�It is not how they died that makes them a hero, but how they lived their lives�.
HERO�S IN STONE
As you enter from the Metro station, you are facing the front. You are behind the reflecting pool of water, and you don�t notice it right away. The stone wraps around the area, in two asymmetrical semi-circles. The first thing that strikes you is that the stone looks like it should be cleaned. Not in a very bad way, but it certainly looks weathered.
Each of the pathway entrances are adorned with a statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs.
The register book makes it easy to find the names. Alphabetical, or by state, you can locate the panel you desire. Pencils are left next to the books, along with appropriate blank paper. Etching names is a common occurrence here.
The National Law Enforcement Memorial, in Washington D.C., is a chilling reminder of all too common events. The memorial�s ground-breaking event was hosted by the elder President Bush and was dedicated in 1991; way too many names have been added since the first. There are currently more than 16,000 names of officers who have been killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1792.
When you find the panel, you notice there are twenty-three lines of names entered on the most recent stones. There remains too much room to still be filled; way too soon I may add.
As workers use the area as a short cut to work or to the Metro � this city�s clean and quiet answer to the subway � solemnity is the best way to describe the mood. There�s a couple from Texas looking up a name; they go off with a pencil and paper in hand. Here comes a man walking through, clothed in a bow tie and carrying a briefcase. He nods at you as you stand over the register, finding the entries. He knows why you�re there.
On the 3rd line of panel 23 you find her name. Irma Lozada. A friend who should have been celebrating her retirement by now. She never made it. You etch a few pages, lightly touching the inscription before you walk away. It seems only fitting that you have to kneel to etch the name.
Twenty-three lines of names appear on the most recent panels. Coincidental, I�m sure, to the number of people this department lost on 9-11-01. You find the names, and put faces to them. There�s Moira Smith � the second female police officer of this city to be killed in the line of duty. She, too, started as a Transit cop. You remember her smile, and the way she took pride in her job. She loved being a cop. She loved being a mother. She left them both behind on 9-11-01. You remember her photo in the newspapers, escorting people out of the building. The photo was taken before she turned around and went back in, to help rescue more. She never made it out again.
There�s Ronny Kloepfer�s name. The department�s lacrosse team now plays a memorial game in his honor. Way too young for a memorial anything in your honor. Joe Viggiano�s name is nearby. His brother, a fireman, is on another memorial wall for firefighters. His mother and father lost two children that day; what more can you say?
Claude Richards, the only Detective Bureau member who was killed at the Trade Center, was a member of the Bomb Squad. You remember him on a hot, boiling, New York City street examining a phony bomb in his way-too-hot bomb technician�s gear at a time when terrorism was still something that didn�t happen here.
You stand and look at all twenty-three names, on the twenty-third line of the weathered memorial stone. Each one evokes a memory, each one a reminder of a terrible event. Each one yet another example of a true hero. Let�s not fill the stones too soon.
WYATT EARP: AMERICAN LAWMAN
Wyatt Earp, who was born in 1848 and died in 1929, is perhaps the most famous lawman of them all.
He became a legend in his own time, serving as the law in such fabled Wild West Towns as Dodge City, Kansas, and Tombstone, Arizona-where in 1881 he and his brothers along with John Henry "Doc" Holliday, won the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He retired from 1882 after avenging the death of his brother, Morgan.
SOME EARLY NOTABLE DATES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
With the help of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, here are some notable dates in law enforcement.
April 1631: Boston establishes first system of law enforcement called the "night watch." Officers served part-time, without pay.
1712: First full-time, paid law enforcement officers hired by the City of Boston.
September 24, 1789: Congress creates the first Federal law enforcement officer, the United States Marshal.
May 17, 1792: The first officer in United States history, Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith, of the New York City Sheriff's Office, is killed in the line of duty.
1858: Boston and Chicago police departments are the first to issue uniforms to their officers.
1863: Boston becomes the first police department to issue pistols to their officers.
April 14, 1865: On the day he was shot by an assassin, President Abraham Lincoln approved formation of what is now the U.S. Secret Service.
1878-1881: Notorious outlaw, "Billy the Kid," kills six law enforcement officers in New Mexico: Deputy Sheriff Robert W. Beckwith, Deputy James W. Bell, Sheriff William Brady, Deputy James Carlysle, Deputy George Hindman and Deputy Robert Olinger.
October 26, 1881: Legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan and friend John Henry "Doc" Holliday, win the Wild West era's most famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
1895: Future President Theodore Roosevelt starts three-year term as Police Commissioner of New York City.
REMEMBER: TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION
Send an e-mail to: Ltjac77@yahoo.com
Monday, June 30, 2003
Friday, June 27, 2003
MORE ON OVERTIME
I recently reported, from a conversation with former PBA President Lou Matterazzo, that prior to the 1968 PBA contract, there was NO paid overtime for members of the service.
I�ve learned that that is not exactly so.
The NYC Watch had paid overtime. Every morning each watch house sent one watchman down to the court (tombs). There was very little separation of executive, legislative and judicial government in early NYC. Two aldermen and the mayor sat in the court when it was in session. They would tell the watch how many men to hold over for day duty. Those that were held over for day duty got paid overtime.
Of course this all ended on January 20, 1845, when all the various law enforcement agencies of the City of New York were consolidated into the Municipal Police Department.
It�s hard to imagine what the Police Administrator who did not have any overtime issues to deal with ever did with his time. It certainly must have cut down on the number of meetings to virtually zero! Could they possibly spent their time dealing with policing issues?
INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE MATERIAL
A catalog recently received by The Minister details some very interesting investigative research material.
The Research Tools Professionals Use includes 10 new titles of on-line and CD-Rom based investigative software. Go to:
www.brbpub.com
You can check out some of these titles, and order a catalog of material.
INTERESTING WEB SITE
The U.S. Department of Justice�s Office of Justice Programs offers a free online subscription for its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention materials.
You can subscribe for either, or both, of the free electronic services.
JuvJust e-mails information two to three times per week from OJJDP and the field about new publications and upcoming conferences.
OJJDP News@a Glance is a bimonthly newsletter that coversw many of the same topics as JuvJust � plus recent OJJDP activities- but in more depth.
Go to the OJJDP Home page at:
Ojjdp.ncjrs.org
ABOUT THE NY STATE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR LICENSE
What are the requirements of licensure?
You must be 25 years of age and a principal in the business entity to be licensed. Additionally, as the individual possessing the expertise to oversee the day-to-day conduct of investigations, you must have passed the private investigator examination within the two years immediately prior to your application date and have either three years experience or three years equivalent position and experience.
For more information, contact:
Division of Licensing Services 84 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208,
Or by phone at (518) 474-4429.
COHIBA'S NEW LOOK
Cuba's most famous brand has a new band design-but it's not on every Cohiba just yet. Get to know all about Cuban Cohibas with a close-up view of the new look.
http://click.email-publisher.com/maabcwzaaYOP8abuYsIb/
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES
Gone is the rain and the miserable, damp, sunless day. Summer has arrived, and with a bang! Funerals, school graduations, birthdays. What a difference a week makes!
I�m looking forward to returning to the trenches! Let�s all enjoy the nice weather when we can, and forget about the lousy weather when we have to. Enjoy what we are dealt with, and remember always, Work should be Fun!
And when you have a moment, stop and be thankful for what you have, and say a prayer for those who need it most.
I recently reported, from a conversation with former PBA President Lou Matterazzo, that prior to the 1968 PBA contract, there was NO paid overtime for members of the service.
I�ve learned that that is not exactly so.
The NYC Watch had paid overtime. Every morning each watch house sent one watchman down to the court (tombs). There was very little separation of executive, legislative and judicial government in early NYC. Two aldermen and the mayor sat in the court when it was in session. They would tell the watch how many men to hold over for day duty. Those that were held over for day duty got paid overtime.
Of course this all ended on January 20, 1845, when all the various law enforcement agencies of the City of New York were consolidated into the Municipal Police Department.
It�s hard to imagine what the Police Administrator who did not have any overtime issues to deal with ever did with his time. It certainly must have cut down on the number of meetings to virtually zero! Could they possibly spent their time dealing with policing issues?
INTERESTING INVESTIGATIVE MATERIAL
A catalog recently received by The Minister details some very interesting investigative research material.
The Research Tools Professionals Use includes 10 new titles of on-line and CD-Rom based investigative software. Go to:
www.brbpub.com
You can check out some of these titles, and order a catalog of material.
INTERESTING WEB SITE
The U.S. Department of Justice�s Office of Justice Programs offers a free online subscription for its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention materials.
You can subscribe for either, or both, of the free electronic services.
JuvJust e-mails information two to three times per week from OJJDP and the field about new publications and upcoming conferences.
OJJDP News@a Glance is a bimonthly newsletter that coversw many of the same topics as JuvJust � plus recent OJJDP activities- but in more depth.
Go to the OJJDP Home page at:
Ojjdp.ncjrs.org
ABOUT THE NY STATE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR LICENSE
What are the requirements of licensure?
You must be 25 years of age and a principal in the business entity to be licensed. Additionally, as the individual possessing the expertise to oversee the day-to-day conduct of investigations, you must have passed the private investigator examination within the two years immediately prior to your application date and have either three years experience or three years equivalent position and experience.
For more information, contact:
Division of Licensing Services 84 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208,
Or by phone at (518) 474-4429.
COHIBA'S NEW LOOK
Cuba's most famous brand has a new band design-but it's not on every Cohiba just yet. Get to know all about Cuban Cohibas with a close-up view of the new look.
http://click.email-publisher.com/maabcwzaaYOP8abuYsIb/
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES
Gone is the rain and the miserable, damp, sunless day. Summer has arrived, and with a bang! Funerals, school graduations, birthdays. What a difference a week makes!
I�m looking forward to returning to the trenches! Let�s all enjoy the nice weather when we can, and forget about the lousy weather when we have to. Enjoy what we are dealt with, and remember always, Work should be Fun!
And when you have a moment, stop and be thankful for what you have, and say a prayer for those who need it most.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
DETECTIVE HISTORY: AMENDMENTS AND CORRECTIONS
With the help of Mike Bosak, some amendments to the history of the NYPD Detective Bureau must be made to an earlier posting. The following is what can be considered the ultimate, absolute history of the origin of NYPD Detective�s.
New York City got its first Detective Force in 1836. In April of 1836 Jacob Hayes established New York City�s first detective organization. It was called the �Detective Force� and was part of the �City Watch�. Hayes appointed himself the first �Chief of Detectives�, among his other titles.
The title of the commanding officer of the Detective Force was always �Chief�, so Thomas Byrnes was NOT the first chief of detectives as the NYC Police Department states.
Believe it or not, the �Detective Force� was organized not because of the murder of NYC Watchman Luis Leuba on April 13, 1836, but because of the unsolved axe murder and cover-up arson of reportedly NYC�s most beautiful and expensive prostitute, a red-headed Irish girl with green eyes, who worked the stroll on Wall St. Yes in 1836, Wall Street with it financial businesses and rich bankers was the stroll for New York City�s most beautiful and expensive hookers. The axe murder was called the crime of the century and went unsolved. Watchman Leuba�s death was hardly acknowledged in N.Y.C. and Brooklyn�s newspapers. But the girl�s death and lack of solving the crime made the headlines everyday for months.
In 1857 the Board of Police (Metropolitan P.D.) gave the Deputy Superintendent the power to detail to his office 20 Policemen, to be designated �Detectives� They were attached to the office of George W. Matsell.
In 1859 the Detective Force was expanded to 40 Detectives, with the Brooklyn Detectives under the direct command of the Deputy Superintendent, but the force in New York City reported to the captain of the 25th Precinct. (Detective Force - Capt. George Walling)
On March 12, 1880 an office, or �Bureau� was established at 17 Wall Street with 10 men 0900x1600 hrs. It was know as the �Wall Street Sub-Detective Bureau�.
On May 17, 1882 Chapter 410, Laws of 1882 authorized the Board of Police to establish a Bureau, which should be called the �Central Office Bureau of Detectives�, not to exceed forty detectives , who were entitled to receive the same pay as the Sergeant of Police, which was $1,600 per year.
On May 25, 1882 the Detective Bureau was actually created and started operating. (Law passed May 17, 1882)
On May 8, 1883 all the Ward Detectives were consolidated under the jurisdiction of Inspector Byrnes. This did not work out and the detectives were sent back to their precinct commands. The Detective Bureau or Force had one specialized unit. The �Bureau of Inquiry for Missing People� that was established at the �Bureau for the Recovery of Lost Persons� in 1867.
THE 25TH PRECINCT
Regular readers to this column will remember that the 25th Precinct was the designation for the Detective Bureau in early NYPD history.
The �Detective Force� became the �Central Office Bureau of Detectives� on May 25, 1882, replacing the 25th Precinct designation.
CONGRATULATIONS! HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS
Congratulations are in order to those who were promoted this past Tuesday, November 19, at 1 PP. Thirty detective grade promotions were made, five of those to Detective First Grade.
The following Brooklyn North members received promotions as indicated:
Vito Friscia, 77 Squad, to Detective Second Grade
Eddie Rivera, 84 Squad, to Detective Second Grade
In addition to these well-deserved grade promotions, we also saw some Civilian promotions:
Jacinta Hampleton, from BN Homicide, promoted to SPAA and transferred.
Margarita Torres, from 90 Sqd, promoted to SPAA and transferred.
Also promoted in these ceremonies were a former-Brooklyn North Squad Commander and Precinct Captain. Jimmy Guida, now the C.O. of the 42 Pct, was promoted to Deputy Inspector.
Well done!
DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES
The use of a Forensic Anthropologist in the investigation of death is utilized more often than many may imagine. Just how does this specialist assist the investigator?
The assessment of trauma in skeletonized remains requires the ability to distinguish between perimortem trauma and postmortem damage.
Perimortem trauma is damage caused to bone in the interval surrounding the time of death. The interval is defined by the time period during which the bone is "green" or behaves with the plasticity of its living state. Any trauma that occurs while the bone is fresh and green is perimortem trauma including damage that occurs shortly after death.
Perimortem trauma that would have either contributed to or is directly associated with the cause of death is classified as trauma associated with the cause of death. For example, perimortem rib fractures can occur in a victim without those fractures being the cause of death, but the accompanying cranial gunshot wound would be trauma associated with the cause of death.
FED SURVEILLANCE OF BUSINESS COMPUTERS
As part of the Homeland Security effort, the Pentagon is studying ways it can "sweep up and analyze" data from corporations, data warehouses, credit card purchases and travel reservations to pick up patterns and clues to prevent terrorist activities. There are controversies with some folks suggesting that it is an "overkill of intelligence" gathering. Check out the debate at:
http://webpublisher.lexisnexis.com/index.asp?layout=story&gid=1610000961&did=476J-NY20-0094-52J8-00000-00&cid=130004413
IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY
1835
Texas creates what was later to become the Texas Rangers, the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in America.
1858
Boston and Chicago police departments are the first to issue uniforms to their officers.
1863
Boston becomes the first police department to issue pistols to their officers.
April 14, 1865
On the day he was shot by an assassin, President Abraham Lincoln approved formation of what is now the U.S. Secret Service.
HOPE ALL HAVE A VERY, VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! PLEASE REMEMBER OUR FALLEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, IN ANY WAY YOU CAN.
With the help of Mike Bosak, some amendments to the history of the NYPD Detective Bureau must be made to an earlier posting. The following is what can be considered the ultimate, absolute history of the origin of NYPD Detective�s.
New York City got its first Detective Force in 1836. In April of 1836 Jacob Hayes established New York City�s first detective organization. It was called the �Detective Force� and was part of the �City Watch�. Hayes appointed himself the first �Chief of Detectives�, among his other titles.
The title of the commanding officer of the Detective Force was always �Chief�, so Thomas Byrnes was NOT the first chief of detectives as the NYC Police Department states.
Believe it or not, the �Detective Force� was organized not because of the murder of NYC Watchman Luis Leuba on April 13, 1836, but because of the unsolved axe murder and cover-up arson of reportedly NYC�s most beautiful and expensive prostitute, a red-headed Irish girl with green eyes, who worked the stroll on Wall St. Yes in 1836, Wall Street with it financial businesses and rich bankers was the stroll for New York City�s most beautiful and expensive hookers. The axe murder was called the crime of the century and went unsolved. Watchman Leuba�s death was hardly acknowledged in N.Y.C. and Brooklyn�s newspapers. But the girl�s death and lack of solving the crime made the headlines everyday for months.
In 1857 the Board of Police (Metropolitan P.D.) gave the Deputy Superintendent the power to detail to his office 20 Policemen, to be designated �Detectives� They were attached to the office of George W. Matsell.
In 1859 the Detective Force was expanded to 40 Detectives, with the Brooklyn Detectives under the direct command of the Deputy Superintendent, but the force in New York City reported to the captain of the 25th Precinct. (Detective Force - Capt. George Walling)
On March 12, 1880 an office, or �Bureau� was established at 17 Wall Street with 10 men 0900x1600 hrs. It was know as the �Wall Street Sub-Detective Bureau�.
On May 17, 1882 Chapter 410, Laws of 1882 authorized the Board of Police to establish a Bureau, which should be called the �Central Office Bureau of Detectives�, not to exceed forty detectives , who were entitled to receive the same pay as the Sergeant of Police, which was $1,600 per year.
On May 25, 1882 the Detective Bureau was actually created and started operating. (Law passed May 17, 1882)
On May 8, 1883 all the Ward Detectives were consolidated under the jurisdiction of Inspector Byrnes. This did not work out and the detectives were sent back to their precinct commands. The Detective Bureau or Force had one specialized unit. The �Bureau of Inquiry for Missing People� that was established at the �Bureau for the Recovery of Lost Persons� in 1867.
THE 25TH PRECINCT
Regular readers to this column will remember that the 25th Precinct was the designation for the Detective Bureau in early NYPD history.
The �Detective Force� became the �Central Office Bureau of Detectives� on May 25, 1882, replacing the 25th Precinct designation.
CONGRATULATIONS! HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS
Congratulations are in order to those who were promoted this past Tuesday, November 19, at 1 PP. Thirty detective grade promotions were made, five of those to Detective First Grade.
The following Brooklyn North members received promotions as indicated:
Vito Friscia, 77 Squad, to Detective Second Grade
Eddie Rivera, 84 Squad, to Detective Second Grade
In addition to these well-deserved grade promotions, we also saw some Civilian promotions:
Jacinta Hampleton, from BN Homicide, promoted to SPAA and transferred.
Margarita Torres, from 90 Sqd, promoted to SPAA and transferred.
Also promoted in these ceremonies were a former-Brooklyn North Squad Commander and Precinct Captain. Jimmy Guida, now the C.O. of the 42 Pct, was promoted to Deputy Inspector.
Well done!
DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES
The use of a Forensic Anthropologist in the investigation of death is utilized more often than many may imagine. Just how does this specialist assist the investigator?
The assessment of trauma in skeletonized remains requires the ability to distinguish between perimortem trauma and postmortem damage.
Perimortem trauma is damage caused to bone in the interval surrounding the time of death. The interval is defined by the time period during which the bone is "green" or behaves with the plasticity of its living state. Any trauma that occurs while the bone is fresh and green is perimortem trauma including damage that occurs shortly after death.
Perimortem trauma that would have either contributed to or is directly associated with the cause of death is classified as trauma associated with the cause of death. For example, perimortem rib fractures can occur in a victim without those fractures being the cause of death, but the accompanying cranial gunshot wound would be trauma associated with the cause of death.
FED SURVEILLANCE OF BUSINESS COMPUTERS
As part of the Homeland Security effort, the Pentagon is studying ways it can "sweep up and analyze" data from corporations, data warehouses, credit card purchases and travel reservations to pick up patterns and clues to prevent terrorist activities. There are controversies with some folks suggesting that it is an "overkill of intelligence" gathering. Check out the debate at:
http://webpublisher.lexisnexis.com/index.asp?layout=story&gid=1610000961&did=476J-NY20-0094-52J8-00000-00&cid=130004413
IMPORTANT DATES IN POLICE HISTORY
1835
Texas creates what was later to become the Texas Rangers, the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in America.
1858
Boston and Chicago police departments are the first to issue uniforms to their officers.
1863
Boston becomes the first police department to issue pistols to their officers.
April 14, 1865
On the day he was shot by an assassin, President Abraham Lincoln approved formation of what is now the U.S. Secret Service.
HOPE ALL HAVE A VERY, VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! PLEASE REMEMBER OUR FALLEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, IN ANY WAY YOU CAN.
Friday, June 20, 2003
LT-CDS ARTHUR SCHULTHEIS
Lt-CDS Arthur Schultheis was another one of the legendary characters of this department. His brother was a notable figure in the Catholic Archdiocese of New York City, and an aid to the Cardinal, at the same time that Arthur was the squad commander of the 14th Squad. Arthur had a reputation of running the 14th Squad like a kingdom; nothing went on there that he didn�t know about and have a hand on.
One of Lt. Schultheis� legendary stories involves the matter of his retirement.
It seems that Arthur Schultheis never put in his papers for retirement. He did not want to leave the job, and would have stayed as long as he could. But, at 12:01 am on the day of his 62nd birthday, a patrolman was knocking at his apartment door in order to hand him his order of retirement.
THE CODE FOR DETECTIVES
Published in the May 1966 issue of SPRING 3100 is a "Code for Detectives" that was put together by Lt. Arthur Schultheis, describing what it means to be a detective.
Lt. Arthur Schultheis of the 14th Squad had been a detective since 1945 and a squad commander for more than ten years. The objective of this Code, and the corresponding story, was to impress the meaning of the changeover from patrolman to detective with a code of ethics which he gave to each detective coming into his command.
This Code For Detectives, which Lt. Schultheis shared with all new detectives, follows.
"When a patrolman becomes a detective the transition should not be casual. You should realize that you are stepping onto a new and vital plateau in police work and that your competence and attitude are most important qualifications. It is at this time that a clear outline of a detective�s duties should be crystallized and a new loyalty inculcated in the thinking of the officer. It should be impressed upon the patrolman that you are becoming a member of a distinctive organization with an honorable tradition and your future responsibilities should be assumed in a spirit of humility and determination.
Among the more rewarding experiences of a detective is the feeling of personal accomplishment found in the successful completion of a difficult and tenuous investigation, therefore it behooves him to take pride in his work performing his duties in a manner to bring praise and respect to the department and his division (Bureau).
Aware of the responsibility of the individual detective, it is felt that a practical and ethical concept of his work should be formalized in a code of behavior emphasizing the fact his duties are singular, challenging and concerned with problems of morality and integrity".
Ten Point Code For Detectives:
I. A detective should have the highest regard for the primary function of the division (Bureau) � service to the public.
II. Within the framework of the law and department regulations, a detective shall hold inviolate confidential information coming into his possession and do his utmost to protect the reputation of others.
III. To prove the innocence as well as the guilt of persons who are suspect shall be the abiding determination of a detective�s investigation.
IV. A detective shall cooperate with all agencies, both public and private, organized for the betterment of the community.
V. Knowing that teamwork is essential in his profession, a detective shall seek the loyalty and cooperation of his brother officers and return the same without reservation.
VI. A detective shall strive for self improvement; he shall keep himself generally well informed and in matters of crime and criminals he shall keep himself particularly well informed.
VII. A detective�s personal appearance and his conduct in relation with others should reflect the highest credit on the division (Bureau).
VIII. A detective shall maintain his private life in such a manner as to be a credit to his community.
IX. A detective shall care for department property in his custody and thoroughly familiarize himself with its purpose and operation.
X. A detective shall regard no facet of his work with indifference: each case should be regarded as a personal challenge to be met with enthusiasm and diligence.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Multiple Links Listings
www.detectivehelp.com
Yet even more investigative links
http://www.birthfamily.com/investigate.htm
A CORRECTION, AND AN APOLOGY
I�ve know Don Buddenhagen for many years, yet I committed a big error when I erroneously referred to him in a recent posting as "James".
Correctly, it was DONALD Buddenhagen that was recently promoted to Deputy Inspector. Donald is the Commanding Officer of Transit District 32.
Once again, I apologize for my error and stand corrected. I�d like to be able to blame it on my administrative staff, but that just doesn�t exist!
FOR ONE OF OUR FAMILY
A member of our Brooklyn North family is currently undergoing a very grueling health situation of a child. I would just like to ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers our Brother, that all goes well for him and his family.
Lt-CDS Arthur Schultheis was another one of the legendary characters of this department. His brother was a notable figure in the Catholic Archdiocese of New York City, and an aid to the Cardinal, at the same time that Arthur was the squad commander of the 14th Squad. Arthur had a reputation of running the 14th Squad like a kingdom; nothing went on there that he didn�t know about and have a hand on.
One of Lt. Schultheis� legendary stories involves the matter of his retirement.
It seems that Arthur Schultheis never put in his papers for retirement. He did not want to leave the job, and would have stayed as long as he could. But, at 12:01 am on the day of his 62nd birthday, a patrolman was knocking at his apartment door in order to hand him his order of retirement.
THE CODE FOR DETECTIVES
Published in the May 1966 issue of SPRING 3100 is a "Code for Detectives" that was put together by Lt. Arthur Schultheis, describing what it means to be a detective.
Lt. Arthur Schultheis of the 14th Squad had been a detective since 1945 and a squad commander for more than ten years. The objective of this Code, and the corresponding story, was to impress the meaning of the changeover from patrolman to detective with a code of ethics which he gave to each detective coming into his command.
This Code For Detectives, which Lt. Schultheis shared with all new detectives, follows.
"When a patrolman becomes a detective the transition should not be casual. You should realize that you are stepping onto a new and vital plateau in police work and that your competence and attitude are most important qualifications. It is at this time that a clear outline of a detective�s duties should be crystallized and a new loyalty inculcated in the thinking of the officer. It should be impressed upon the patrolman that you are becoming a member of a distinctive organization with an honorable tradition and your future responsibilities should be assumed in a spirit of humility and determination.
Among the more rewarding experiences of a detective is the feeling of personal accomplishment found in the successful completion of a difficult and tenuous investigation, therefore it behooves him to take pride in his work performing his duties in a manner to bring praise and respect to the department and his division (Bureau).
Aware of the responsibility of the individual detective, it is felt that a practical and ethical concept of his work should be formalized in a code of behavior emphasizing the fact his duties are singular, challenging and concerned with problems of morality and integrity".
Ten Point Code For Detectives:
I. A detective should have the highest regard for the primary function of the division (Bureau) � service to the public.
II. Within the framework of the law and department regulations, a detective shall hold inviolate confidential information coming into his possession and do his utmost to protect the reputation of others.
III. To prove the innocence as well as the guilt of persons who are suspect shall be the abiding determination of a detective�s investigation.
IV. A detective shall cooperate with all agencies, both public and private, organized for the betterment of the community.
V. Knowing that teamwork is essential in his profession, a detective shall seek the loyalty and cooperation of his brother officers and return the same without reservation.
VI. A detective shall strive for self improvement; he shall keep himself generally well informed and in matters of crime and criminals he shall keep himself particularly well informed.
VII. A detective�s personal appearance and his conduct in relation with others should reflect the highest credit on the division (Bureau).
VIII. A detective shall maintain his private life in such a manner as to be a credit to his community.
IX. A detective shall care for department property in his custody and thoroughly familiarize himself with its purpose and operation.
X. A detective shall regard no facet of his work with indifference: each case should be regarded as a personal challenge to be met with enthusiasm and diligence.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Multiple Links Listings
www.detectivehelp.com
Yet even more investigative links
http://www.birthfamily.com/investigate.htm
A CORRECTION, AND AN APOLOGY
I�ve know Don Buddenhagen for many years, yet I committed a big error when I erroneously referred to him in a recent posting as "James".
Correctly, it was DONALD Buddenhagen that was recently promoted to Deputy Inspector. Donald is the Commanding Officer of Transit District 32.
Once again, I apologize for my error and stand corrected. I�d like to be able to blame it on my administrative staff, but that just doesn�t exist!
FOR ONE OF OUR FAMILY
A member of our Brooklyn North family is currently undergoing a very grueling health situation of a child. I would just like to ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers our Brother, that all goes well for him and his family.
Monday, June 16, 2003
"To prove the innocence as well as the guilt of persons who are suspect shall be the abiding determination of a detective�s investigation".
Lt-CDS Arthur Schultheis
STREET NAME CHANGES HONORING FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS
One notable item, reported in the same bulletin that brought you the lead-sinker announcement, noted the street name changes to honor several fallen police officers who died in the line of duty on September 11.
Det. Claude Richards of the Bomb Squad is honored with "Detective Claude 'Danny' Richards Way", which is located at West Street between Morton and Barrow Streets, Manhattan.
PO Moira Smith of the 13th Precinct is honored with "P.O. Moira Smith Way", which is located at 74th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Brooklyn.
Additionally, it is noted that three other officers were similarly honored in 2003.
"Officer Thomas M. Langone and Officer Paul Talty Way", located at 37th Avenue between Union and Bowne Streets, Queens, honors these two officers of Emergency Service Squad 10.
"Police Officer Ramon Suarez Avenue" is located at Catalpa Avenue between Woodward and Onderdonk Avenues, Queens, in honor of PO Ramon Suarez of Transit District 4.
ASIAN ORGANIZED CRIME: A NEW LOOK
As it was noted in a recent issue of THE ECONOMIST, the criminal underworld of Asia is alive and well and spreading throughout the world.
Asian organized crime, including Chinese triads, Japanese yakuza, and the Russian mafiya, trace their history back to the 19th century. They continue to operate in such lucrative areas as money laundering, and arms sales (weapons, not body parts) but are more and more being revealed for the evil they perpetuate instead of their past history as patriotic organizations treated with respect.
Crime in East Asia is more and more being revealed as an international phenomenon, with Vietnamese gangs recently coming to rise in Australia. In Australia, the gang is known as 5T, named for the Vietnamese words for love, money, prison, crime and revenge.
While much of the Asian gang problem in New York�s Chinatown has diminished, it is interesting to see it thriving throughout other parts of the world - and should be carefully considered before it reels it�s ugly dragon head once again.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Just what are the 7 Deadly Sins?
Envy Gluttony Greed Lust
Pride Sloth Wrath
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Help on people searches: This has been described as the best non- paying site for people searches.
www.skipease.com
Commercial Search Site:
I strongly recommend the following site. You pay for the searches, but you only pay for a search as you use it. There is NO subscription fee, you just need to register first. The searches are very reasonably priced, and I�ve used it as a back-up to the info you get from a HIDTA auto-track search. The phone registry is very good.
www.locateplus.com
SOME MOVEMENT FROM THE TOP
It was reported recently that Chief Morange will be leaving to become the new MTA Chief of Security.
Louis Anemone, former Chief of Department, is moving out to LA, to assist Chief Bratton with the Compstat process being implemented in the LAPD.
DID YOU KNOW?
That prior to the 1968 PBA contract, there was NO paid overtime for members of the service.
Lt-CDS Arthur Schultheis
STREET NAME CHANGES HONORING FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS
One notable item, reported in the same bulletin that brought you the lead-sinker announcement, noted the street name changes to honor several fallen police officers who died in the line of duty on September 11.
Det. Claude Richards of the Bomb Squad is honored with "Detective Claude 'Danny' Richards Way", which is located at West Street between Morton and Barrow Streets, Manhattan.
PO Moira Smith of the 13th Precinct is honored with "P.O. Moira Smith Way", which is located at 74th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Brooklyn.
Additionally, it is noted that three other officers were similarly honored in 2003.
"Officer Thomas M. Langone and Officer Paul Talty Way", located at 37th Avenue between Union and Bowne Streets, Queens, honors these two officers of Emergency Service Squad 10.
"Police Officer Ramon Suarez Avenue" is located at Catalpa Avenue between Woodward and Onderdonk Avenues, Queens, in honor of PO Ramon Suarez of Transit District 4.
ASIAN ORGANIZED CRIME: A NEW LOOK
As it was noted in a recent issue of THE ECONOMIST, the criminal underworld of Asia is alive and well and spreading throughout the world.
Asian organized crime, including Chinese triads, Japanese yakuza, and the Russian mafiya, trace their history back to the 19th century. They continue to operate in such lucrative areas as money laundering, and arms sales (weapons, not body parts) but are more and more being revealed for the evil they perpetuate instead of their past history as patriotic organizations treated with respect.
Crime in East Asia is more and more being revealed as an international phenomenon, with Vietnamese gangs recently coming to rise in Australia. In Australia, the gang is known as 5T, named for the Vietnamese words for love, money, prison, crime and revenge.
While much of the Asian gang problem in New York�s Chinatown has diminished, it is interesting to see it thriving throughout other parts of the world - and should be carefully considered before it reels it�s ugly dragon head once again.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Just what are the 7 Deadly Sins?
Envy Gluttony Greed Lust
Pride Sloth Wrath
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Help on people searches: This has been described as the best non- paying site for people searches.
www.skipease.com
Commercial Search Site:
I strongly recommend the following site. You pay for the searches, but you only pay for a search as you use it. There is NO subscription fee, you just need to register first. The searches are very reasonably priced, and I�ve used it as a back-up to the info you get from a HIDTA auto-track search. The phone registry is very good.
www.locateplus.com
SOME MOVEMENT FROM THE TOP
It was reported recently that Chief Morange will be leaving to become the new MTA Chief of Security.
Louis Anemone, former Chief of Department, is moving out to LA, to assist Chief Bratton with the Compstat process being implemented in the LAPD.
DID YOU KNOW?
That prior to the 1968 PBA contract, there was NO paid overtime for members of the service.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
"Among the more rewarding experiences of a detective is the feeling of personal accomplishment found in the successful completion of a difficult and tenuous investigation, therefore it behooves him to take pride in his work performing his duties in a manner to bring praise and respect to the department and his bureau". Lt. CDS Arthur Schultheis
GREENPOINT MURDER, 1945
Susan Scanga was only sixteen in 1945 when she was found dead in a junkyard at the foot of Huron Street in Greenpoint, within the 94 Precinct.
During the day she worked in an apparel shop; at night she attended business school. A bullet had been fired at close range to her head. She had not been beaten or raped.
On the wall near her body was written: "Nick." The detectives assumed the victim had scratched her assailant�s name before she died. After questioning friends and relatives they issued an eight-state alarm for the arrest of her fifteen-year-old boyfriend, Nicholas Fomkin.
Nick and his friend Leonard Runkoski, sixteen years old, found themselves in Mobile, Alabama four days after the murder. They had taken a bus to Philadelphia and then hitched a ride south with an army lieutenant. Detectives, conducting a diligent investigation, located them in Alabama and had the Mobile authorities take them into custody until they could arrive.
Nick Fomkin had been dating Susan for about seven months. On the night of November 20, while heading for a pool hall after drinking beer with his friends, he bumped into Susan. She was walking with a boy, a friend of both of theirs. According to Nick�s testimony, he playfully put a gun to her head and said, "If you ever went out with any other guy..." and the gun went off. He panicked and threw the gun in a creek. He had traded his fish knife for his friend Leonard�s gun.
Prior to this incident Nick had written his name on the wall, in graffiti fashion. He evidently dragged his victim to a familiar haunt, inadvertently implicating himself in the crime by leaving her body underneath his previously written graffiti.
Nick Fomkin pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, and after being remanded pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
LEGAL BUREAU BULLETIN
Recently, the department�s Legal Bureau issued a Legal Bureau Bulletin concerning the new laws enacted for 2002.
An interesting observation was made, which I�d like to pass on.
It�s quite interesting, to say the least, that a recent inquiry to the Legal Bureau concerning the Burdo Decision and its interpretation regarding the ability of a detective to interview a subject who is in jail, was received with a complete state of bafflement. It seems that no one in the Legal Bureau ever heard of the "Burdo Decision", nor did they know how to find out the information. (Regular readers may recall I reported on the Burdo Decision last year).
Yet, it was noted, the Legal Bureau was able to report to us that, under the Environmental Conservation Law (Chapter 59), the Sale of Small Lead Fishing Sinkers is prohibited, if these sinkers weigh one-half ounce or less.
(It should also be noted that this law doesn't go into effect until May 7, 2004 - so there�s still plenty of time to stock up on those small-lead-sinkers).
You truly cannot make this stuff up!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
NYS Licensing Verification
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm
Info on the NYS Private Investigator�s License
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/pifaq.html
STILL SMOKIN�
Finding cigar-bars is getting harder and harder in this city. Below are some establishments that continue to offer a cigar-friendly environment.
Smoking continues at two Bar & Books - Hudson Bar & Books on 636 Hudson Street, NYC (212-229-2642) and at Lexington Bar & Books on 1020 Lexington Ave, NYC (212-717-3902).
Also at Club Macanudo, 26 East 63 St, NYC (212-752-8200), and at:
Aubette, a NYC bar on East 27th Street, located at 119 East 27 St, (212-686-5500).
Grand Havana Room on Fifth Avenue, 666 5 Ave, 245-1600
Uncle Jack�s, 39-40 Bell Blvd, Bayside, (718-229-1100). This cigar-friendly restaurant also serves what has been described as the �best steak in the city�. More info on this location to follow in future postings.
The Mustang Grill, located at 2 Ave & E85 St on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, has atrendy southwestern-style menu and a cigar lounge attached. (212-744-9194).
Cigar bars must have been opened prior to December 31, 2001, which eliminates the possibility of anyone ever opening a new cigar bar in the city.
To get a full listing of cigar bars in NYC, check out the Cigar Aficionado web site at:
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,1002,00.html
Good luck!
BY THE WAY, REGARDING BURDO...
According to the Burdo Decision, a subject who is incarcerated in jail (i.e. NYC Corrections) may NOT be interviewed as the subject of an investigation even if it is an unrelated charge unless he has counsel present.
This reversed what was customary and routine; after this decision a detective cannot get a statement from a subject who is in Corrections custody unless his counsel is present. If you do, and he/she confesses, the statement will NOT be allowed. The "old" test of whether it was an unrelated charge or not no longer matters.
This is a pretty important point of law that every detective should be aware of. So should the Legal Bureau.
GREENPOINT MURDER, 1945
Susan Scanga was only sixteen in 1945 when she was found dead in a junkyard at the foot of Huron Street in Greenpoint, within the 94 Precinct.
During the day she worked in an apparel shop; at night she attended business school. A bullet had been fired at close range to her head. She had not been beaten or raped.
On the wall near her body was written: "Nick." The detectives assumed the victim had scratched her assailant�s name before she died. After questioning friends and relatives they issued an eight-state alarm for the arrest of her fifteen-year-old boyfriend, Nicholas Fomkin.
Nick and his friend Leonard Runkoski, sixteen years old, found themselves in Mobile, Alabama four days after the murder. They had taken a bus to Philadelphia and then hitched a ride south with an army lieutenant. Detectives, conducting a diligent investigation, located them in Alabama and had the Mobile authorities take them into custody until they could arrive.
Nick Fomkin had been dating Susan for about seven months. On the night of November 20, while heading for a pool hall after drinking beer with his friends, he bumped into Susan. She was walking with a boy, a friend of both of theirs. According to Nick�s testimony, he playfully put a gun to her head and said, "If you ever went out with any other guy..." and the gun went off. He panicked and threw the gun in a creek. He had traded his fish knife for his friend Leonard�s gun.
Prior to this incident Nick had written his name on the wall, in graffiti fashion. He evidently dragged his victim to a familiar haunt, inadvertently implicating himself in the crime by leaving her body underneath his previously written graffiti.
Nick Fomkin pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, and after being remanded pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
LEGAL BUREAU BULLETIN
Recently, the department�s Legal Bureau issued a Legal Bureau Bulletin concerning the new laws enacted for 2002.
An interesting observation was made, which I�d like to pass on.
It�s quite interesting, to say the least, that a recent inquiry to the Legal Bureau concerning the Burdo Decision and its interpretation regarding the ability of a detective to interview a subject who is in jail, was received with a complete state of bafflement. It seems that no one in the Legal Bureau ever heard of the "Burdo Decision", nor did they know how to find out the information. (Regular readers may recall I reported on the Burdo Decision last year).
Yet, it was noted, the Legal Bureau was able to report to us that, under the Environmental Conservation Law (Chapter 59), the Sale of Small Lead Fishing Sinkers is prohibited, if these sinkers weigh one-half ounce or less.
(It should also be noted that this law doesn't go into effect until May 7, 2004 - so there�s still plenty of time to stock up on those small-lead-sinkers).
You truly cannot make this stuff up!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
NYS Licensing Verification
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm
Info on the NYS Private Investigator�s License
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/pifaq.html
STILL SMOKIN�
Finding cigar-bars is getting harder and harder in this city. Below are some establishments that continue to offer a cigar-friendly environment.
Smoking continues at two Bar & Books - Hudson Bar & Books on 636 Hudson Street, NYC (212-229-2642) and at Lexington Bar & Books on 1020 Lexington Ave, NYC (212-717-3902).
Also at Club Macanudo, 26 East 63 St, NYC (212-752-8200), and at:
Aubette, a NYC bar on East 27th Street, located at 119 East 27 St, (212-686-5500).
Grand Havana Room on Fifth Avenue, 666 5 Ave, 245-1600
Uncle Jack�s, 39-40 Bell Blvd, Bayside, (718-229-1100). This cigar-friendly restaurant also serves what has been described as the �best steak in the city�. More info on this location to follow in future postings.
The Mustang Grill, located at 2 Ave & E85 St on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, has atrendy southwestern-style menu and a cigar lounge attached. (212-744-9194).
Cigar bars must have been opened prior to December 31, 2001, which eliminates the possibility of anyone ever opening a new cigar bar in the city.
To get a full listing of cigar bars in NYC, check out the Cigar Aficionado web site at:
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,1002,00.html
Good luck!
BY THE WAY, REGARDING BURDO...
According to the Burdo Decision, a subject who is incarcerated in jail (i.e. NYC Corrections) may NOT be interviewed as the subject of an investigation even if it is an unrelated charge unless he has counsel present.
This reversed what was customary and routine; after this decision a detective cannot get a statement from a subject who is in Corrections custody unless his counsel is present. If you do, and he/she confesses, the statement will NOT be allowed. The "old" test of whether it was an unrelated charge or not no longer matters.
This is a pretty important point of law that every detective should be aware of. So should the Legal Bureau.
Monday, June 09, 2003
�It should be impressed upon (the new detective) that you are becoming a member of a distinctive organization with an honorable tradition and your future responsibilities should be assumed in a spirit of humility and determination�. Lt. Arthur Schultheis
VIDEO TAPE RECOVERY INFO FROM TARU
Recently, in an effort to assist detectives in the recovery of video tape from CCTV systems, TARU has put together some general guidelines and recommendations.
Often we encounter these tapes for recovery as potential investigative leads. Whether it is in a bodega, gas station, or bank ATM, keeping in mind some of these general principles could aid in the successful value of these tapes.
First, before removing the tape from the machine, check - and record - the time and date displayed on the screen, and then record the ACTUAL time and date. Many times these devices are not properly calibrated, and this information will become vital when viewing the tape later, and trying to admit it into court.
When you eject the tape, remove the "record tab" in the corner. This will prevent the tape being recorded over inadvertently.
Record the MOS who recovered the tape, and where it was recovered from. Maintain chain of custody rules; if patrol removed the tape prior to your arrival, record whose hands it passed through. Also, make sure you record the name of the business contact that turned the tape over to you. ALWAYS recover the original tape, do NOT accept a copy.
The following is VERY IMPORTANT, and may need to be reviewed with others on the scene - of higher rank - who may want to do differently.
It is recommended that you NOT play the video in the original recorder, as many time-lapse machines are on an automatic record mode, and will erase the incident if the tape is inserted in the recorder. DO NOT play the tape in the squad�s machine as these machines are not maintained and may destroy the tape. BRING THE TAPE DIRECT TO TARU. They will play it back, and make the necessary copies we need. This may be the hardest to accomplish when a ranking MOS wants to "play the tape and see what we have". Most times, by explaining this procedure and the importance of not destroying any evidence we may have, we can get this accomplished. The difference in time between TARU viewing, and preserving any evidence properly, and viewing it on the scene and risking damage to the evidence, is negligible. DO IT RIGHT, YOU WON�T BE ABLE TO DO IT OVER!
Never freeze frame or pause on a single image as the tape will stretch and be damaged. Let TARU perform this operation using the proper equipment.
IN AN EMERGENCY, if the tape MUST be viewed, return the tape to the position where it was recovered. If the VCR counter reads 01:03:02 when you start playing it, bring it back to the same position. Don�t lose your place. If you come across the incident then press STOP, and eject the tape.
Remember to always keep the tape and other similar evidence away from magnets, as it will erase them. Examples include stereo speakers and the red bubble-light in unmarked vehicles!
We seem to be encountering more often the video recording devices that are downloaded direct into a computer. These digital recorders provide extremely fine quality images when viewing through the computer, but poor images when copied for our use. The best advice I can give whenever encountering these recording devices is to contact TARU and make arrangements for TARU to come out to the field to retrieve these images direct.
TARU is the expert on this type of evidence. They have been extremely helpful in the past, coming out to the scene to recover video � give them a call from the scene if you feel their services would be helpful.
To contact TARU, should you have questions or requests concerning video analysis, call them at: (718) 971-1400 ext. 1445.
Remember what The Minister has said in the past: TARU is the Detective�s Emergency Service!
TRIPLE I
Remember, it stands for:
Interstate Identification Index
INTERESTING WEB SITES
For FREE database searches for investigators, go to Black Book Online, found at:
www.crimetime.com/online.htm
List of Forensic Resources for Police
http://police.sas.ab.ca/prl/for.html
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
CHAVEZ v. MARTINEZ, Decided 05/27/03
A 1983 plaintiff's Fifth Amendment rights were not violated through questioning by police, where he was never charged and no statements were used against him.
Questioning of plaintiff while he was being treated for gunshot wounds after an altercation with police did not violate his Fourteenth Amendment rights.
To read the full text of this opinion, go to:
http://laws.lp.findlaw.com/us/000/011444.html
WHO IS LT. ARTHUR SCHULTHEIS?
The author of the quote which opened this web posting was an NYPD squad commander. Watch future postings for more on this legendary figure.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
June 8, 1958 Ptl Herman Corn, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
June 9, 1931 Sgt William O�Shaughnessy, 28 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
June 9, 1939 Ptl Alexander Stult, ESU, Asphyxiated
June 9, 1969 Sgt Edward Henninger, AIS, LOD heart attack
June 11, 1925 Ptl James Cullen, 37 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
June 12, 1991 PO Kenneth Hansen, Harbor, Drowned
June 14, 1960 Ptl William Ramos Jr, 80 Pct, Shot-robbery
VIDEO TAPE RECOVERY INFO FROM TARU
Recently, in an effort to assist detectives in the recovery of video tape from CCTV systems, TARU has put together some general guidelines and recommendations.
Often we encounter these tapes for recovery as potential investigative leads. Whether it is in a bodega, gas station, or bank ATM, keeping in mind some of these general principles could aid in the successful value of these tapes.
First, before removing the tape from the machine, check - and record - the time and date displayed on the screen, and then record the ACTUAL time and date. Many times these devices are not properly calibrated, and this information will become vital when viewing the tape later, and trying to admit it into court.
When you eject the tape, remove the "record tab" in the corner. This will prevent the tape being recorded over inadvertently.
Record the MOS who recovered the tape, and where it was recovered from. Maintain chain of custody rules; if patrol removed the tape prior to your arrival, record whose hands it passed through. Also, make sure you record the name of the business contact that turned the tape over to you. ALWAYS recover the original tape, do NOT accept a copy.
The following is VERY IMPORTANT, and may need to be reviewed with others on the scene - of higher rank - who may want to do differently.
It is recommended that you NOT play the video in the original recorder, as many time-lapse machines are on an automatic record mode, and will erase the incident if the tape is inserted in the recorder. DO NOT play the tape in the squad�s machine as these machines are not maintained and may destroy the tape. BRING THE TAPE DIRECT TO TARU. They will play it back, and make the necessary copies we need. This may be the hardest to accomplish when a ranking MOS wants to "play the tape and see what we have". Most times, by explaining this procedure and the importance of not destroying any evidence we may have, we can get this accomplished. The difference in time between TARU viewing, and preserving any evidence properly, and viewing it on the scene and risking damage to the evidence, is negligible. DO IT RIGHT, YOU WON�T BE ABLE TO DO IT OVER!
Never freeze frame or pause on a single image as the tape will stretch and be damaged. Let TARU perform this operation using the proper equipment.
IN AN EMERGENCY, if the tape MUST be viewed, return the tape to the position where it was recovered. If the VCR counter reads 01:03:02 when you start playing it, bring it back to the same position. Don�t lose your place. If you come across the incident then press STOP, and eject the tape.
Remember to always keep the tape and other similar evidence away from magnets, as it will erase them. Examples include stereo speakers and the red bubble-light in unmarked vehicles!
We seem to be encountering more often the video recording devices that are downloaded direct into a computer. These digital recorders provide extremely fine quality images when viewing through the computer, but poor images when copied for our use. The best advice I can give whenever encountering these recording devices is to contact TARU and make arrangements for TARU to come out to the field to retrieve these images direct.
TARU is the expert on this type of evidence. They have been extremely helpful in the past, coming out to the scene to recover video � give them a call from the scene if you feel their services would be helpful.
To contact TARU, should you have questions or requests concerning video analysis, call them at: (718) 971-1400 ext. 1445.
Remember what The Minister has said in the past: TARU is the Detective�s Emergency Service!
TRIPLE I
Remember, it stands for:
Interstate Identification Index
INTERESTING WEB SITES
For FREE database searches for investigators, go to Black Book Online, found at:
www.crimetime.com/online.htm
List of Forensic Resources for Police
http://police.sas.ab.ca/prl/for.html
FROM THE LEGAL DESK
CHAVEZ v. MARTINEZ, Decided 05/27/03
A 1983 plaintiff's Fifth Amendment rights were not violated through questioning by police, where he was never charged and no statements were used against him.
Questioning of plaintiff while he was being treated for gunshot wounds after an altercation with police did not violate his Fourteenth Amendment rights.
To read the full text of this opinion, go to:
http://laws.lp.findlaw.com/us/000/011444.html
WHO IS LT. ARTHUR SCHULTHEIS?
The author of the quote which opened this web posting was an NYPD squad commander. Watch future postings for more on this legendary figure.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
June 8, 1958 Ptl Herman Corn, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
June 9, 1931 Sgt William O�Shaughnessy, 28 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
June 9, 1939 Ptl Alexander Stult, ESU, Asphyxiated
June 9, 1969 Sgt Edward Henninger, AIS, LOD heart attack
June 11, 1925 Ptl James Cullen, 37 Pct, Motorcycle accident on patrol
June 12, 1991 PO Kenneth Hansen, Harbor, Drowned
June 14, 1960 Ptl William Ramos Jr, 80 Pct, Shot-robbery
