MAFIA ROUNDUP- ACROSS THE GLOBE

Recent news items in New York City highlighted the round up of New York Mafia gangsters, and was described as the fall of the “last of the Gambino’s” in the New York Daily News.

It turns out that this roundup was part of an international effort, between New York and Italian authorities, dismantling much of the organized crime factions operating between the two countries.

You may have seen news items on the New York arrests. The following details more fully the international aspect of this organized crime effort.

Thursday February 7 was the day these efforts took place.

At least 80 people all together were arrested during this major crackdown on the Mafia carried out by Italian and American law enforcement agencies.

Code-named 'Old Bridge', the operation focused on revived relations between organized crime families in the United States and Sicily.

About 60 of the arrests were carried out by the FBI in the US and regards members of the New York-based Gambino family, including its reputed rising star Francesco (Frank) Cali', also known as 'Frankie Boy'.

'Old Bridge' is the lastest in a series of anti-Mafia offensives which began in 2005 and in 2006 allowed for the arrest of Cosa Nostra superboss Bernardo Provenzano, after over 40 years on the run, and last November of his heir in Palermo, Salvatore Lo Piccolo.

''Today's operation is the natural development of the investigations carried out by police in Palermo in recent years and which resulted in the arrests of Provenzano and Lo Piccolo,'' Italy's chief anti-Mafia prosecutor Pietro Grasso said.

''The evidence gathered in these investigations has shed light on the growing importance of renewed relations between Cosa Nostra families in Sicily and America, especially the Gambino family in New York,'' he added. Lo Piccolo had been instrumental in re-establishing ties with those Cosa Nostra families which were forced to flee Sicily in the early 1980s after they lost a bloody gang war for control of Cosa Nostra to the Corleone clan headed by Salvatore (Toto') Riina and Provenzano.Provenzano took over as the boss of bosses after Riina was arrested in 1993 and in recent years gave his blessing to re-pacification with those families which had fled Sicily.

Among these was the Inzerillo family which in the US allied itself with the powerful Gambino family.

Thanks to Provenzano, several members of the Inzerillo family returned to Sicily and were allowed back into the business, also because the original Corleone clan had been depleted by arrests and defections.
The business primarily involved drug trafficking and money laundering, which the American 'cousins' carried out through the Gambino-Inzerillo family's various legal activities including construction and food imports. Cali', who is married to a member of the Inzerillo family, is believed to have been responsible for relations with the families in Sicily and laundering their drug money in the US.

The FBI's investigation led to the discovery of a number of front companies operated under Cali's supervision including a law firm in Brooklyn which handled financial transactions as well as real estate investments for the family.




INTERESTING WEB SITE

http://www.telequery.net/

Here’s a commercial database for telephone listings, including a reverse directory, that costs nothing to start – is a “pay-as-you-go” site that could prove valuable and helpful.

You can start up with a trial program to test it out and see how you like it.

It promises to be “the most powerful, flexible, accurate, and easy-to-use name, address, and telephone number information search tool in the world.”

They provide you with real-time access to the Telephone Company's most current US and Canadian customer name, address, and telephone number databases.

Although we have the Real Time Crime Center for telephone inquiries. You may find this to be of use in your investigations.



SPOOFCARD

SpoofCard offers the ability to change what someone sees on their caller ID display when they receive a phone call.

Simply dial the toll free number and then your PIN. You’ll then be prompted to enter the destination number followed by the phone number to appear on caller ID.

SpoofCard is legal in the US and throughout the world. You have the ability to change your voice to a Male or Female, as well.

If you do choose to change your voice, the person whom you call will hear your transformed voice in real-time. It also offers the option to record your conversation, which can later be retrieved by logging-in to the control panel or calling a toll-free access number from any phone.

There is no extra charge for these features, and are included in the purchase.

Check out their web site for more details, including pricing info, at:

http://bb.spoofcard.com

You can also call 800-964-8450.

Certainly sounds pretty interesting, and investigators I know who are using it find it to be all it promises to be.



COPY MACHINES WITH INVESTIGATIVE VALUE

Did you know that many of the higher priced copiers contain a hard drive that saves copies of documents that are scanned or printed?

In fact, many copiers are integrated with your computers and can be used as fax machines.

This is something to think about when conducting an investigation, and you are retrieving the computer for forensic examination. You may want to have a look at the copy machine that is attached to it as well!

On a personal level, before you discard a copier from home, you may want to make sure you’re not discarding personal information others may be able to access.


IN MEMORIAM: P.O. SERAPHIN CALABRESE: 2/24/1980

Winter, 1980. A b.s. fare beat stop in the subway.

The newspapers in New York City carried the story of Transit Police Officer Seraphin “Sam” Calabrese, of District 1, who was killed in the line of duty that winter day.

Shot with his own gun, the story unfolded as follows.

“A transit police officer was shot and killed with his own gun last night in a struggle with a man who attempted to jump a turnstile in the Columbus Circle subway station on Manhattan's West Side, the Transit Authority reported. A suspect was seized outside the station.

At least four witnesses, including a token booth clerk, said the assailant had wrested the officer's service revolver away from him and emptied it in a barrage of gunfire that struck the officer in the head and back and reverberated through the sprawling station at
59th Street and Eighth Avenue at 9:50 P.M.”

“As the victim slumped to the concrete floor of the white-tiled underground concourse, the assailant fled to the street. Less than a block away, on 57th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, a pursuing transit police officer spotted and seized a suspect who was
said to be carrying the fatally wounded officer's gun and nightstick.

The fatally wounded officer, Seraphin Calabrese, 34 years old, was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:05 P.M.”

Witnesses told the police that the shooting occurred near a token booth on the underground concourse at 58th Street and Eighth Avenue, near the south end of the station, describing further that the assailant had entered the concourse at the northeast corner of 58th Street and Eighth Avenue and "was trying to sneak in" through the turnstiles. "The officer warned him to leave, then, the officer chased him a few times, a scuffle ensued and he managed to wrest the gun from the officer."

Witnesses said the assailant also took the officer's nightstick.

Transit Police Department Chief James Meehan said the assailant had fired all six shots from the officer's .38-calibre service revolver.

This was before the time when bullet proof vests were standard-issue for police officers, and it was noted that Officer Calabrese was not wearing a bullet-proof vest. The fatally wounded officer fell about 20 feet from the token booth, where a clerk who saw the shooting called for assistance.

The assailant, still carrying the officer's gun and nightstick, fled to the street, as an alarm went out over police radios.

Transit Police Officer Earl Sharpe was on the scene within moments, got a quick description from witnesses, ran out, commandeered a taxicab on Eighth Avenue and spotted the subject carrying the nightstick and gun and apprehended him without a struggle on 57th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

February 19, 1931 Det Christopher Scheuing, 13Sq, Shot-burglary in progress
February 19, 1968 Ptl Anthony Graffia, 106 Pct, Shot-robbery
February 19, 1971 PO Horace Lord, MN PEP Sqd, Shot-arrest investigation
February 20, 1921 Ptl George Smith, 96 Pct, LOD Accident
February 20, 1971 Det Erle Thompson, 114 Pct, Shot-off duty domestic dispute
February 21, 1917 Ptl Ralph Boyland, NFI
February 21, 1920 Ptl Henry Immen, 53 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
February 21, 1982 PO George Werdann, 47 Pct, Robbery, off duty
February 22, 1925 Ptl Maurice Harlow, 13 Pct, Shot by prisoner
February 23, 1930 Ptl Joseph Keenan, PA, Shot-accidental discharge
February 24, 1930 Ptl George Coughlin, Mcy Dist, Auto accident on patrol
February 24, 1968 Ptl John Augulis, 83 Pct, LOD heart attack
February 24, 1980 PO Seraphin Calabrese, TPD-1, Shot-arrest
February 25, 1938 Ptl Henry Masterdon, 11 Pct, Injured on patrol
February 26, 1988 PO Edward Byrne, 103 Pct, Shot-assassination guarding witness
February 27, 1909 Ptl Thomas Smith, NFI
February 27, 1925 Ptl Harold Ormsby, NFI
February 28, 1928 Ptl John Hubbard, Traffic A, Auto accident on patrol
February 28, 1952 Sgt Paul Brooks, GCP Pct, Motorcycle accident
February 28, 1970 Ptl Michael Melchionna, TPD1, Shot-investigation
February 29, 1980 Ptl Irving Smith, TPD-PA, Shot-off duty robbery

Like most readers on this site, I look over the names of those who gave their lives in the line of duty, with some recognition along the way.

