Wednesday, December 20, 2006



THE WALK OUT: FAREWELL, CHIEF JOSEPH CUNNEEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, December 18, 2006



HE’S NOT HERCULE POIROT, BUT NEVERTHELESS…

He possesses a “gumshoe intuition” of extraordinary levels.

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

Who is this magical sleuth?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




INTERESTING WEB SITE

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


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



FROM THE CRIME LIBRARY

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

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



SOME OLD TIME CRIME SLANG

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


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

Tuesday, December 12, 2006



MORE NUMBERS

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

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

This was cited in a recent show of NUMBERS:

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

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

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



THROWING THE SHIELD – AND GET A HAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


TARU

Also noted from Larry Mullins was the origin of TARU.

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

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

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

Monday, December 04, 2006


HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all!


SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

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

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

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

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

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

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

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

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


POLICEWOMEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the part that you’ll love:

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



MI5 – MI6

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

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
December 3, 1922 Ptl John Kennedy, 123 Pct, LOD injury
December 3, 1934 Ptl John Monahan, 14 Div, Shot-arrest
December 3, 1954 Ptl Joseph Norden, 105 Pct, Shot by EDP
December 3, 1973 PO Vincent Connolly, Bomb Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
December 6, 1903 Ptl Frank Redican, 1 Pct, Fire rescue
December 6, 1941 Ptl Thomas Casey, 17 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 7, 1937 Ptl Edward Lynch, 20 Pct, Shot-Burglary in progress
December 7, 1971 Det Harold Marshall, HAPD-Bklyn, Shot-off duty arrest
December 8, 1924 Ptl Joseph Pelosi, 60 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 8, 1932 Ptl Michael Moroso, 23 Pct, Shot by sniper
December 8, 1942 Det Joseph Miccio, 78 Sqd, Shot-investigation
December 8, 1946 Ptl Edward McAuliff, 18 Sqd, LOD injury
December 9, 1932 Ptl John Grattan, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident on patrol
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
December 11, 1922 Ptl Francis Mace, 73 Pct, Line of duty injury
December 12, 1966 Ptl Raul Yglesias, PA, Shot-off duty altercation
December 13, 1932 Ptl Louis Wiendieck, Traffic B, Line of duty pursuit
December 13, 1946 Det James Burke, 48 Sqd, Shot-robbery
December 14, 1932 Ptl George Gerhard, 20 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 14, 1961 Ptl Hugh Willoughby, 26 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty

HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all!


SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

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

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

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

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

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

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

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

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


POLICEWOMEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the part that you’ll love:

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



MI5 – MI6

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

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
December 3, 1922 Ptl John Kennedy, 123 Pct, LOD injury
December 3, 1934 Ptl John Monahan, 14 Div, Shot-arrest
December 3, 1954 Ptl Joseph Norden, 105 Pct, Shot by EDP
December 3, 1973 PO Vincent Connolly, Bomb Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
December 6, 1903 Ptl Frank Redican, 1 Pct, Fire rescue
December 6, 1941 Ptl Thomas Casey, 17 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 7, 1937 Ptl Edward Lynch, 20 Pct, Shot-Burglary in progress
December 7, 1971 Det Harold Marshall, HAPD-Bklyn, Shot-off duty arrest
December 8, 1924 Ptl Joseph Pelosi, 60 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 8, 1932 Ptl Michael Moroso, 23 Pct, Shot by sniper
December 8, 1942 Det Joseph Miccio, 78 Sqd, Shot-investigation
December 8, 1946 Ptl Edward McAuliff, 18 Sqd, LOD injury
December 9, 1932 Ptl John Grattan, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident on patrol
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
December 11, 1922 Ptl Francis Mace, 73 Pct, Line of duty injury
December 12, 1966 Ptl Raul Yglesias, PA, Shot-off duty altercation
December 13, 1932 Ptl Louis Wiendieck, Traffic B, Line of duty pursuit
December 13, 1946 Det James Burke, 48 Sqd, Shot-robbery
December 14, 1932 Ptl George Gerhard, 20 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 14, 1961 Ptl Hugh Willoughby, 26 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty
HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN NORTH: PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all!



SERGEANT’S DUTIES EVOLVE

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

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

The Sergeant supervises both radio car and foot patrolman.

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

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

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

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

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



POLICEWOMEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the part that you’ll love:

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



MI5 – MI6

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

MI reflects the initials for “Military Intelligence”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 2, 1873 Ptl Edward Burns, 8Pct, Arrest – assaulted
December 2, 1994 PO Raymond Cannon, 69 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
December 3, 1922 Ptl John Kennedy, 123 Pct, LOD injury
December 3, 1934 Ptl John Monahan, 14 Div, Shot-arrest
December 3, 1954 Ptl Joseph Norden, 105 Pct, Shot by EDP
December 3, 1973 PO Vincent Connolly, Bomb Sqd, Auto accident on duty
December 4, 1923 Ptl Alfred Van Clieff, 63 Pct, Motorcycle accident
December 6, 1903 Ptl Frank Redican, 1 Pct, Fire rescue
December 6, 1941 Ptl Thomas Casey, 17 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 7, 1937 Ptl Edward Lynch, 20 Pct, Shot-Burglary in progress
December 7, 1971 Det Harold Marshall, HAPD-Bklyn, Shot-off duty arrest
December 8, 1924 Ptl Joseph Pelosi, 60 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 8, 1932 Ptl Michael Moroso, 23 Pct, Shot by sniper
December 8, 1942 Det Joseph Miccio, 78 Sqd, Shot-investigation
December 8, 1946 Ptl Edward McAuliff, 18 Sqd, LOD injury
December 9, 1932 Ptl John Grattan, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident on patrol
December 10, 1929 Ptl Philip Morrissey, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 10, 2005 PO Daniel Echautegui, 40Pct, Off duty arrest for burglary
December 11, 1922 Ptl Francis Mace, 73 Pct, Line of duty injury
December 12, 1966 Ptl Raul Yglesias, PA, Shot-off duty altercation
December 13, 1932 Ptl Louis Wiendieck, Traffic B, Line of duty pursuit
December 13, 1946 Det James Burke, 48 Sqd, Shot-robbery
December 14, 1932 Ptl George Gerhard, 20 Pct, Shot-Robbery pursuit
December 14, 1961 Ptl Hugh Willoughby, 26 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty