recommended a 30-year sentence.