I joined the Transit Police Department in 1981, coming on during the time when subway crime was reaching its peak, grafitti covered train cars had become a staple of New York City, and attacks on Police Officers had continued on a rise as the start of the crack epidemic was taking root.

Sammy Calabrese and Irving Smith were still fresh in the Transit Police Academy Instructors' minds, many of whom had worked with either or both of them at some point.

Michael Melchionna, who was killed in 1970, had a brother, Henry ("Hank") on the job who taught most of us recruits - myself included - how to shoot a gun at the Firearms range in the basement of 300 Gold Street.

The Transit Police Columbia Association had an Annual Medal of Valor that was presented for a heroic act in the line of duty that was named in memory of Michael Melchionna. I was to be awarded this in 1982.

Who can forget the horror of PO Eddie Byrne being gunned down in 1988 as he sat in a radio car guarding a witness' home.

Remember them always, say a prayer for those they left behind. True heroes, one and all.

GUMSHOE

We now use the word gumshoe to informally describe a person who works as a private investigator or detective, but the original gumshoe was quite literally something people would wear on their feet.Gumshoes in the late 1800s were shoes or boots made of gum rubber. Precursors to contemporary sneakers, these shoes were soft-soled and quieter than other shoes available at the time.At the start of the 1900s, "to gumshoe" meant to sneak around quietly. Later the word referred to either thieves or the police who caught the crooks.By 1908 the word almost exclusively described the good guys, the people who investigated the crimes by acting stealthily or surreptitiously.The term has also been used to describe a Private Eye who "sticks like gum" to someone as in a surveillance on foot.


LOOK FOR THE OBVIOUS

Recently, a corporate investigations firm was hired to review and audit payments made during renovations at a construction site.

Reviewing the amount of money paid for work on the buildings water tank, the auditors began the process of going over the itemized bill.

Work performed to drain, clean, and repair, then paint and refill the tank were closely reviewed.

Some of the items the team wanted to examine, as good investigators conducting a forensic audit, included comparison for the amount paid for the work involved relative to similar work by other firms. Was their substandard paint applied? Was the tank painted before repairs were made? Was the tank even painted at all?

While others began the tedious accounting task of auditing the billing procedures, one of the more experienced, “street-detectives”, went out and performed the obvious: was there even a water tank on the roof of the building?

You guessed it – the firm was being billed for work on a water tank that didn’t even exist!


MITIGATION INVESTIGATION?

Most of us are familiar with the legal investigator hired by an attorney in preparation of defending a criminal client.

Reviewing statements made by witnesses, visiting the crime scene, seeking additional witnesses are all tasks that could be expected to be undertaken.

Have you ever heard of the mitigation investigation?

In preparation of the sentencing stage, attorneys will conduct a “mitigation investigation”, seeking to provide information on a defendant’s background in the hope of presenting to a jury, or sentencing judge, factors that may help lessen the sentence.

The mitigation investigation doesn’t seek to explore the elements of the crime itself, in a defense stage, but examines the aspects of the client’s life that led up to the crime.

In capital offense crimes, mitigation is intended to make a judge – or jury – less likely to sentence the person to death. The mitigation investigation is a required aspect of all capital offense cases, and is mandated by the US Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has ordered, in its 2003 decision Wiggins v. Smith, that attorneys must present mitigation evidence, should they be aware of it, which may compel a jury to return a sentence different than that of the death penalty.

While most investigators are working on determining innocence or guilt, and preparing a proper case for trial, you should know that there are others out there who will finding factors, such as past abuse, rape, homelessness, diminished mental abilities, which will lessen the sentence for the crime committed.

“I did it, but I can’t help myself for doing it?”


THE OUTCRY WITNESS

The person who heard the first version of events from the complainant – victim is known as the “outcry witness”.

Sometimes the version of events given to the “outcry witness” are different than what is reported on police reports.

That’s why it’s important to find out who accompanied a victim to the hospital, or who shows up there? Who are the complainants friends? Did the complainant/victim make any phone calls right after the incident?

You may want to ask your victim “Who did you talk to about this?” If you don’t, the defense attorney may do so – when your victim is on the witness stand!


INTERESTING WEB SITE

If you use a computer, you surely use Google to conduct searches.

There are ways to search sites, links, dateranges, etc. which may increase the effectiveness of your search.

A quick “cheat sheet” provided at Google can be found at:

www.google.com/help/cheatsheet.html

Check it out, it could be quite helpful.


“WHAT NUMBER IS THIS?”

If you need to know what number you are calling from, whether it be a land phone or a cell phone, you can try the following.

Dial: 800-444-4444

You will hear an MCI recorded message giving you the phone number you are calling from.

It doesn’t work on VOIP or internet phones, though.

PASSING THE TORCH

I would like to mention the recent retirements of some very fine detectives.

This past month, First Grade Detective ROBERT RIVERA and FIRST GRADE DETECTIVE PATRICIA TUFO retired from the department.

Both these detectives have the distinction of serving in their Precinct Detective Squad with exemplary accomplishments.

Bobby Rivera defined the 77 Detective Squad. OPne of the finest detectives this department has known, he possessed a dogged perseverance and determination that proved him well throughout his tenure. I had the pleasure of serving with Bobby when I commanded the 77 Squad, and saw first hand his value as an investigator. His accomplishments, while too many to name, will long be remembered, and his loss to the squad, and this department, will not be easily replaced.


So, too, Patty Tufo stood as the factotum of the 81 Squad. An unwielding force striving for success, Patty leaves a void in Brooklyn North. A true gumshoe, sleuth, detective! If Patty had the case, you could be sure that no stone would go unturned, no lead would be left aside, every case received her utmost care and skills as an investigator.

Detective First Grade - they personified the title!

I wish them both all the best in their future successes, as whatever they eventually turn to can certainly reach no other level but success.

We also saw the retirment this month of Lieutenant DAVID STEIN, Squad Commander of the 77 Squad, who received an accidental medical retirement, leaving the department shy another exemplary detective commander. Dave is planning a spring wedding, and will certainly be very busy in the coming months. You leave us too soon, and we wish you all the best for the future.

Retirements are a fact of life - yet you never take for granted, and can never forget, the work they have contributed in the past.

Friends one and all, I reach out for Brooklyn North Detectives, and the Detective Bureau as a whole, and say "Thanks for everything, and Best Wishes for the future!"



“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

February 1, 1935 Sgt George Nadler, ESU, Explosion-investigation
February 2, 1975 PO Frank Bugdin, Midtown North, Shot-investigation
February 4, 1933 Sgt Eugene Monahan, 34 Pct, Shot: Robbery pursuit
February 6, 1864 Ptl John Hoffman, 25 Pct – Accident, runaway horse
February 6, 1864 Ptl Austin Easterbrook, NFI
February 6, 1914 Ptl Edward Murtha, 147 Pct, Shot-Robbery investigation
February 6, 1944 Ptl Eugene Mahoney, 5 Det Sq, Auto accident on patrol
February 9, 1963 Det Richard Arundell, DetDiv, LOD Heart attack
February 10, 1926 Ptl Frank White, 35 Pct, Shot-Burglary in progress
February 11, 1966 Ptl Stanley Butch, Harbor, Fell from boat
February 11, 1982 PO James Carragher, PSA1, Shot: Off duty robbery
February 12, 1930 Ptl George Miller, 22 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
February 12, 1936 Ptl James Young, Mounted, Shot-robbery
February 12, 1940 Ptl John Holt, 28 Pct, Off-duty burglary
February 12, 1980 PO Robert Bilodeau, SCU, Shot-investigation
February 13, 1918 Ptl Samuel Rosenfeld, 102 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
February 14, 1921 Ptl John Sheridan, 70 Pct, Line of duty incident
February 14, 1925 Det Chester Hagan, DetDiv, Shot-investigation
February 14, 1963 Ptl Vincent Zichetella, 14 Pct, Shot-robbery
February 14, 1984 PO Thomas Ruotolo, 41 Pct, Shot-Robbery
February 14, 1999 PO Matthew Dziergowski, 123 Pct, Auto accident
February 15, 1917 Ptl Samuel Cunningham, 42 Pct, Shot-GLA Arrest
February 15, 1932 Ptl James Goodwin, 34 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
February 15, 1971 Det Joseph Piciano, 41 Sq, Shot by prisoner
February 16, 1918 Det John Quinn, DetDiv, Physical assault during arrest
February 16, 1923 Det John Donohue, DetDiv, Shot by EDP
February 16, 1923 Ptl Joseph Reilly, 21 Pct, Shot by perp
February 16, 1941 Ptl Leon Fox, 60 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
February 17, 1921 Det Joseph Bridgetts, DetDiv, Shot-GLA Arrest
February 17, 1996 PO Charles Oddo, Hwy2, Struck by auto


I encourage you to visit, and bookmark, the site:

http://www.nypdangels.com/

for an excellent memorial tribute to our brothers and sisters who have fallen in the line of duty.

1PP LOBBY DEDICATION: NEW YEARS EVE TERROR REMEMBERED

New Years Eve will never be the same for some heroic members of this department.

The January 1 2008 edition of the Daily News noted the dedication of the lobby at 1PP to the five members of the NYPD who heroically were called to action on December 31, 1982 in response to the bombing incidents that took place around lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn.

It was twenty five years ago that the Puerto Rican terrorist group FALN planted five bombs in the city aimed at law enforcement targets – the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza, the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse and 1PP.

Commissioner Kelly dedicated the visitor’s entrance at Police Headquarters to these heroes on December 31, 2007 – 25 years to the day.

The first explosion went off at Federal Plaza; the blast blew out the windows and could be heard for blocks.

PO ROCCO PASCARELLA was working Headquarters Security, and was tasked to check the perimeter of the building. The second bomb found him.

PASCARELLA was able to alert SALVATORE PASTORELLA, who was a Bomb Squad Detective at the time that the bomb was inside a fast food container (chicken box).

A third explosion went off around 10pm at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse.

Soon after, after having been alerted of a person seen leaving paper bags near the main entrance of 1PP, the other devices were found.

PASTORELLA and his Bomb Squad partner ANTHONY SENFT cleared the area of any pedestrians, covered another explosive with Kevlar blankets, and suited up in their bomb squad suits to begin their work.

“I knelt down on my right knee and extended my right hand,” PASTORELLA remembers. “Just then the bomb went off.” SENFT was sent flying 15 feet in the air, and was blinded in the right eye and broke his hip. PASTORELLA was blinded in both eyes and lost most of the fingers on his right hand.

The fifth bomb was then successfully disarmed by two other Bomb Squad MOS, Detective FRANK DECICCO and then-Sgt. CHARLES WELLS. This fifth device was found by the entrance to 1PP.

Brooklyn North sleuths will know Charlie Wells very well, as he retired last year as an Inspector, the XO of Detective Borough Brooklyn, after serving in posts as a Detective Captain in Brooklyn North Detectives, with the Brooklyn North Gang Squad, Staten Island Detectives, and then at SID where he commanded the department’s counter-terrorism efforts after 9/11.

“What is it that enables these men to confront danger that most people would flee?” Police Commissioner Kelly said as he honored these men.

“You realize again how lucky you were to have survived,” remarked SENFT, who is still a Detective.



THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF CRIME

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

Some of the entries of interest follow:

Amusers: Fellows who carry snuff or pepper in their pockets, which they throw into a persons eyes and then run away; the accomplice rushing up to the victim, pretending to assist, robs him while suffering with pain.

Barking Irons: Pistols

Baster: A house thief

Betty: A picklock

Blow a Cloud: Smoke a cigar or pipe.

Booth: A place where thieves gather or congregate.

Case: A dollar

Century: A hundred dollars.

City College: The Tombs.

Fly-Cop: A sharp officer; an officer that is well posted; one who understands his business.

Moll: A woman.

Mumpers: Beggars

My Uncle: Pawnbroker.

Oil of Barley: Strong beer.

Peepers: Eyes

Philistines: Police officers; officers of justice.

Pinked: Stabbed.

Roofer: Hat

Stop: A Detective

Tail-Diver: A thief who steals pocket-handkerchiefs from coat-tail pockets.

Thimble: A watch.

Turkey-Merchants: Purchasers of stolen silk.

BROKEN WINDOWS: NAPLES STYLE

The AK-47 has long been the weapon of choice of European organized crime gangs.

In Italy, where the Camorra rules organized crime enterprises in the Naples area, it is absolutely the weapon of choice.

“A young man with a degree in economics, was so impressed with the contraption (the AK47) the first time he shot it that he immediately wanted to take a trip to meet its inventor”, it is noted in the book Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano, on the Italian organized crime empire.

“The neighborhood capo wanted to be sure that all his men, even those with college degrees – the businessmen as well as the foot soldiers – knew how to shoot” an AK47.

This particular crime soldier, the one with the economics degree, was responsible for millions of euros, and had control over the distribution of certain brands of coffee in the area bars. Organized crime knows no boundaries! “It’s not just drugs”.

Being handed an AK47 for the first time, he told how he unloaded it into various bar windows one night, selecting them at random. The feel of the gun was impressive to this first-time shooter.

What of the storeowners who would find their windows shot out in the morning? Well, in this particular part of Naples, the feeling was that the owners “would come up with some sort of valid explanation of why someone would be shooting their windows out, because there’s always some reason to feel you’re in the wrong, or got caught by someone who you were trying to get over on”.

Many storekeepers have taken to installing bullet-resistant glass. But a bullet-resistant shop window can cost up to 5,000 euros, so it’s better to stick with the violent decorations than to replace it. And besides, there’s always the chance that the sight will lure curious customers to stop and ask what happened, chat with the owner, and maybe even buy a little something extra in the end. Rather than replace the broken window, most just wait until they implode from the next burst of gunfire. At that point insurance will cover the cost, because if the owner gets there first thing in the morning and makes all the merchandise disappear, the spray from an assault rifle is labeled a robbery.

A shop window shooting is not always an intimidation, so much as a necessity.

When a new shipment of AK-47s arrives, they have to be tested, to make sure they don’t jam. The Camorra could try them out in peace in the countryside, shoot at old armored cars, or buy some sheet metal to blow to pieces. But, no, they fire at stores – windows, doors, metal shutters – a reminder to all that there is nothing that does not potentially belong to them and that everything is really granted by them, a momentary concession.

And there’s also the side benefit.

The local glass companies with the best prices on replacement windows are all related to the clan; the more broken glass, the more money they make.



AVTOMAT KALASHNIKOVA

The AK-47 is short for the Russian “Avtomat Kalashnikova”, which means “Kalashnivov’s automatic”, and 47 refers to the year in which it was selected as the official weapon of the Soviet Union.

The AK47 is noted as a weapon that is very easy to use, with very high firepower.

Their strength is in their size: neither so small as to lack sufficient firepower, like revolvers, nor so big as to become unwieldy or have too much recoil. They are so simple to clean and assemble that in the former Soviet Union the military trained schoolboys to do it in an average of two minutes.

Mikhail Kalashnikov is the inventor of this high-powered weapon. Little did he anticipate what his resulting firearm would become, when he set out to design a weapon of value for the Soviet Army that he served in for many years.

Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov was born in 1919, and is now a well-preserved, sprightly old man, who still gets invited all over the place as a movable icon to the most famous assault rifle in the world.

Before retiring from the armed services of the Soviet Union, he received a general’s stipend of 500 rubles, which is more or less $500 a month. If he had been able to patent his weapon in the West, he would undoubtedly be one of the richest men in the world. There are approximately more than 150 million Kalashnikovs of varying models that have been produced over the years. Even if he only earned one dollar for each weapon, he would be swimming in money.

“I did not invent that weapon to make money, but only and exclusively to defend the Motherland in a moment in which she needed it. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I would do exactly the same things and live my life just as I have. I have worked all my life, and my life is my work”.

Interesting, as there is nothing in the world which has produced more deaths than the AK-47. It has killed more than the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, more than the bubonic plague, more than malaria, more than all the attacks of the Islamic fundamentalists.

Yet there are those who consider its inventor, and the gun itself, to be an icon.


GREEN LIGHTS

Why are there green lights outside police precincts?

It is believed that the Rattle Watchmen, who patrolled New Amsterdam in the 1650's, carried lanterns at night with green glass sides in them as a means of identification.

When the Watchmen returned to the watch house after patrol, they hung their lantern on a hook by the front door to show people seeking the watchman that he was in the watch house.

Today, green lights are hung outside the entrances of Police Precincts as a symbol that the "Watch" is present and vigilant



“LEST WE FORGET”… NYPD Memorial
“It is not how they died that makes them a hero, but how they lived their lives”.

January 11, 1908 Ptl Robert Fitzgerald, Bridge Pct, Drowned-Rescue
January 11, 1916 Ptl Joseph Gaffney, 26 Pct, Shot-arrest
January 11, 1929 Ptl Albert Bruden, Mcy Unit, Auto pursuit
January 11, 1941 Ptl Edward Maher, Traffic P, Shot-robbery
January 12, 1974 PO Timothy Murphy, 120 Pct, Shot-off duty incident
January 12, 1981 PO Robert Walsh, 7 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery
January 13, 1924 Ptl John Schneider, 3Div, Robbery investigation
January 13, 1950 Ptl Edward Carraher, 14 Pct, Injured on patrol
January 13, 1997 Det Kenny Fung, 72 Sqd, Heart attack during investigation
January 15, 1938 Ptl Frank Zaccor, 14 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
January 16, 1953 Ptl Thomas Sheehan, 10 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
January 17, 1947 Ptl Harry Schriffies, McyDist, Shot-investigation
January 17, 2000 PO Benny Marciante, SITF, LOD Heart attack
January 18, 1935 Ptl James Killion, 17 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
January 18, 1960 Sgt Edward Johnson, 5 Pct, Stabbed by EDP
January 18, 1967 Det Harold Jacob, Safe Loft & Burg Sqd, Line of duty heart attack
January 18, 1979 PO Robert Manzione, 7 Pct, Line of duty heart attack

January 21, 1932 Ptl John Walsh, 17 Div, Shot-off duty robbery
January 21, 1941 Ptl Daniel Piselli, 88 Pct, Killed-line of duty incident
January 21, 1948 Ptl William Von Weisenstein, 101 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
January 21, 1958 Det Francis O’Rourke, 32 Sqd, Line of duty heart attack
January 21, 1986 Det Anthony Venditti, OCCB, Shot-investigation
January 21, 1995 Det Alfred Boesch, Housing SNEU, Line of duty incident
January 22, 1971 Ptl Robert Bolden, 75 Pct, Shot-off duty altercation
January 23, 1934 Ptl Joseph Misichia, 114 Pct, Shot-arrest
January 23, 1943 Ptl Pasquale Venturelli, 45 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
January 23, 1987 PO Michael Reidy, 41 Pct, Shot-off duty robbery

SOME DNA DEFINITIONS

Nuclear DNA: DNA located within the nucleus of a cell. Nuclear DNA is typically analyzed in evidence consisting of blood, semen, hair that has tissue at the root end, saliva, skin cells, tissues, organs.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): DNA located within the cell mitochondria and not the cell nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is typically analyzed in evidence consisting of naturally shed hairs without tissue at the root end, hair fragments without the tissue at the root ends, bones and teeth.

Contact DNA Evidence: Contact DNA evidence consists of Nuclear DNA obtained from skin cells that are deposited / transferred on to a subtrate as a result of contact between a person and the subtrate. Contact DNA can be collected from such items as eyeglasses, cell phones, shirt collars, hat bands and other “touched” items such as door knobs, broken glass, metal containers, etc.

Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA Analysis: The analysis of ectremely small quantities of Nuclear DNA evidence. It is usually performed on contact DNA evidence and on extremely small samples of DNA evidence, and on extremely degraded samples of DNA evidence.

Substrate: The surface onto which DNA is deposited or transferred.



FROM THE LIBRARY

Here’s an interesting web site to check out if you enjoy true-crime stories, or stories written by police officers.

http://www.police-writers.com/

Provides a very good index of books written by police officers (active and retired), with indexing by authors, department, subjects, and others.

Certainly worth taking a look at.


NOTORIOUS NEW YORK- 1929

The Hotsy Totsy Club: 1721 Broadway

Story has it that not everyone carried out of the Hotsy Totsy Club on Broadway was dead drunk - sometimes they were just plain dead.

That’s not so surprising since the owner of the club was Legs Diamond, who, in the 1920s, was highly regarded in the field of organized crime.

Legs, it seems, could also be a pleasant host as long as patrons kept their eyes shut while inside the club. Otherwise, they were liable to end up in court testifying against gangsters, if not at the bottom of the East River.

One night in 1929, Legs and gangster pal Charlie Entratta got into a drunken argument with two men. Suddenly, guns were drawn and bullets were flying. In seconds, the two men, one of them nicknamed Red, were lying on the floor of the club in a puddle of blood.

For the next eight months, cops searched everywhere for legs, but all the witnesses to the double murder – including the bartender, three customers, a cashier, and the hat-check girl – either disappeared or died very unnaturally. The following March, ten months after the shootings, Legs walked into a police precinct in Midtown and asked, “You guys looking for me?”

It was a fine time to surrender since no one was left to testify against him. The Hotsy Totsy murders were never solved, leading one newspaper to write: “The solution is locked up in the graves of dead men and in the minds of a few men still alive who are anxious to keep on living until their time comes to die from natural causes.”

Legs, known for surviving dozens of bullet wounds, finally died in his sleep a year later in an Albany hotel room. The police found him in his pajamas, with three bullet holes in his head.


CINEMA INFLUENCES REAL LIFE: THE SCARFACE EFFECT

Several of my latest postings on this site concerning organized crime in Italy, and in particular, the area of Naples controlled principally by the Camorra.

This is in large part to a recent book I finished, GOMORRAH- A PERSONAL JOURNEY INTO THE VIOLENT INTERNATIONAL EMPIRE OF NAPLES’ ORGANIZED CRIME SYSTEM, authored by Roberto Saviano.

The author lived in Naples, and won a Literary award for this, his first book. It was also noted that “since its publication, he has been placed under police protection.”

A passage in the book noted how “movies are the forms of expression.” It was noted how the Camorristi look to the movies to create for themselves a criminal image they would like to emulate, but somehow lack.

This also includes cinematographic inspiration on how one handles a gun.

A veteran of the Naples police force’s forensic division remarked how much the Camorra killers imitate the movies:

“Ever since (Quentin) Tarantino (the American movie director) these guys don’t know the right way to shoot! They don’t keep the barrel straight anymore. Now they hold it crooked, like in the movies, which makes for disaster. They hit the guts, groin, or legs, seriously wounding but not killing. And so they have to finish off the victim with a bullet to the nape of the neck. A pool of pointless blood, a barbarism completely superfluous to the goal of execution.”

How many times have we not heard similar statements by our own witnesses, describing the same way the gun was handled by the shooter, cocked sideways, preventing the gun from operating properly – but looking like the movies!

We thought it was only here in Brooklyn? Not by far – not only does art imitate life, but very often life imitates art – when it comes to the movies!


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

January 2, 1932 Ptl John Kranz, Det Sqd, Shot
January 3, 1975 PO Michael McConnon, 13 Pct, Shot-robbery
January 3, 1978 PO Ronald Stapleton, 77 Pct, Shot, off duty incident
January 5, 1922 Det William Miller, 38 Sqd(32 Sq), Shot-arrest
January 5, 1922 Det Francis Buckley, Det Div, Shot-arrest
January 5, 1944 Ptl Patrick Malone, Traffic I, Auto accident on patrol
January 7, 1930 Ptl Paul Schafer, 19 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
January 7, 1933 Ptl Walter Murphy, 14 Div (13 Div), Shot-pursuit
January 7, 1934 Ptl Ernest McCarron, 68 Pct, Fire rescue
January 8, 1946 Ptl Benjamin Wallace, 32 Pct, Shot-Investigation
January 9, 1938 Ptl Anthony Tornatore, 52 Pct, Shot-investigation
January 9, 1973 Ptl Stephen Gilroy, ESS8, Shot-robbery / hostages
January 10, 1987 PO Francis LaSalla, ESS1, Fire rescue
January 10, 1998 PO Edward Ahrens, 28 Pct, Shot (5/5/75) narco invest

As New Years Day approaches, I would like to express a very Happy and Healthy New Years wish to all!

The Minister of Investigation
Ltjac77@yahoo.com

MORE ON ORGANIZED CRIME- ITALIAN STYLE

The most recent posting outlined the Camorra of Italy’s Naples region, and their stronghold on organized crime enterprise in southern Italy.

It’s no surprise the drug trade continues to be a major source of income for many organized crime groups. Italy’s Camorra, and the Sicilian Mafia, are no exception.

A recent report outlined a major drug operation attacked by Italian authorities.

It noted that Sicily's Cosa Nostra ( Mafia) is still a major force in the global drugs trade and has not been supplanted by its Calabrian cousin the 'Ndrangheta or the Camorra of Naples.

On a Wednesday in early December 2007 Italian police arrested some 40 people accused of selling cocaine and marijuana from the 'narcotrafficantes' of Colombia and Peru all across Italy.

In the operation, which used 300 police officers, several helicopters and a number of drug-sniffing dog units, police said they had smashed a major Palermo based drug ring.

The gang, police said, imported more than 100 kg of drugs annually with a street value of some $1.2 million US dollars per kg!

''This operation shows that Cosa Nostra is still a major player in drugs,'' said Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) transnational crime envoy Carlo Vizzini.

''Sicily is becoming, once again, a key cross-roads for the international drug trade,'' he added. A rash of recent operations against Cosa Nostra kingpins appeared to highlight that the Sicilian crime organisation had gone back to more traditional areas of crime such as racketeering and public contract swindles - allowing the 'Ndrangheta to become the world leader in narcotics. The Italian Mafia accounts for some seven percent of Italy's GDP, according to the most recent figures.

EARLY ORGANIZED CRIME IN NEW YORK

The Camorra has always thrived in cities, whereas the Mafia, although now city-based, came from rural beginnings.

Also, the Mafia began as a nationalist movement dedicated to the protection of fellow Sicilians. This accounts for the huge support the Mafia received in Sicilian communities, a support that Neapolitans never shared for the Camorra. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Mafia has always been the more successful of the two societies.

The first known Camorra group in New York appeared in Brooklyn in the early 1900’s and was instigated by Neapolitan extortionist Alessandro Vollero. New York detective Jospeh Petrosino (who has been profiled on this site previously) discovered that the New York Camorra was hiding Enrico Alfano, a Camorrista and a wanted fugitive in his native Naples. Alfano had entered the US illegally and was deported in 1907.

Unaware of the ethnic and cultural differences between the various regions of Italy, those outside the Italian-American communities saw no distinction between an Italian from Sicily and an Italian from Campania. In reality, Italian immigrants in the early 20th century stuck with people from their own native towns and regions, and the Camorra were traditional rivals of the more successful Mafia. But by 1916, there were Camorra families in other Eastern US cities and Vollero was considered capo di tutti capi, (boss of all bosses).

At this time, they were in a position to compete with the Mafia’s most powerful New York family, the Black Hand Gang of Manhattan.

One of the Camorristas who enroached on Mafia territory was Pelligrino Morano, a Coney Island gangster who operated gambling dens in Brooklyn. In 1916, one of Morano’s men, Nick Del Gaudio, was shot dead in East Harlem, in the heart of the Black Hand’s territory. This was the first shot in the Mafia-Camorra War. In May 1917, all the major Camorra bosses met in the Saint Lucia, a Coney Island restaurant owned by Morano.

Meeting with Vollero and Morano were New Yorkers Lorenzo Legale, Charles Giordano, Luigi Turriese and Luigi Bizarro. Andrea Ricca, the boss of Philadelphia was also present with other Camorristas from outside New York: Eugenio Bizzaro, Albert Esposito, Salvatore Costa, Salvatore Coppolo, Albert Altieri and Tom Corillo. Leopoldo Lauritano, a renegade member of the Black Hand Gang was also present. At the meeting, the Camorra agreed on a plan to wipe out the Black Hand leadership.

Much fighting went on after the meeting in Coney Island, and it took six months for the Camorra to put their plan into action. "Torpedo" Tony Notaro approached the Black Hand leader Nicholas Morello and invited him to attend a peace meeting with Vollero and Morano at Vollero’s café in Navy Street. On November 6 1916, Morello and his underboss, Charles Umbriaco went to the meeting but were shot dead outside the café by four members of the Camorra. Bartolomeo Pagano was the man who had been contracted for the hit. The other shooters were Tom Corillo, Alphonse Sgroi and Johnny "Lefty" Esposito (Lauritano’s personal hit man who had killed for the Black Hand just two weeks previously).

As the war continued, "Torpedo" Notaro and Ralph Daniello were arrested for the murder of mafioso Giuseppe Favarro in 1917. Rather than face life imprisonment, Notaro and Daniello became state witnesses. In September 1918, Vollero and Morano received life sentences for the murder double-murder of Nicholas Morello and Charles Umbriaco. Notaro and Daniello indicated that Leopoldo Lauritano had provided the gunmen, and Lauritano was consequently convicted as an accessory. As cooperating witnesses, Notaro and Daniello received reduced sentences. Upon release, Notaro suffered from the infamous "White Death" meaning he disappeared without a trace. It is interesting that Vollero’s cellmate in Sing-Sing prison was Joseph Valachi, a member of the Mafia and one of history’s most celebrated mob informants.

The convictions effectively ended the power of the Camorra. Many of the gangs continued to operate their gambling and extortion rackets but in the rough prejudiced environment of the New York ghettos produced a more unified Italian community. La Cosa Nostra, the modern American Mafia, began accepting members from outside of Sicily and the Camorra gradually became incorporated into the Mafia. There are still some Camorra factions in the US, but the society holds little of the power it had in early New York.

INITIATIAN RITE OF THE CAMORRA

If nothing else, Italian organized crime figures have very intricate initiation rites.
The Camorra is no exception.

After initiation there was a ceremony of reception. The camorristi stood round a table on which were a dagger, a loaded pistol, a glass of water or wine supposed to be poisoned and a lancet.

The picciotto – this was the person being initiated into, or “made” - was brought in and one of his veins opened. Dipping his hand in his own blood, he held it out to the camorristi and swore to keep the society's secrets and obey orders.

Then he had to stick the dagger into the table, cock the pistol, and hold the glass to his mouth to show his readiness to die for the society.

His master now bade him kneel before the dagger, placed his right hand on the lad's head while with the left he fired off the pistol into the air and smashed the poison glass. He then drew the dagger from the table and presented it to the new comrade and embraced him, as did all the other members who gathered around.

A swearing-in ceremony, so to speak!



FROM THE LIBRARY: THE GRAVING DOCK

In the second mystery novel by the Edgar Award-nominated author Gabriel Cohen, Detective Jack Leightner of Brooklyn South Homicide hunts a most bizarre killer.

Jack’s pursuit takes him on a whirlwind tour of hidden parts of New York Harbor, from the secret world of Governor’s Island to the shipyards of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. And, of course, Red Hook. It was Cohen’s first novel, titled Red Hook, that won the author acclaim for his writing.

I have to note that I enjoyed reading this book prior to its publication, and was happy to be able to contribute acclaim for the story that made it to the inside cover flap of this hardcover.

“A story that engages the reader from the first page, and a gripping tale of mystery and suspense. You will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at a world known only to the New York detective” – so states the Commander of NYPD’s Brooklyn North Homicide Squad.

Looking for something to read? Perhaps a stocking stuffer for the holidays? Why not check out The Graving Dock.


THE CIRCUS OR THE CLOWNS?

Comment overheard from a recent retiree:

“I miss the clowns, but I don’t miss the circus”.



DETECTIVE MOVIES: CONTRACT ON CHERRY STREET

You may have the chance to see this movie on one of the more obscure cable channels, perhaps on Encore Mystery or Sleuth TV.

This 1977 movie is another of Frank Sinatra’s tough-detective movies.

This television movie’s plot concerns the partner--and best friend--of a tough New York detective who is murdered by killers working for a local mob. Infuriated at the inability of the Police Department to bring in the murderers, he decides--with the help of a few of his fellow detectives--to operate on his own, using whatever means necessary, to destroy the gang.

In other words – Sinatra takes on the mob!

In this movie, the 5’8 62-year old Frank Sinatra knocks around mob thugs and sends them home crying.

If you’re looking for a movie aiming for a realistic gritty tone, this can be somewhat hard to take seriously. But it’s not a bad movie.

Sinatra forms a special cop team to crack down on car thefts in New York City; the team is basically Michael Nouri as the idealistic kid, Henry Silva as the voice of reason (not something Silva was known for playing) and Harry Guardino as a vengeance crazed cop.
Somehow, the dedicated team causes a gang war to erupt among the mob families and for a 1970's TV movie, there is a lot more violence than would be expected.

The movie gets more and more out of control until Sinatra's mad dash to save the city at the end. Sinatra breaks so many rules, it is really hard to see how he would be able to stay out of jail, much less remain on the job. But hey, this Sinatra's world and he makes the rules.

Sinatra plays a crime-fighting Deputy Inspector, Frank Hovannes, of the Organized Crime Unit. Helping him chase down the mob are his team that’s led by Captain Ernie Weinberg, played by Martin Balsam.

Verna Bloom plays Sinatra’s wife. Anyone who knows Larry Eggers will know Verna as Larry’s good friend and “Hollywood connection”. Had this movie been done a few years later, Larry may have had his big break acting here!


HOLIDAY WISHES TO ALL!

As we prepare for Christmas and the New Years celebrations, I would like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Be safe, and don’t remember to stop and say a prayer for family and friends who are no longer here with us.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

January 2, 1932 Ptl John Kranz, Det Sqd, Shot
January 3, 1975 PO Michael McConnon, 13 Pct, Shot-robbery
January 3, 1978 PO Ronald Stapleton, 77 Pct, Shot, off duty incident
January 5, 1922 Det William Miller, 38 Sqd(32 Sq), Shot-arrest
January 5, 1922 Det Francis Buckley, Det Div, Shot-arrest
January 5, 1944 Ptl Patrick Malone, Traffic I, Auto accident on patrol
January 7, 1930 Ptl Paul Schafer, 19 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
January 7, 1933 Ptl Walter Murphy, 14 Div (13 Div), Shot-pursuit
January 7, 1934 Ptl Ernest McCarron, 68 Pct, Fire rescue
January 8, 1946 Ptl Benjamin Wallace, 32 Pct, Shot-Investigation

ORGANIZED CRIME: ITALIAN STYLE

We often hear about the organized crime gangs originating in Italy, under the basic heading of “the Mafia”. In fact, the Italian National Police (Polizia di Stato) has a division that addresses organized crime that is known, rather appropriately, as the Anti-Mafia Directorate: La Direzione Investigativa Antimafia – DIA.

But when it comes to organized crime, “The Mafia” becomes the catch-all phrase for all groups involved in organized crime.

There are three main criminal organizations of mafia in Italy. All are based in southern Italy, starting at Naples and moving south. The Sicilian Mafia is based in – you guessed it – Sicily. Then there is the ‘Ndrangheta, based in Calabria, and the Camorra, based in Naples. In addition to these, two other groups have appeared – Stidda and Sacra Corona Unita.

In addition to these, Italy is also seeing, due to immigration to that country, many foreign mafias from Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia starting to develop, even in Northern Italy and Central Italy which were historically free from mafia incidents.

Organized crime in Naples has historically been known to have its foundation in almost every facet of daily life. From the milk people drink, the gasoline they purchase, and clothes they purchase in stores, it has been said that nothing goes on in Naples without a payoff being made.

The Camorra is to Naples what the Mafia is to Sicily." Ironically, the New York branch of this secret criminal society did not receive much recognition in its own right, and would be relatively obscure were it not for the bitter rivalry with its Sicilian counterpart.

Picture this: gun battles among rival gangs, robberies in central shops and stores, delinquents chasing one another across narrow streets, dozens of murders of criminals, but also innocent people. It is not a Hollywood movie: it is a terrifying real scenario, and the most surprising aspect is that it is happening in Naples, Italy, in the heart of civilized Europe.

An increasing wave of criminal violence has stained the streets of this charming and sunny Mediterranean city with blood. A crime war is pitting major gangs against one another in a fight to gain control of Naples' criminal activities, especially those related to drug trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, and illegal waste management (the so-called eco-mafia). Everyone in Naples and Campania — the region surrounding Naples — knows it as the Camorra, or the local Mafia.

The Camorra is, in fact, both an economic power and a social background. On one hand, it has built over the decades an intricate network of semi-legal and illegal activities, making it a profitable local enterprise, but with a reach that stretches around the world.

On the other hand, it forges cultural habits and contributes to shape — in a negative way — the social background of Naples' neighborhoods.

Criminal bosses are being killed on the orders of other criminal bosses. This war among gangs, says La Repubblica, citing intelligence sources, may cause a "bloody feud … because life, in Naples, has become worthless." Often, not even innocent people caught up in these ambushes are spared.

There is a deep-rooted layer of "micro-criminality," a countless number of common juvenile delinquents, teenagers who have grown up in suburbs where crimes, robberies, and bag snatchings have become activities of their everyday lives. In the Naples hinterland, schools have become a luxury or even a waste of time for some young people: in the streets, they can learn — and earn — much more.
A sprawling megapolis, one of the youngest and most densely populated cities in Europe, Naples is a zone of social distress. Six out of ten youths are unemployed and, for young graduates, immigration toward the north of the country and to foreign lands has begun again. In a neighborhood like La Forcella, in the heart of the historic center, 86% of the population has not progressed beyond the stage of elementary education. In this neighborhood, every youth is potentially a Camorra recruit. Most youths leave school very early, to hang out in the streets, where they find no social or family structure. There is no work, but you still have to pay the rent, the bills. That’s why they are so little susceptible to the lure of easy money. As sentinel for a drug dealer, a youth can earn 200 euros a day, and the wages increase with responsibility in the clan.

Compared to its counterparts elsewhere in Italy, Sacra corona unita in Puglia and 'Ndrangheta in Calabria, it was more involved in piracy. Also, compared to the Sicilian Cosa Nostra's pyramidal structure, the Camorra is made up of many clans that often fight each other. Drive-by shootings by camorristi often result in casualties among the local populations, but such episodes are often difficult to investigate because of widespread Omertà (code of silence).
Raffaele Cutolo made an attempt to unify the Camorra families in the manner of the Sicilian Mafia, by forming the New Organized Camorra (Nuova Camorra Organizzata or NCO), but this proved unsuccessful.

Since the mid-1990s, the Camorra has taken over the handling of garbage disposal in the region of Campania, with disastrous results for the environment and the health of the general population. Heavy metals, industrial waste and chemicals and household garbage are frequently mixed together, dumped near roads and burnt to avoid detection, leading to a severe soil and air pollution. As of June 2007, the region has no serviceable dumping sites and no alternatives have been found. Together with corrupt local officials and unscrupulous industrialists from all over Italy, the Camorra has created a cartel that has so far proved very difficult to combat for officials.

Due to its extensive shipping ports many of the consumer goods traveling from Asian and European manufacturers pass through the Ports of Naples. This has led to extensive opportunities for organized crime, creating a vast network of black market goods – and counterfeit products. It’s a common belief that if you can buy it legitimately anywhere, you can get it on the black market in Naples – for a lot cheaper!

Want to build a house? Building materials, and cement, are controlled by Camorra entities. In fact the cement industry is so steeped in organized crime that building projects have been believed to include tons of cement work for no other reason than to pad the pockets of the Camorra based cement contractors.

More recently the Camorra has mad links to gangs in the former Soviet Union, and is under investigation for smuggling of Russian weapons and even nuclear material.



SOME DNA DEFINITIONS

Nuclear DNA: DNA located within the nucleus of a cell. Nuclear DNA is typically analyzed in evidence consisting of blood, semen, hair that has tissue at the root end, saliva, skin cells, tissues, organs.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): DNA located within the cell mitochondria and not the cell nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is typically analyzed in evidence consisting of naturally shed hairs without tissue at the root end, hair fragments without the tissue at the root ends, bones and teeth.

Contact DNA Evidence: Contact DNA evidence consists of Nuclear DNA obtained from skin cells that are deposited / transferred on to a subtrate as a result of contact between a person and the subtrate. Contact DNA can be collected from such items as eyeglasses, cell phones, shirt collars, hat bands and other “touched” items such as door knobs, broken glass, metal containers, etc.

Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA Analysis: The analysis of ectremely small quantities of Nuclear DNA evidence. It is usually performed on contact DNA evidence and on extremely small samples of DNA evidence, and on extremely degraded samples of DNA evidence.

Substrate: The surface onto which DNA is deposited or transferred.



THE DETECTIVE: STARRING FRANK SINATRA

On this, the birthday of Frank Sinatra, it’s only fitting to make note of one of The Chairman’s famous detective movie – The Detective.

This movie hit the screen in 1968, with a great cast of characters.

Police detective Joe Leland, played by Frank Sinatra, investigates the murder of a homosexual man. While investigating, he discovers links to official corruption in New York City in this drama that delves into a world of sex and drugs. The movie is based on the Roderick Thorpe novel.
In addition to Sinatra, it stars Lee Remick as the love interest to Detective Leland. Also noted in the cast is Jack Klugman, Tony Musante Robert Duvall – and – the boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.
Frank Sinatra was supposed to costar with his wife, Mia Farrow in this film but a film that Farrow was working on was running behind schedule, so she refused. Sinatra got so mad, he made the film without her and served her divorce papers on the set of that film, Rosemary's Baby.

It’s interesting to note that the character played by Sinatra, Detective Joe Leland, appeared in a sequel that Roderick Thorp wrote, Nothing Lasts Forever, where Leland is trapped in a Claxxon Oil Corporation skyscraper after it's taken by German terrorists and must rescue his daughter and grandchildren. Twenty years later the novel was filmed with some changes: the daughter became his wife, Claxxon became the Nakatomi Corporation and Joe Leland's name was changed to John McClane. The film was released under the title Die Hard in 1988.


TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

The following information was sent to me on December 7, noting the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

I found it interesting enough to pass it on.

On an episode of Jeopardy one night, the question was asked “How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns”?

If you have ever been to Arlington National Cemetery, to see this take place is an awesome sight.

Here are some facts related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – and those soldiers chosen to guard it.

How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

The guard takes 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is thehighest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

Again, he stops for 21 seconds for the same reason as noted above.

Did you know that the gloves that the soldier wears are wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

The Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard include a commitment for 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb inany way.

After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb.

There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of theirlives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

During the first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, Congress took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since 1930.


“LEST WE FORGET…” THE NYPD MEMORIAL

December 16, 1920 Lt Floyd Horton, 40 Pct, Shot: GLA arrest
December 16, 1981 PO Anthony Abruzzo, Jr, 109 Pct, Shot-Robbery, off duty
December 20, 1859 Ptl John Steward, NFI
December 20, 1925 Ptl Stephen McPhillips, 23 Pct, Electrocuted
December 20, 1936 Ptl James Smith, Traffic C, Auto accident
December 20, 1967 Ptl Robert Harris, HAPD, Shot-gun arrest
December 20, 1971 Ptl Carson Terry, HAPD-SI, Shot, off duty arrest
December 20, 1976 PO Carlos King, TPD D2, Shot-off duty robbery
December 21, 1930 Ptl Howard Barrows, 105 Pct, Auto accident
December 21, 1967 Ptl George Bishop, Aviation, Helicopter accident
December 21, 1967 Ptl Plato Arvantis, Aviation, Helicopter accident
December 22, 1927 Lt Charles Kemmer, 54 Pct, Shot-burglary arrest
December 22, 1940 Ptl Joseph Kussius, GCP Pct, Motorcycle accident
December 22, 1977 PO William Flood, PBQ, Shot-Robbery, off duty
December 22, 1996 PO Charles Davis, MWS, Shot-Off duty robbery
December 23, 1929 Ptl Michael Speer, 71 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 23, 1930 Ptl James McMahon, Traffic F, Injured on patrol
December 23, 1939 Ptl John Briggs, 23 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 24, 1935 Ptl James Dowling, 25 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
December 24, 1980 PO Gabriel Vitale, 109 Pct, Shot-investigation
December 25, 1935 Ptl Joseph Reiner, Traffic H, Auto accident on patrol
December 27, 1944 Det Anthony McGinley, 5 DetDist, Shot-Domestic dispute
December 28, 1929 Ptl Joseph Jockel, McyDist, Shot-arrest
December 28, 1974 PO Kenneth Mahon, 41 Pct, Shot-robbery
December 28, 1978 PO David Guttenberg, 68 Pct, Shot-robbery
December 28, 1991 Sgt Keith Levine, CommDiv, Shot-robbery, off duty
December 29, 1878 Ptl Asa Furness, 10 Pct, Shot by EDP

“Ad hoc solutions don’t cure the disease, they merely mask the pain”

IN MEMORIAM: P.O. CARLOS KING, TRANSIT POLICE DEPT.

P.O. Carlos King, ASSIGNED TO Transit District 2, was killed in the line of duty on December 20, 1976.

PO King was appointed to the Transit Police Department on July 6, 1964.

Officer King was shot and killed when he attempted to take action during a robbery while working an off duty job as a cab driver. When the suspect attempted to rob him Officer King identified himself as a police officer and was shot and killed. Officer King’s open shield case was found on the seat where it dropped from his hand.

He was survived by his wife and two sons.





RECRUITMENT, MENTORING AND RETENTION

Just what does that mean?

I recently listened to a lecture that was sponsored by Duke University for its MBA candidates at the Fuqua School of Business, on Leadership Development. (Yes, I have a broad range of interests; I’m not just a super-buff).

There is a very distinct difference in running a public service agency like a police department, fulfilling a crime fighting mission (yes, fighting crime IS what we are all about; a fact which I sometimes feel we need to remind others of) and running a business.

But I think that it has been proven that the leadership traits exhibited by those that excel in business can absolutely be applied to public service – I believe our city is being run by a Mayor who would surely back up that statement.

Back on track – recruitment, mentoring and retention. So what?

The keynote address for this Duke MBA Leadership Experience was given by Doug Lattner, the CEO of Deloitte Consulting. Much of what he presented had little application to running a police agency, as he talked a lot of global application, maximizing profits and topics that a profit and loss business answerable to stockholders was concerned with.

As I listened to what he was saying, I tried to think of its application to the New York City Police Department (like I said, I have a broad range of interests, but I’m still a buff at heart).

“An organization that does not focus on recruitment, mentoring and retention of its key asset – its human resources – is setting itself up for doom”.

The scope of his presentation was that, as MBA candidates, they should seek to find organizations that espouse these traits for their own employment, and that they should continue to follow this in whatever organization they become a part of.

Essentially, those organizations that practiced this were among the best.

How do we, as the largest police department in the largest city in the world, apply this principle?

Granted, much of these concepts are at best mildly applicable to an agency such as ours. We recruit for initial employment, and most of those that start to work here remain here for as long as 20 years. How exactly, then, does this apply?

Do we focus on the recruitment of the best possible candidates for our positions? We certainly have obstacles that private enterprise does not when it comes to this aspect, but yet we have always needed to overcome those. Are we doing the best job possible?

Here is where I really perked up my attention. Mentoring.

What do we do to help our people, once they begin working here, to become the best possible police officer they can be? What do we do to help a young rookie become not only oriented to his new position, but guide him/her along as they advance in their career?

Do we provide help and assistance to our people to assure that they can perform their required tasks to their best ability? And do we help to counsel our people in career advancement, finding the right spot for the right person, or do we leave it all to chance?

Do we engage in any practice to foster retention of our people?

Granted, in the framework of the police agency many officers seek to complete their time towards an early retirement and then move on. There will always be those that no manner of retention efforts can be effective.

What do we do to retain our talent in our organization? Do we develop investigators over several years time, only to see them advance to a management level – and then change their entire job assignment away from that which they professionally developed?

Apparently, in private industry, these three items are the current “buzz words”, or key words an organization strives to provide in their workplace, in order to show their commitment to the people that work for them.

I believe that where we often fall short, is in this attempt to advance our abilities as an organization by maximizing the talents of our people. Instead, it sometimes feels that we expect performance DESPITE our organizational paradigm, perhaps taking advantage of those who will do whatever needs to be done to get the job done – BECAUSE we are NOT doing it for profit, we are doing it ON A MISSION OF JUSTICE. “It’s the life we’ve chosen”.

Most of us remain where we are, fighting crime – putting handcuffs on people – because we truly see it as a mission. A calling, perhaps. Do we sometimes feel taken advantage of, by those who know we’d do it despite the obstacles? Perhaps.

The other thing that Mr. Lattner said, that I had to write down so as not to forget it, was this.

“If you don’t realize the loss of talent you’re going to fail as an organization”.

Apparently, current business trends as espoused by the leaders of industry realize that retaining your key people is essential.

I just found that interesting.




EARLY DETECTIVE HISTORY: CENTRAL OFFICE BUREAU OF DETECTIVES

In New York City history, an Act was passed on May 17, 1882, that authorized the Board of Police to establish a Bureau, “not to exceed forty detectives, which should be called the Central Office Bureau of Detectives, who were entitled to receive the same pay as the Sergeants of Police, namely one thousand six hundred dollars per year”.

This was part of the Consolidation Act that joined the police agencies in New York City.

Some Detective history takes place even before this.

Detectives were originally called “shadows”.

In 1857, Sergeant Leffers was appointed to the command of the Detective Squad, and served as such for 1 year.

After that, Captain George Walling of the City Hall Station was placed in charge.

He alternated between the station house and the Detective Office, which was in the basement of the then Headquarters Building in Broome Street. He remained in command from 1858 to 1860. Next came John Young, f rom 1860 to 1867, succeeded by James J. Kelso from 1867 to 1870, retiring to make room for James Irving. Irving served from 1870 to 1875, followed by Captain James Kealy from 1876 to 1880. Then Inspector Thomas Byrnes took charge.

It was under Inspector Thomas Byrnes that a serious and successful attempt to give New York City a Detective Department took place.

It was in 1857 that the Board of Police adopted a resolution giving the Deputy Superintendent the power to detail to his office twenty Policemen, to be designated “Detectives”. This resolution was carried into effect by Deputy Supt. Carpenter.

Selection was made of those with peculiar talents that were adaptable to this service.

The force was divided into squads, each squad having particular cognizance of a certain class of crimes. Their instructions were to make themselves thoroughly conversant with the mode and manner by which each species of crime was committed, and the class of persons engaged in its commission.

They were also directed to attended at night all large assemblies, and to arrest and drive away all known pickpockets.

Pickpockets and shoplifters were of particular concern at any place where large numbers of people gathered.


EARLY CRIMINAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Back in 1857 when these Detectives became established under Sergeant Lefferts, an “ambrotype gallery of photographs was established of all known pickpockets, shoplifters, watch-stuffers, as well as those who were arrested for crime of a higher grade”.

This gallery was open for public view, especially for anyone who had become a crime victim.

It is noted that in 1859 the Detective Force of New York and Brooklyn consisted of a number of Patrolman “not to exceed forty”, and that Brooklyn and New York remained under separate command.

The Detective Force of Brooklyn was under the immediate command of the Deputy Superintendent, but the Detective force of New York, because of its larger number, was under the command of a Captain of Police, and “constituted a company corresponding to that of a precinct, and was subject to the general rules and regulations governing a precinct”.

“The members of the force in the different precincts assigned to Detective duties should report to the Captain of the Twenty-fifth Precinct (Detective force) as well as to the Captain of their respective precincts”.



MY NOTE: One of the absolutely best books I have yet to find is OUR POLICE PROTECTORS, written in 1885 by A.E. Costello and Published for the Benefit of the Police Pension Fund. I found this book in an antiquarian book store by accident. An inscription inside the front page, dated October 1883, attests to the fact that “all proceeds will be devoted to the Police Pension Fund”, and signed by the Treasurer and the Chief Clerk of the Police Department of the City of New York.

It is absolutely chock full of New York City Police history, over 600 pages long, and will certainly go a long way to provide me many future postings to this site!

The information posted above on some Detective Force history comes from this book – and I can assure you, many more where that comes from!





A LITTLE HOMICIDAL HUMOR

“It was obviously a natural death – you’re naturally going to die when you get shot that many times”.

“A friend will help you move. A real friend will help you move the body”.

Famous last words: “What are you gonna’ do now, Shoot me”?