NOTE TO READERS:
Sorry for the lapse in contributions to this site. For a very long time I was trying to make two postings a week; that was reduced to approx one per week, which was reduced even less these past few months. Trying to keep the quality, at the expense of quantity � but what can I expect for a one-man operation? If you have any interesting stories, insights, investigative bookmarks or interesting sites � pass them along! I could use the help!
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
POLICING- GREAT BRITAIN AND THE CITY OF LONDON
These past several weeks � unfortunately � we have seen a lot in the news regarding policing in the city of London. For all the wrong reasons, for sure.
I�d like to help add a little policing history for readers. We are all bound together in this brotherhood, throughout the world, regardless of the country or the language you may speak � policing is policing.
WHY IS IT CALLED SCOTLAND YARD?
The original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police was a house at 4 Whitehall Place, not far from Trafalgar Square, but the rear entrance, which the public used, was in Scotland Yard.
Great Scotland Yard still exists as a street today, and the building is used as stables for some of the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch.
When the Metropolitan Police were being established in 1829, one of the first tasks was to find a building to act as the new headquarters. The building was at 4 Whitehall Place.
The new building was adjacent to the Public Carriage Office where a Commissioner was already responsible for the licensing of taxi cabs. When the public went to see the new Commissioners, they used the back entrance of 4 Whitehall Place the rear of which was converted into a police station. The reception area soon became known as "Back Hall", an expression still used today in the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. This entrance was in Great Scotland Yard, off Whitehall, and the building soon became known as Scotland Yard.
By 1890 a new headquarters had been needed for many years, and the Metropolitan Police moved into a new building, designed by Norman Shaw, on Embankment. The building was to have been the site of an opera house, but the project had been abandoned when partly built. the new building was faced with granite quarried by prisoners on Dartmoor, and a female body, the victim of an unsolved murder, was found in the basement of the building, which became known as New Scotland Yard.
In 1967, the Metropolitan Police again moved headquarters to their current address of 10 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BG, on a site which also borders on Victoria Street. The name "New Scotland Yard" was retained.
THE METROPOLITAN POLICE OF GREAT BRITAIN
In 1829, when Sir Robert Peel was Home Secretary, the first Metropolitan Police Act was passed and the Metropolitan Police Force was established.
This new force superseded the local Watch in the London area but the City of London was not covered. Even within the Metropolitan Police District there still remained certain police establishments, organised during the eighteenth century, outside the control of the Metropolitan Police Office.
The Metropolitan Police Service is famed around the world and has a unique place in the history of policing. It is by far the largest of the police services that operate in greater London (the others include the City of London Police and the British Transport Police).
The Royal Parks Constabulary have now become part of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, the original establishment of 1,000 officers policed a seven-mile radius from Charing Cross and a population of less than 2 million.
Today, the Metropolitan Police Service employs 30,235 officers, 11,966 police staff, 493 traffic wardens and 1392 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and, since the realignment of police boundaries in April 2000, it covers an area of 620 square miles and a population of 7.2million.
The Met works in conjunction with neighbouring forces but has particularly close relationships with the other forces that police in London:
The British Transport Police, who are responsible for policing on the rail and tube systems.
The City of London Police, who cover the area within the 1-square mile boundaries of the Corporation of London.
The City of London Police is responsible for the safety of everyone in London's 'Square Mile'. There are about 6,000 residents in the City of London although this number is swelled daily by an influx of some 350,000 commuters, as well as people traveling through and tourists.The Force is organized into six command areas. The two territorial divisions, based at Snow Hill and Bishopsgate, are responsible for the day-to-day policing of the City.
Fifty per cent of Force staff work from these police stations, and their functions include giving crime prevention advice, investigating crime, patrolling, staffing the traffic and environmental zone, and dealing with public enquiries.
About 1,200 people work for the City of London Police. Around one third of these are civilian support staff performing a wide range of professional, administrative and some operational support roles.
The Term �Scotland Yard� refers to the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department.
THE HOMICIDE COMMAND
The Homicide Command is split geographically into three units (West, East and South), each led by a Detective Chief Superintendent.
Each of the Command Units has nine Major Investigation Teams (MITs), consisting of 33 staff, led by a Detective Chief Inspector (DCI), who performs the role of �senior investigating officer' (SIO) as well as Homicide Task Force per unit. The Detective Chief Inspector is similar to our NYPD Squad Commander.
The MPS is the only police service in the UK to have a Chief Officer nominated to oversee all homicide investigations and develop policy in this area.
The Homicide Command is responsible for the investigation of homicide and other serious crimes in London.
The work of the Homicide Command is supported by several specialized teams. These include:
The Murder Review Group Joint Trials Unit Coroners Officers and pathologists Forensic Science Services Other specialist support units
The Major Investigation Teams investigate:
* Murder, manslaughter and infanticide offences.
* Attempted murder, where the evidence of intent is unambiguous or where a risk assessment identifies substantive risk to life.
* Missing persons or abductions, where there is a substantive reason to suspect life has been taken or is under threat.
* Other investigations identified for specialist needs.
In addition, the teams provide advice for the MPS and other police forces on 'High Risk' situations such as missing people.
The Homicide Task Forces proactively conduct work in terms of murder suppression and 'man hunts' for murder suspects.
The Murder Review Group acts as an oversight on murder investigations, as well as a catalyst for the �Cold Case� investigation.
They review undetected murder investigations, with the objective of increasing public trust and confidence in the way the MPS investigates murders.
This Unit employs a mixture of serving and retired experienced detectives to undertake detailed reviews of undetected murders, looking for investigative opportunities that may lead to a breakthrough.
The MRGs achieve this by identifying, introducing and sustaining best practice. The focus of reviews is twofold:
� to ensure that all investigative opportunities are identified and progressed;
� to ensure compliance with the Murder Investigation Manual.
Think of it as the Compstat Review for murder investigations on a regular basis!
Reviews of new undetected homicide investigations are undertaken four weeks after commencement. The unit also undertakes �cold case reviews', examining old cases for new investigative opportunities, particularly taking into account advances in forensic science.
Note that retired detectives serve on the Murder Review Group as well � certainly a suitable use of experienced talent!
RANK STRUCTURE OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE
The prefix detective; is given to officers who have been assigned to investigative work after completing the appropriate selection and training. Detective ranks parallel uniformed ranks and range from Detective Constable to Detective Chief Superintendent.
The entry level, Constable, is followed by Sergeant then Inspector, with Chief Inspector next up on the chain of command.
THE DETECTIVE COMMANDER�S INVESTIGATIVE PLAN: GREAT BRITAIN STYLE
During a recent visit to New York by some visiting Metropolitan Police investigators (Scotland Yardies, or just Yardies, as they�re known), I had the opportunity to discuss homicide investigations, and the role of the Squad Commander in London policing.
I learned that the major task of the Squad Commander (the Detective Chief Inspector) was to commit to writing his/her �Investigative Plan�.
Enacted several years ago, this is intended to be used to show at what stage an investigation is currently in, and what facts are being utilized to determine the next stages of an investigation.
This task consumes the majority of the commander�s time � even more than we spend providing Compstat updates to the armies that require them!
The Detective Commander must, in writing, indicate what course of action he has directed the Detective Inspector to pursue, and what his reason for this is based on.
Try and think what that would involve on your investigations, and you can get a small understanding of the magnitude of this task.
In this manner, the reason why a particular person may be brought in for an interview must be delineated, what the basis of this interview will be about, and what is hoped to be obtained � all committed to a written report by the Commander.
A cumbersome task for sure!
THE DEFINITION OF POLICING
The word "Police" means, generally, the arrangements made in all civilised countries to ensure that the inhabitants keep the peace and obey the law. The word also denotes the force of peace officers (or police) employed for this purpose.
In 1829 Sir Richard Mayne wrote:
"The primary object of an efficient police is the prevention of crime: the next that of detection and punishment of offenders if crime is committed. To these ends all the efforts of police must be directed. The protection of life and property, the preservation of public tranquillity, and the absence of crime, will alone prove whether those efforts have been successful and whether the objects for which the police were appointed have been attained."
In attaining these objects, much depends on the approval and co-operation of the public, and these have always been determined by the degree of esteem and respect in which the police are held. One of the key principles of modern policing in Britain is that the police seek to work with the community and as part of the community.
JUST WHAT ABOUT THOSE BOBBIES?
London police officers are commonly referred to as "bobbies".
Where did this come from?
The first organised police agency in Great Britain was the Metropolitan Police Force, in London, that was begun in 1829. The founder of the agency was the Home Secretary for Great Britain, Sir Robert Peel.
These officers, who worked for Sir Robert Peel, were affectionately called "Bobbies" in his honor.
EVACUATION DAY
While we�re discussing policing in Great Britain, I came across this following item, put together by John Reilly, that seems to be a nice segue from London to America.
Have you ever heard of Evacuation Day?
Evacuation Day was established on November 25, 1783. This was the First Day of American Law Enforcement in New York City and the United States.
What does it refer to?
The name alone is enough to make some people squirm. But few anniversaries are of greater historical worth here, or offer more reason to give thanks.
On that date in 1783, British forces finally left American soil. They sailed out of New York Harbor, abandoning the city that was their headquarters during the American Revolution and clearing the way for George Washington's troops to move in uncontested from the north. That, one could say, was the start of full independence for the United States.
Today, not only is it no longer observed, but for most people it�s never even been heard of. For many decades, though, Evacuation Day was a huge deal in this city, bigger even than Thanksgiving.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Investigative Books and Manuals
http://www.pimall.com/nais/bkp.menu.html
Investigative Software
http://www.pimall.com/nais/softw.html
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
Aug 1, 1913 Ptl Bernard O�Rourke, 146 Pct, Dragged by horse
Aug 2, 1922 Lt Albert Duffy, HQDiv, Explosion investigation
Aug 2, 1966 Ptl Edward Monzillo, Mcy2, Auto pursuit
Aug 2, 1979 Sgt Michael Russell, 75 Pct A/C, Shot:Off duty arrest
Aug 4, 1913 Ptl Patrick Cotter, 65 Pct, Shot making arrest
Aug 4, 1928 Ptl Arthur Fash, 52 Pct, Electrocuted
Aug 4, 1953 Ptl Henry Ergen, 79 Pct, Assaulted
Aug 5, 1927 Ptl Hubert Allen, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 6, 1861 Ptl David Martin, 2 Pct, Stabbed during burglary
Aug 6, 1917 Ptl Robert Holmes, 38 Pct, Shot, robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1925 Det Richard Heneberry, DD, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 6, 1926 Ptl Oscar Oehlerking, 9 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1935 Ptl Thomas Burns, 5 Pct, Injured on patrol
Aug 7, 1927 Ptl. William Goddy, 7 Pct, Line of duty injury
Aug 7, 1928 Sgt James Barry, 9A Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 8, 1926 Ptl Frank Murphy, Mcy Dist, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 9, 1930 Det Harry Bloomfield, 44 Sq, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1926 Det John Singer, DD, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1937 Det Isadore Astel, MODD, Shot � Robbery in Progress
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl John Bosworth 43 Pct, Trolley Car accident
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl Joseph McBreen ESS10, Building collapse
Aug 11, 1949 Ptl George Connelly 19 Pct, Line of duty accident
Aug 12, 1952 Ptl James McGillion 34 Pct, Shot during investigation
Aug 12, 1966 Ptl Harold Levine Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
Aug 14, 1924 Ptl Frederick Thomas 9 Pct, Shot-robbery investigation
Aug 14, 1980 PO Harry Ryman 60 Pct, Shot-investigation
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
HORSE STORIES
Anyone who has ever been around mounted cops for any length of time will no doubt be regaled by some very funny �mounted stories�. Everyone on the job probably knows someone from Mounted who has at one time or another entertained them with one of those �never to be repeated� horse stories.
One such story involves a mounted officer and his horse sought refuge one night in a railroad yard. Seeking for a way to get some rest while being able to hide the horse, the railroad yard was a good choice, so he thought.
Getting himself and the horse into an empty box car, he soon found himself catching a much needed nap. He was awakened by the horse stepping on him, because the train was underway and was rocking & rolling!
The train didn't stop until it was at a small town upstate. Picture him going down the Street of this upstate town in his uniform riding a horse. I don't know what it cost him but he had to hire someone to drive him & his horse back to the city!
Since the origin of policing cops in uniform have sought ways to get out of the element for some hard earned rest � it�s just a little harder to do with that big horse you have to take around with you!
IN MEMORIAM � PTL. JOHN SKAGEN 1972
Ptl. John Skagen makes the ultilmate sacrifice 33 years ago JUNE 28
The NY TIMES reported on June 29, 1972 that an off-duty Transit Authority patrolman died the night before, four hours after being shot in a gun battle in a Bronx subway station. The patrolman had stopped a man who had a gun protruding from his belt.
John Skagen, while returning from a court appearance, was involved in a terrible quagmire of circumstances that proved fatal for him, life altering for the officers involved in his death and the catalyst, James Richardson, was ultimately set free.
The trouble began when Patrolman Skagen, dressed in civilian clothes, spotted a gun Mr. Richardson's waistband on the landing of the Hunts Point Avenue station of the IRT Pelham Bay Line. The patrolman ordered him to spread his hands against the wall, and the suspect whirled, drew his gun and fired two shots, striking the patrolman.
The shots were heard by two patrolmen from the 41st Precinct, John Jacobson and George Weiver, who were in a radio car on the street above.
Patrolman Jacobson grabbed the suspect as he reportedly ran up the stairs, while Patrolman Weiver ran into thestation.
Ptl. George Weiver, in a mistaken turn of events, shot and killed Skagen after the perpetrator ran up the subway stairs screaming that there was a crazy man with a gun downstairs. Skagen, already wounded by shots fired by Richardson, was confronted by Weiver, who emptied his revolver at Skagen, who perished at Lincoln Hospital a short time later.
Meanwhile, the suspect struggled free and ran across the street to the southeast corner of Bruckner Boulevard and Hunts Point Avenue.
At this point, the chase was joined by Patrolman John Pade of the Citywide Crime Control Unit. Patrolman Pade fired four shots at the fleeing figure, and Patrolman Jacobson fired three.
The suspect was struck twice and seized, but he succeeded in tossing away his revolver. Witnesses told police that he had thrown it over a fence onto the tracks of the New York Central, where it was retrieved by four unidentified youths who ran off with it.
Patrolman Skagen, with two bullets in him, was taken to Lincoln Hospital. He died shortly after 9 P.M., four hours after the shooting.
He had been on the force for two years, since July, 1970. He was married and the father of a son.
While the tragic, quick turn of events is a story unto itself, the trial that followed was equally unpredictable. In the end, Richardson was acquitted by the Bronx jury after hisattorney, the famous William Kunstler, convincingly told the jury that it was the officers' own actions that led to Skagen's murder.
A novel, written by the district attorney who tried the case, Steven Phillips, analyzes the case & prosecution. Titled "NO HEROES, NO VILLIANS: THE STORY OF A MURDER TRIAL", this book once graced my bookshelf (before being borrowed and never to be seen again).
Thanks to Sgt Mike Fanning, who reported this story on his Yahoo groups site.
POLICEWOMEN
Following an inquiry from a reader concerning Policewomen in the NYPD, the following information was passed on by Ret Det1 John Reilly.
In the March 1968 issue of Spring 3100, an article appeared concerning the assignment of policewomen to Patrol Commands effective Feb. 1, 1968.
In the article it was mentioned that the then current quota of policewomen was 352, and that there were 11 positions unfilled. This number included 62 detectives. There were also 2 female lieutenants and 16 female sergeants.
There were a number of female detectives in the Narcotics Bureau at that time, with a good number of the working undercover. The Pickpocket Squad also had a large complement of female detectives.
It is also interesting to note that the NYC Chatter had quotas for 1st and 2nd grade detectives. For First Grade, the number was 276 males and 8 female detectives.
Certainly a long way from the department of today!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Area Code Finder
http://fonefinder.net/
Drug Index
http://www.rxlist.com/
Over 36,000 legal documents and forms, including wills, name change, real
estate and more.
http://www.uslegalforms.com/
The Coroner's Toolkit
http://www.linux-mag.com/content/view/1894/2297/
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:
Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."
WHAT WAS PLAN B???
An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.
THE GETAWAY!
A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
NOTED OBITUARY: DET FIRST GRADE JOHN TARTAGLIA
It was reported in the NY Post on June 7, 2005 that an NYPD Titan passed away.
The name may mean something to Brooklyn North gumshoes. It was reported that Retired Detective First Grade John Tartaglia had passed away, at the age of 79, after a brief illness.
More recently, that name was noted for his sons, William Tartaglia, a recently retired Inspector, and Peter, a retired Lieutenant � Squad Commander.
Bill and Pete�s father, John Tartaglia, set their detective instincts from an early age.
You may not have been aware that their father, legendary NYPD Detective First Grade John Tartaglia,helped solve some of New York's most infamous crimes.
Among the cases he worked on were the murder of Kitty Genovese, a crime that shocked the city in 1964. She was killed as dozens of her neighbors in Kew Gardens, Queens, ignored her cries for help.
He also was involved in the probe of Alice Crimmins, who was accused of murdering her two young kids in 1965.
John Tartaglia � who served in the WWII Normandy invasion � is survived by his wife, Ann, and four sons.
William recently retired as an Inspector and the Commanding Officer of the Gang Division. He got his start as a Brooklyn North gumshoe, serving as a Detective, Sergeant in the 84 Squad, and through the ranks back into the Detective Bureau. His brother, Peter, was a legend as the 77 Squad Commander � and left some large shoes for me to try and fill in that squad. He now serves with the Suffolk County DA�s Office.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Tartaglia family on their loss.
WHO�S THE TARGET?
The police forms call him Advanced Silhouette SP-83A; in some gun shops, he is B-60. He is widely known in police and gun-club circles as the Thug, a life-size, two-dimensional paper target that every New York City police officer has shot at since the early 1960's.
He has not changed over the decades, a husky white guy, maybe a little German, maybe a little Italian, some Irish, with his pug nose and his thick head of dark, wavy hair. His hands are hairy, his jowls clean shaven. He favors a white-on-white track suit that is a little snug in the middle.
Whatever the Thug wants with that gun, he seems to be eating well.
As with many tools of police work, a certain lore has grown up around the Thug, giving birth to multiple theories on whether he is based on a real person, and just exactly who that man is. Each different theory attaches a different real name to the crouching bad guy.
He's the Worell. He's the Bruno. He's Ernest Borgnine.
The truth may surprise a few people who thought they knew the answer.
The image was created in New York City, but over the years, police departments in other states, including Connecticut, have used it, and anyone can buy one in gun stores. It is the official target used by the Department of Homeland Security.
Just who is this man in the target?
First, the Worell Theory.
At the department's outdoor range in Rodmans Neck, officers with enough years remember a sergeant named Fred V. Worell, who taught thousands of New York City police officers how to shoot in his 35 years on the job. The resemblance to the Thug, they say, is too close to be coincidence.
"It was always alluded to, he was the one this target was modeled on," said Detective Stephen Albanese, 48, moments before pumping his 15 rounds into what he believed was the image of the man he once worked with.
Sergeant Worell retired in 1987, and died Feb. 8, 2003, at age 66. Pictures of him at work indeed bear a resemblance to the target, especially the hair.
"Up until the end, he still had it," said John Cerar, 60, a former commander at the range for nine years, until 1994. "Whenever he wrote a report, you saw the words 'vis-�-vis.' That was one of his trademarks, I guess."
Sergeant Worell spent so much time at work, the range became something of a day care center for his two sons. "My brother and I, we grew up at the outdoor range," said Kurt Worell. "The target definitely looked like him. He said, 'It does really look like me, huh?�
To this day, when officers at the range order new copies of the target, they refer to it as "Worell with gun," or "Worell with knife." (There is one bizarre version, with a woman's head atop the Thug's body, that is no longer in use.)
More theories on who the target is will be posted in the future.
IF I MAY TAKE A MOMENT
I don�t often sway from the investigative content on this site, but if I may � and I am the editor � I�d just like to take a moment for some personal acknowledgements.
I�d like to recognize the achievements of some graduating seniors at Villanova University. Three seniors, who stayed the course playing varsity women�s lacrosse for the Villanova Wildcats, have graduated. From a much larger freshman field, these three seniors stuck with the hard work and dedication needed to not only excel at this fine university, but to play a varsity sport for their four years there. I�d like to recognize my daughter, Kristen Cornicello, and her good friends Amy Rocap and Bess Hanley, and take a moment to proudly recognize them. Best wishes to all of you in your future endeavors!
Along the same line, I�d like to recognize (daughter #2) Rachael Cornicello, on her fine achievement this past year as a Junior at Lynbrook High School. Rachael was recognized in the local newspaper, The Herald, for making the New York State Team 1 in the National Women�s Lacrosse Tournament. She also topped off the season with her Second All-County Lacrosse award. Keep up the good work!
Unless I wish to invite problems at home, I should mention their brothers as well.
Andrew completed his first year of graduate studies at Queens College, where he works as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. Having played four years of lacrosse at Manhattanville College � two years as team Captain � he is completing his certification as an Athletic Trainer, and helps to keep his siblings healthy. John just finished his second year at Hartwick College and, yes, he too plays lacrosse! He will be stepping up to the lead face-off man this next season, and we�re looking forward to Hartwick moving further up the NCAA Division III ladder!
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
June 26, 1918 Ptl Joseph Nolan, 22 Pct, Assaulted with brick
June 26, 1930 Ptl Wilson Fields, 62 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
June 26, 1937 Ptl George Mahnken, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident
June 26, 1977 Det Henry McDevitt, 48 Pct, Assaulted
June 28, 1927 Ptl Andrew Grennan, 46 Pct, Drowned during rescue
June 28, 1931 Det William DeGive, MODD, Shot during GLA Arrest
June 28, 1963 Ptl. William Baumfield, 4 Div, Shot-Robbery
June 28, 1972 PO John Skagen, TD2, Shot chasing felon
June 28, 1986 PO Scott Gadell, 101 Pct, Shot during investigation
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty, Det Div, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident on patrol
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas Sparks, No info available
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood, 31 Pct, Assaulted
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson, HAPD, Drowned during rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch, Bomb Squad, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1940 Det Ferdinand Socha, Bomb Squad, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas, PSA3, Shot:Off duty
My Note: I remember the killing of PO Scott Gadell, as it fell on a family birthday which my father missed, as he was working that day with Queens Homicide. You may recall that, at that time, the use of �speed loaders� for revolvers was NOT an authorized piece of equipment. Sadly, after Scott�s death, the department authorized its use.
REMEMBER � TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION�
Send me an e-mail at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com
HOPING ALL HAVE A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
Anyone who has ever been around mounted cops for any length of time will no doubt be regaled by some very funny �mounted stories�. Everyone on the job probably knows someone from Mounted who has at one time or another entertained them with one of those �never to be repeated� horse stories.
One such story involves a mounted officer and his horse sought refuge one night in a railroad yard. Seeking for a way to get some rest while being able to hide the horse, the railroad yard was a good choice, so he thought.
Getting himself and the horse into an empty box car, he soon found himself catching a much needed nap. He was awakened by the horse stepping on him, because the train was underway and was rocking & rolling!
The train didn't stop until it was at a small town upstate. Picture him going down the Street of this upstate town in his uniform riding a horse. I don't know what it cost him but he had to hire someone to drive him & his horse back to the city!
Since the origin of policing cops in uniform have sought ways to get out of the element for some hard earned rest � it�s just a little harder to do with that big horse you have to take around with you!
IN MEMORIAM � PTL. JOHN SKAGEN 1972
Ptl. John Skagen makes the ultilmate sacrifice 33 years ago JUNE 28
The NY TIMES reported on June 29, 1972 that an off-duty Transit Authority patrolman died the night before, four hours after being shot in a gun battle in a Bronx subway station. The patrolman had stopped a man who had a gun protruding from his belt.
John Skagen, while returning from a court appearance, was involved in a terrible quagmire of circumstances that proved fatal for him, life altering for the officers involved in his death and the catalyst, James Richardson, was ultimately set free.
The trouble began when Patrolman Skagen, dressed in civilian clothes, spotted a gun Mr. Richardson's waistband on the landing of the Hunts Point Avenue station of the IRT Pelham Bay Line. The patrolman ordered him to spread his hands against the wall, and the suspect whirled, drew his gun and fired two shots, striking the patrolman.
The shots were heard by two patrolmen from the 41st Precinct, John Jacobson and George Weiver, who were in a radio car on the street above.
Patrolman Jacobson grabbed the suspect as he reportedly ran up the stairs, while Patrolman Weiver ran into thestation.
Ptl. George Weiver, in a mistaken turn of events, shot and killed Skagen after the perpetrator ran up the subway stairs screaming that there was a crazy man with a gun downstairs. Skagen, already wounded by shots fired by Richardson, was confronted by Weiver, who emptied his revolver at Skagen, who perished at Lincoln Hospital a short time later.
Meanwhile, the suspect struggled free and ran across the street to the southeast corner of Bruckner Boulevard and Hunts Point Avenue.
At this point, the chase was joined by Patrolman John Pade of the Citywide Crime Control Unit. Patrolman Pade fired four shots at the fleeing figure, and Patrolman Jacobson fired three.
The suspect was struck twice and seized, but he succeeded in tossing away his revolver. Witnesses told police that he had thrown it over a fence onto the tracks of the New York Central, where it was retrieved by four unidentified youths who ran off with it.
Patrolman Skagen, with two bullets in him, was taken to Lincoln Hospital. He died shortly after 9 P.M., four hours after the shooting.
He had been on the force for two years, since July, 1970. He was married and the father of a son.
While the tragic, quick turn of events is a story unto itself, the trial that followed was equally unpredictable. In the end, Richardson was acquitted by the Bronx jury after hisattorney, the famous William Kunstler, convincingly told the jury that it was the officers' own actions that led to Skagen's murder.
A novel, written by the district attorney who tried the case, Steven Phillips, analyzes the case & prosecution. Titled "NO HEROES, NO VILLIANS: THE STORY OF A MURDER TRIAL", this book once graced my bookshelf (before being borrowed and never to be seen again).
Thanks to Sgt Mike Fanning, who reported this story on his Yahoo groups site.
POLICEWOMEN
Following an inquiry from a reader concerning Policewomen in the NYPD, the following information was passed on by Ret Det1 John Reilly.
In the March 1968 issue of Spring 3100, an article appeared concerning the assignment of policewomen to Patrol Commands effective Feb. 1, 1968.
In the article it was mentioned that the then current quota of policewomen was 352, and that there were 11 positions unfilled. This number included 62 detectives. There were also 2 female lieutenants and 16 female sergeants.
There were a number of female detectives in the Narcotics Bureau at that time, with a good number of the working undercover. The Pickpocket Squad also had a large complement of female detectives.
It is also interesting to note that the NYC Chatter had quotas for 1st and 2nd grade detectives. For First Grade, the number was 276 males and 8 female detectives.
Certainly a long way from the department of today!
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Area Code Finder
http://fonefinder.net/
Drug Index
http://www.rxlist.com/
Over 36,000 legal documents and forms, including wills, name change, real
estate and more.
http://www.uslegalforms.com/
The Coroner's Toolkit
http://www.linux-mag.com/content/view/1894/2297/
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP�
WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:
Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."
WHAT WAS PLAN B???
An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.
THE GETAWAY!
A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
NOTED OBITUARY: DET FIRST GRADE JOHN TARTAGLIA
It was reported in the NY Post on June 7, 2005 that an NYPD Titan passed away.
The name may mean something to Brooklyn North gumshoes. It was reported that Retired Detective First Grade John Tartaglia had passed away, at the age of 79, after a brief illness.
More recently, that name was noted for his sons, William Tartaglia, a recently retired Inspector, and Peter, a retired Lieutenant � Squad Commander.
Bill and Pete�s father, John Tartaglia, set their detective instincts from an early age.
You may not have been aware that their father, legendary NYPD Detective First Grade John Tartaglia,helped solve some of New York's most infamous crimes.
Among the cases he worked on were the murder of Kitty Genovese, a crime that shocked the city in 1964. She was killed as dozens of her neighbors in Kew Gardens, Queens, ignored her cries for help.
He also was involved in the probe of Alice Crimmins, who was accused of murdering her two young kids in 1965.
John Tartaglia � who served in the WWII Normandy invasion � is survived by his wife, Ann, and four sons.
William recently retired as an Inspector and the Commanding Officer of the Gang Division. He got his start as a Brooklyn North gumshoe, serving as a Detective, Sergeant in the 84 Squad, and through the ranks back into the Detective Bureau. His brother, Peter, was a legend as the 77 Squad Commander � and left some large shoes for me to try and fill in that squad. He now serves with the Suffolk County DA�s Office.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Tartaglia family on their loss.
WHO�S THE TARGET?
The police forms call him Advanced Silhouette SP-83A; in some gun shops, he is B-60. He is widely known in police and gun-club circles as the Thug, a life-size, two-dimensional paper target that every New York City police officer has shot at since the early 1960's.
He has not changed over the decades, a husky white guy, maybe a little German, maybe a little Italian, some Irish, with his pug nose and his thick head of dark, wavy hair. His hands are hairy, his jowls clean shaven. He favors a white-on-white track suit that is a little snug in the middle.
Whatever the Thug wants with that gun, he seems to be eating well.
As with many tools of police work, a certain lore has grown up around the Thug, giving birth to multiple theories on whether he is based on a real person, and just exactly who that man is. Each different theory attaches a different real name to the crouching bad guy.
He's the Worell. He's the Bruno. He's Ernest Borgnine.
The truth may surprise a few people who thought they knew the answer.
The image was created in New York City, but over the years, police departments in other states, including Connecticut, have used it, and anyone can buy one in gun stores. It is the official target used by the Department of Homeland Security.
Just who is this man in the target?
First, the Worell Theory.
At the department's outdoor range in Rodmans Neck, officers with enough years remember a sergeant named Fred V. Worell, who taught thousands of New York City police officers how to shoot in his 35 years on the job. The resemblance to the Thug, they say, is too close to be coincidence.
"It was always alluded to, he was the one this target was modeled on," said Detective Stephen Albanese, 48, moments before pumping his 15 rounds into what he believed was the image of the man he once worked with.
Sergeant Worell retired in 1987, and died Feb. 8, 2003, at age 66. Pictures of him at work indeed bear a resemblance to the target, especially the hair.
"Up until the end, he still had it," said John Cerar, 60, a former commander at the range for nine years, until 1994. "Whenever he wrote a report, you saw the words 'vis-�-vis.' That was one of his trademarks, I guess."
Sergeant Worell spent so much time at work, the range became something of a day care center for his two sons. "My brother and I, we grew up at the outdoor range," said Kurt Worell. "The target definitely looked like him. He said, 'It does really look like me, huh?�
To this day, when officers at the range order new copies of the target, they refer to it as "Worell with gun," or "Worell with knife." (There is one bizarre version, with a woman's head atop the Thug's body, that is no longer in use.)
More theories on who the target is will be posted in the future.
IF I MAY TAKE A MOMENT
I don�t often sway from the investigative content on this site, but if I may � and I am the editor � I�d just like to take a moment for some personal acknowledgements.
I�d like to recognize the achievements of some graduating seniors at Villanova University. Three seniors, who stayed the course playing varsity women�s lacrosse for the Villanova Wildcats, have graduated. From a much larger freshman field, these three seniors stuck with the hard work and dedication needed to not only excel at this fine university, but to play a varsity sport for their four years there. I�d like to recognize my daughter, Kristen Cornicello, and her good friends Amy Rocap and Bess Hanley, and take a moment to proudly recognize them. Best wishes to all of you in your future endeavors!
Along the same line, I�d like to recognize (daughter #2) Rachael Cornicello, on her fine achievement this past year as a Junior at Lynbrook High School. Rachael was recognized in the local newspaper, The Herald, for making the New York State Team 1 in the National Women�s Lacrosse Tournament. She also topped off the season with her Second All-County Lacrosse award. Keep up the good work!
Unless I wish to invite problems at home, I should mention their brothers as well.
Andrew completed his first year of graduate studies at Queens College, where he works as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. Having played four years of lacrosse at Manhattanville College � two years as team Captain � he is completing his certification as an Athletic Trainer, and helps to keep his siblings healthy. John just finished his second year at Hartwick College and, yes, he too plays lacrosse! He will be stepping up to the lead face-off man this next season, and we�re looking forward to Hartwick moving further up the NCAA Division III ladder!
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
June 26, 1918 Ptl Joseph Nolan, 22 Pct, Assaulted with brick
June 26, 1930 Ptl Wilson Fields, 62 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
June 26, 1937 Ptl George Mahnken, Mcy Unit, Motorcycle accident
June 26, 1977 Det Henry McDevitt, 48 Pct, Assaulted
June 28, 1927 Ptl Andrew Grennan, 46 Pct, Drowned during rescue
June 28, 1931 Det William DeGive, MODD, Shot during GLA Arrest
June 28, 1963 Ptl. William Baumfield, 4 Div, Shot-Robbery
June 28, 1972 PO John Skagen, TD2, Shot chasing felon
June 28, 1986 PO Scott Gadell, 101 Pct, Shot during investigation
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty, Det Div, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident on patrol
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas Sparks, No info available
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood, 31 Pct, Assaulted
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson, HAPD, Drowned during rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch, Bomb Squad, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1940 Det Ferdinand Socha, Bomb Squad, Explosion during investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas, PSA3, Shot:Off duty
My Note: I remember the killing of PO Scott Gadell, as it fell on a family birthday which my father missed, as he was working that day with Queens Homicide. You may recall that, at that time, the use of �speed loaders� for revolvers was NOT an authorized piece of equipment. Sadly, after Scott�s death, the department authorized its use.
REMEMBER � TO CONTACT THE MINISTER OF INVESTIGATION�
Send me an e-mail at: Ltjac77@yahoo.com
HOPING ALL HAVE A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
Friday, June 10, 2005
THE SCIENCE OF INVESTIGATION
Investigation is a very inexact science which we must nonetheless approach as a science.
An intriguing aspect of investigations is that most cases are solved more by common sense and persistence than by sophisticated skills.
Check every possibility, get others to assist, follow up on the most minor piece of evidence, obtain every possible detail, trust your intuition, and stay with the search tenaciously � these are the laws of our �science� of investigation.
ON REPORT WRITING
Report writing is not a peripheral activity that has little to do with the real business of investigation. On the contrary, the individual who argues that he can investigate a problem and solve it but he cannot write reports is comparable to an auto mechanic who says, �I can remove and repair your engine but I can�t install it back in your car.�
If he cannot finish the job, he is not what he claims to be.
Report writing is a natural and necessary part of the very job description of an investigator. The investigator who avoids or puts off writing reports, is in the position of a fireman who avoids fires or puts off arriving at the scene of a fire. Such people are in the wrong business.
An investigative report is a clear, comprehensive, written documentation of facts, presented chronologically, which is an objective, first person recording of the investigator�s experiences, conversations, and observations regarding a specific assignment, and from which the events of the investigation can be reconstructed even after a lapse of time.
The investigative report reflects, in writing, the investigator�s work on a case. It should be able to stand the test of time.
A good report, when read by a stranger five years later, will make as much sense as it did to the writer on the day it was written.
The ultimate test of a good report is simply this: If the reader of the report has a question, the report is deficient.
Since the final version of the report is in writing, it follows that correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as legibility will reflect either favorably or unfavorably on the investigator who wrote it. He does not have to be a consummate stylist, but he does have to be able to organize and present his facts clearly. Lapses in grammar, spelling, and punctuation often have the troublesome result of making things unclear.
(Ed note: Thanks to the John E. Reid & Associates, and to �The Process of Investigation� by Charles Sennewald, for portions of the above.)
WHERE THE SKELETONS ARE: WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Washington Square Park is not only home to the flying Frisbee and the sometime marijuana joint, but buried beneath the ground are the skeletons of some ten thousand New Yorkers.
Washington Square was where the city discarded the victims of the yellow fever epidemics that swept through New York between 1797 and 1819. The scourge was so bad that the city�s gravedigger was given free rent at a shack on Thompson Street, on the south side of the square.
The hangman, on the other hand, had to pay his own rent.
But he, too, was a busy municipal worker. New York ran a gallows in the center of the square until about 1819, executing everyone from petty thieves to axe murderers. After that, the city leaders decided that capital punishment was better meted out in more secluded areas. It seemed more civilized that way, and better for the city�s image.
PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS
The May 27 promotion ceremony saw some promotions from Brooklyn North Detectives (the emphasis on �some�), from DBB and the Brooklyn North �extended family� that should be noted.
William McSorley, the 83 Squad Commander, was promoted to Captain. Congratulations, Bill, and best of luck to you on the big move. You will surely be missed by all in the squad, and we join together to wish you the best as you make the move past your last civil service test! We all hope you stay close by!
Also from the 83 Squad, Anthony Caroselli was promoted to Lieutenant. Another loss to everyone in DBB; Anthony was just recently transferred to Brooklyn Transit Robbery Squad, and we hope to see him return to DBB as a Squad Commander.
Tip of the hat to Mike O�Keefe of the 83 Squad, who was promoted to Detective First Grade. Congratulations, Mike, and best wishes to you.
Other DBB promotions included Bob Palestra from the 70 Squad receiving the Commander Detective Squad designation. A well deserved nod to Bobby for the fine work he does!
I am especially happy to see Mike Joyce on the SDS promotion list. Mike, from Brooklyn South Homicide, was an integral part of the 40 Caliber Task Force, and receives a well deserved promotion.
Second Grade promotions were also bestowed on James Nash of the 67 Squad and Anthony Cheatham of the 71 Squad. Best wishes to you both.
From our �extended family�, we see Paul Wasielewski, currently of Major Case and formerly from the 75 Squad, promoted to Second Grade. Chris Kollmeier, of the Intell Division�s Criminal Intelligence Section was also promoted to Second Grade. Chris is a long time Brooklyn North alumni, and also was instrumental in the 40 Caliber Task Force.
Congratulations and best wishes to all!.
SOME RAMBLING THOUGHTS FROM THE HEAD OF A BUSY SQUAD COMMANDER WHO�D RATHER BE SITTING ON A BEACH SOMEWHERE
Summer�s here, now that we�ve gone through the Memorial Day weekend, it�s official. You can start wearing white pants, white shoes, all those summer Tommy Bahama shirts can come out from the back of the closet.
Summertime for the local news media can mean only one thing � the latest Hampton�s sighting of Lizzie Grubman. You remember her � get drunk in the Hamptons, run some people over with your car, flee the scene, and become a star for all of that. Who out there really wants to know where Lizzie was drinking at last night, or who she was dancing with? Fame sure is a funny thing � amazing how it seems to latch on to the least expected. In true �you can�t make this stuff up� fashion, Lizzie is none other than a � Public Relations mogul. You know the business, �there�s no such thing as bad publicity�. Well, she sure has made the most of that. Let�s see any one of us go out and do the same thing she did, run some people over � how long before you�re back making �big bucks� and being followed around by paparazzi, being courted for a �reality TV� show � probably a lot longer than the year it took for poor Lizzie. Who says we don�t live in a strange society? (Actually, a pretty *&$#!*ed up one, at times). Go figure.
Summer breezes, sunny beaches, a good book for the summer, right? Well, I�ve already outlined some books in the past few postings on what NOT to read, what about some suggestions?
BLUE BLOOD, now out in paperback, is certainly a lot easier to cart around a beach than the hardcover version. While this book is pretty accurate and forthright from an insiders point of view, most people �on the job� I know who have read it have the same basic review � it�s OK, nothing spectacular. Now don�t get me wrong, and I don�t want to knock the work of this fine writer � Detective � it�s just that for an insider in the NYPD there�s nothing there that you haven�t done yourself, felt yourself, or wondered about yourself, you just weren�t smart enough to write it all down the way Edward Conlon did. Now, that�s not a criticism of the author; it�s not meant to be. I can fully understand how the �general� public would take to this account: he�s Harvard educated, so he �fits� into their circles, and that makes him stand apart from the �other� cops that the public sees us as being a part of. My recommendation to you, pick up the book, read it. It�s not bad, you may like it more than I did, in any event, it�s better than most other trash on the racks, and at least you�ll be supporting a �working cop�.
I just finished THE HOT KID by Elmore Leonard. I enjoy Elmore Leonard, especially as a summer read, and he doesn�t disappoint in this, his latest novel. It�s a story about a US Marshal in the 1930�s, the gangster age during the period of America�s most notorious bank robbers: Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson � those guys. He wants to be America�s most famous lawman; he shot his first felon when he was fifteen years old. �Never pull your gun out unless you intend on killing�, is what he�s said to many he comes across. This book makes my HIGHLY Recommended list.
Anything by James Elroy is usually a good summer read as well. A noted writer of Los Angeles noir, once you get hooked on an Elroy novel, you�ll keep going back. Another RECOMMENDED read for the summer.
As for me, I�ll be finishing up THE HOT KID in another day, and will move on to my annual �Summer Literature Series� � this year I�ll be reading Guillermo Cabrera Infante, noted Cuban writer, and will be sinking my teeth into �THREE STRIPED TIGERS�. But, then again, that�s just me � a crowded head in a summer heat. Go 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 during rescue
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
June 15, 1944 Ptl Eliote Holmes, 13DetSq, Line of duty injury
June 15, 1967 Ptl Walter Ferguson, DetDiv, LOD heart attack
June 15, 1979 PO Ted Donald, PSA7, Shot- burglary arrest
June 15, 1980 PO John Patwell, 43 Pct, Assaulted
June 15, 1983 PO John Mandia, 25 Pct, Fell under train
June 15, 1984 PO Juan Andino, 40 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
Investigation is a very inexact science which we must nonetheless approach as a science.
An intriguing aspect of investigations is that most cases are solved more by common sense and persistence than by sophisticated skills.
Check every possibility, get others to assist, follow up on the most minor piece of evidence, obtain every possible detail, trust your intuition, and stay with the search tenaciously � these are the laws of our �science� of investigation.
ON REPORT WRITING
Report writing is not a peripheral activity that has little to do with the real business of investigation. On the contrary, the individual who argues that he can investigate a problem and solve it but he cannot write reports is comparable to an auto mechanic who says, �I can remove and repair your engine but I can�t install it back in your car.�
If he cannot finish the job, he is not what he claims to be.
Report writing is a natural and necessary part of the very job description of an investigator. The investigator who avoids or puts off writing reports, is in the position of a fireman who avoids fires or puts off arriving at the scene of a fire. Such people are in the wrong business.
An investigative report is a clear, comprehensive, written documentation of facts, presented chronologically, which is an objective, first person recording of the investigator�s experiences, conversations, and observations regarding a specific assignment, and from which the events of the investigation can be reconstructed even after a lapse of time.
The investigative report reflects, in writing, the investigator�s work on a case. It should be able to stand the test of time.
A good report, when read by a stranger five years later, will make as much sense as it did to the writer on the day it was written.
The ultimate test of a good report is simply this: If the reader of the report has a question, the report is deficient.
Since the final version of the report is in writing, it follows that correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as legibility will reflect either favorably or unfavorably on the investigator who wrote it. He does not have to be a consummate stylist, but he does have to be able to organize and present his facts clearly. Lapses in grammar, spelling, and punctuation often have the troublesome result of making things unclear.
(Ed note: Thanks to the John E. Reid & Associates, and to �The Process of Investigation� by Charles Sennewald, for portions of the above.)
WHERE THE SKELETONS ARE: WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Washington Square Park is not only home to the flying Frisbee and the sometime marijuana joint, but buried beneath the ground are the skeletons of some ten thousand New Yorkers.
Washington Square was where the city discarded the victims of the yellow fever epidemics that swept through New York between 1797 and 1819. The scourge was so bad that the city�s gravedigger was given free rent at a shack on Thompson Street, on the south side of the square.
The hangman, on the other hand, had to pay his own rent.
But he, too, was a busy municipal worker. New York ran a gallows in the center of the square until about 1819, executing everyone from petty thieves to axe murderers. After that, the city leaders decided that capital punishment was better meted out in more secluded areas. It seemed more civilized that way, and better for the city�s image.
PROMOTION CONGRATULATIONS
The May 27 promotion ceremony saw some promotions from Brooklyn North Detectives (the emphasis on �some�), from DBB and the Brooklyn North �extended family� that should be noted.
William McSorley, the 83 Squad Commander, was promoted to Captain. Congratulations, Bill, and best of luck to you on the big move. You will surely be missed by all in the squad, and we join together to wish you the best as you make the move past your last civil service test! We all hope you stay close by!
Also from the 83 Squad, Anthony Caroselli was promoted to Lieutenant. Another loss to everyone in DBB; Anthony was just recently transferred to Brooklyn Transit Robbery Squad, and we hope to see him return to DBB as a Squad Commander.
Tip of the hat to Mike O�Keefe of the 83 Squad, who was promoted to Detective First Grade. Congratulations, Mike, and best wishes to you.
Other DBB promotions included Bob Palestra from the 70 Squad receiving the Commander Detective Squad designation. A well deserved nod to Bobby for the fine work he does!
I am especially happy to see Mike Joyce on the SDS promotion list. Mike, from Brooklyn South Homicide, was an integral part of the 40 Caliber Task Force, and receives a well deserved promotion.
Second Grade promotions were also bestowed on James Nash of the 67 Squad and Anthony Cheatham of the 71 Squad. Best wishes to you both.
From our �extended family�, we see Paul Wasielewski, currently of Major Case and formerly from the 75 Squad, promoted to Second Grade. Chris Kollmeier, of the Intell Division�s Criminal Intelligence Section was also promoted to Second Grade. Chris is a long time Brooklyn North alumni, and also was instrumental in the 40 Caliber Task Force.
Congratulations and best wishes to all!.
SOME RAMBLING THOUGHTS FROM THE HEAD OF A BUSY SQUAD COMMANDER WHO�D RATHER BE SITTING ON A BEACH SOMEWHERE
Summer�s here, now that we�ve gone through the Memorial Day weekend, it�s official. You can start wearing white pants, white shoes, all those summer Tommy Bahama shirts can come out from the back of the closet.
Summertime for the local news media can mean only one thing � the latest Hampton�s sighting of Lizzie Grubman. You remember her � get drunk in the Hamptons, run some people over with your car, flee the scene, and become a star for all of that. Who out there really wants to know where Lizzie was drinking at last night, or who she was dancing with? Fame sure is a funny thing � amazing how it seems to latch on to the least expected. In true �you can�t make this stuff up� fashion, Lizzie is none other than a � Public Relations mogul. You know the business, �there�s no such thing as bad publicity�. Well, she sure has made the most of that. Let�s see any one of us go out and do the same thing she did, run some people over � how long before you�re back making �big bucks� and being followed around by paparazzi, being courted for a �reality TV� show � probably a lot longer than the year it took for poor Lizzie. Who says we don�t live in a strange society? (Actually, a pretty *&$#!*ed up one, at times). Go figure.
Summer breezes, sunny beaches, a good book for the summer, right? Well, I�ve already outlined some books in the past few postings on what NOT to read, what about some suggestions?
BLUE BLOOD, now out in paperback, is certainly a lot easier to cart around a beach than the hardcover version. While this book is pretty accurate and forthright from an insiders point of view, most people �on the job� I know who have read it have the same basic review � it�s OK, nothing spectacular. Now don�t get me wrong, and I don�t want to knock the work of this fine writer � Detective � it�s just that for an insider in the NYPD there�s nothing there that you haven�t done yourself, felt yourself, or wondered about yourself, you just weren�t smart enough to write it all down the way Edward Conlon did. Now, that�s not a criticism of the author; it�s not meant to be. I can fully understand how the �general� public would take to this account: he�s Harvard educated, so he �fits� into their circles, and that makes him stand apart from the �other� cops that the public sees us as being a part of. My recommendation to you, pick up the book, read it. It�s not bad, you may like it more than I did, in any event, it�s better than most other trash on the racks, and at least you�ll be supporting a �working cop�.
I just finished THE HOT KID by Elmore Leonard. I enjoy Elmore Leonard, especially as a summer read, and he doesn�t disappoint in this, his latest novel. It�s a story about a US Marshal in the 1930�s, the gangster age during the period of America�s most notorious bank robbers: Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson � those guys. He wants to be America�s most famous lawman; he shot his first felon when he was fifteen years old. �Never pull your gun out unless you intend on killing�, is what he�s said to many he comes across. This book makes my HIGHLY Recommended list.
Anything by James Elroy is usually a good summer read as well. A noted writer of Los Angeles noir, once you get hooked on an Elroy novel, you�ll keep going back. Another RECOMMENDED read for the summer.
As for me, I�ll be finishing up THE HOT KID in another day, and will move on to my annual �Summer Literature Series� � this year I�ll be reading Guillermo Cabrera Infante, noted Cuban writer, and will be sinking my teeth into �THREE STRIPED TIGERS�. But, then again, that�s just me � a crowded head in a summer heat. Go 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 during rescue
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
June 15, 1944 Ptl Eliote Holmes, 13DetSq, Line of duty injury
June 15, 1967 Ptl Walter Ferguson, DetDiv, LOD heart attack
June 15, 1979 PO Ted Donald, PSA7, Shot- burglary arrest
June 15, 1980 PO John Patwell, 43 Pct, Assaulted
June 15, 1983 PO John Mandia, 25 Pct, Fell under train
June 15, 1984 PO Juan Andino, 40 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
Thursday, June 02, 2005
THE INVESTIGATOR, IN BIBLICAL TERMS
Sound investigative techniques are timeless.
The following story is taken from the Book of Daniel, chapter 13, and illustrates a very early investigation, detailing the prudence of looking beyond appearances and separating interviewees � especially suspects. Just as we probably do every day of the week even today.
�In Babylon, there lived a beautiful, virtuous woman named Susanna, the wife of Joakim. Two elders were appointed as judges, who were not men of good character. Each privately lusted after Susanna.
One day, the two men were leaving Joakim�s house and each contrived to leave and return secretly to visit Susanna. They ran into one another, and startled, confessed their common desire for the married woman.
Meanwhile, Susanna entered her garden prepared to bathe. She sent her servants away and told them to close the gate. The two men approached her in the garden and made their indecent proposals. She refused. They threatened to make a false accusation of adultery against her. Again she refused, saying she would rather risk a stoning than to sin. She cried out, and the two men made their charges against her to the people who hurried to the commotion. They said they came to the garden and found her lying under a tree with a young man, not her husband, whom they chased but were unable to catch.
The crowd was swayed by the testimony of the respected judges. Susanna was being led off to execution when suddenly a young man named Daniel objected. He said he could prove the men had lied. The crowd hesitated and allowed him to proceed.
Daniel had the men separated and spoke first to one, asking him to describe the tree under which Susanna and her alleged lover were shaded. �Under a mastic tree�, replied the elder. Daniel put the same question to the second judge. �Under an oak tree,� came his reply.
The whole assembly cried aloud and rose against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. The men received the sentence of death which they had contrived for Susanna.
And from that day onward Daniel was greatly esteemed by the people.� (Editors note � although he didn�t get First Grade for it.)
NEW YORK NOTORIOUS
The White Horse Tavern: 567 Hudson Street
It was the last call for Dylan Thomas.
If drinking booze were an Olympic event, Dylan Thomas, the red-haired writer and poet, would have won the Gold. Dylan�s arena was the White Horse Tavern, where he spent his last night on earth, November 9, 1953.
Dylan was a regular at the White Horse, his favorite table in the corner near the bar. Maybe it was the low-lit, cozy atmosphere that drew him there; maybe it was the conversation. Most probably it was the drink, specifically the bottles of whiskey glowing behind the long wooden bar.
On Dylan�s last night, he showed remarkable showmanship with the bottle. First there was one shot of whiskey. Then two, four, and then eight and ten shots.
Dylan was beginning to turn red from head to toe.
Eleven shots made him slur, 13 made him stagger, 15 made him fall, and 17 � yes, 17 shots of whiskey � made him collapse on the sidewalk outside the bar and die.
Dylan knew what he had accomplished. Great artists always do.
Before his last breath, he reportedly mumbled: �Seventeen whiskeys. A record, I think.�
WOMENS PRECINCT
Here is some info on what was known as the "Women Precinct."
In January of 1921, Police Commissioner Enright closed the 22nd Precinct that was then located at 434 West 37th Street.
On May 3, 1921, the old station house was reopened as the Women�s Precinct.
The building was to be used as a center for the social and welfare work of the Policewomen's Bureau. On opening day there were flower boxes on the window ledges and white curtains hanging over the windows. The former sitting room in the back was now the reception room and had a Persian rug on the floor.
Within a year the Women�s Precinct was closed.For a while the building was used as the Police Training School. In 1927 the building was turned over to the New York City Sheriff and used as a civil jail for the detention of material witness�, and persons in contempt of civil court orders, such as alimony defaults. For many years the building was known as the "Alimony Jail."
During the 1960s and 1970s many well-known labor leaders such as Mike Quill of the Transit Workers Union and Albert Shanker of the United Federation of Teachers were jailed in the building when they took their unions out on strike in defiance of court orders.The civil jail was closed in 1973, and for many years the building remained closed and empty. The City eventually sold the building to a developer, and in 1997 the old station house was demolished.
LONG LASTING IMPRESSIONS
I have received some tidbits from readers, passing on some lasting impressions from their early days on the job.
Ret. Det. AL PUKNAT, formerly of the 87 Sqd, recalls that while walking foot patrol he talked made it a habit to talk to everybody. Mom's & kids, shopkeepers, loungers, anyone who was around. It was a way to get a feel for the post - who's into what, who to keep an eye on. The foot cop was the biggest source of information for the detectives on what was going on out there, something we have lost lately.
Sometimes he would get stories he wasn't looking for because it was past history. He recalls hearing stories about a Detective Johnny Broderick who was already retired 2 years before he got on the job.
It seems Broderick was in the Main Office Squad, which was sometimes known as the Strongarm Sqd. Broderick had a reputation of being tough on the criminals, and the neighborhood had an expression �He was Brodericked�, which lasted a long time. Something having to do with an ashcan (that�s a garbage can) and someone headfirst inside of one.
William Heffernan wrote a book in 1980 "BRODERICK", which is a novel but believed to be based on facts from this officer.
Another impression that was left had to do with the expression on the face of Detective Herman Freigand's, when he was photographed with a cop killer as they returned from Chicago. Herman was sent to Chicago to bring back the killer of Detective�s Fallon and Finnigen, and when they returned the perp had his arm in a plaster cast. That little smile on Herman's face has piqued many an imagination for a lot of years.
AN ADDENDUM TO THE GREATEST DETECTIVE TALES
I almost forgot about the conversation in a squad room one day, discussing a choice for dinner, when a (soon to be Second Grade) Detective exclaimed that she "did not eat veal because she did not like the way they treated the baby veal".
Or the detective that needed to stand on a window sill to take a polaroid photograph of the face of a DOA, because the way the body was facing he wanted to "make sure the picture wasn't upside down" in the case folder.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
�It is not how they died that makes them a hero, but how they lived their lives�.
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 during rescue
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
June 15, 1944 Ptl Eliote Holmes, 13DetSq, Line of duty injury
June 15, 1967 Ptl Walter Ferguson, DetDiv, LOD heart attack
June 15, 1979 PO Ted Donald, PSA7, Shot- burglary arrest
June 15, 1980 PO John Patwell, 43 Pct, Assaulted
June 15, 1983 PO John Mandia, 25 Pct, Fell under train
June 15, 1984 PO Juan Andino, 40 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
Sound investigative techniques are timeless.
The following story is taken from the Book of Daniel, chapter 13, and illustrates a very early investigation, detailing the prudence of looking beyond appearances and separating interviewees � especially suspects. Just as we probably do every day of the week even today.
�In Babylon, there lived a beautiful, virtuous woman named Susanna, the wife of Joakim. Two elders were appointed as judges, who were not men of good character. Each privately lusted after Susanna.
One day, the two men were leaving Joakim�s house and each contrived to leave and return secretly to visit Susanna. They ran into one another, and startled, confessed their common desire for the married woman.
Meanwhile, Susanna entered her garden prepared to bathe. She sent her servants away and told them to close the gate. The two men approached her in the garden and made their indecent proposals. She refused. They threatened to make a false accusation of adultery against her. Again she refused, saying she would rather risk a stoning than to sin. She cried out, and the two men made their charges against her to the people who hurried to the commotion. They said they came to the garden and found her lying under a tree with a young man, not her husband, whom they chased but were unable to catch.
The crowd was swayed by the testimony of the respected judges. Susanna was being led off to execution when suddenly a young man named Daniel objected. He said he could prove the men had lied. The crowd hesitated and allowed him to proceed.
Daniel had the men separated and spoke first to one, asking him to describe the tree under which Susanna and her alleged lover were shaded. �Under a mastic tree�, replied the elder. Daniel put the same question to the second judge. �Under an oak tree,� came his reply.
The whole assembly cried aloud and rose against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. The men received the sentence of death which they had contrived for Susanna.
And from that day onward Daniel was greatly esteemed by the people.� (Editors note � although he didn�t get First Grade for it.)
NEW YORK NOTORIOUS
The White Horse Tavern: 567 Hudson Street
It was the last call for Dylan Thomas.
If drinking booze were an Olympic event, Dylan Thomas, the red-haired writer and poet, would have won the Gold. Dylan�s arena was the White Horse Tavern, where he spent his last night on earth, November 9, 1953.
Dylan was a regular at the White Horse, his favorite table in the corner near the bar. Maybe it was the low-lit, cozy atmosphere that drew him there; maybe it was the conversation. Most probably it was the drink, specifically the bottles of whiskey glowing behind the long wooden bar.
On Dylan�s last night, he showed remarkable showmanship with the bottle. First there was one shot of whiskey. Then two, four, and then eight and ten shots.
Dylan was beginning to turn red from head to toe.
Eleven shots made him slur, 13 made him stagger, 15 made him fall, and 17 � yes, 17 shots of whiskey � made him collapse on the sidewalk outside the bar and die.
Dylan knew what he had accomplished. Great artists always do.
Before his last breath, he reportedly mumbled: �Seventeen whiskeys. A record, I think.�
WOMENS PRECINCT
Here is some info on what was known as the "Women Precinct."
In January of 1921, Police Commissioner Enright closed the 22nd Precinct that was then located at 434 West 37th Street.
On May 3, 1921, the old station house was reopened as the Women�s Precinct.
The building was to be used as a center for the social and welfare work of the Policewomen's Bureau. On opening day there were flower boxes on the window ledges and white curtains hanging over the windows. The former sitting room in the back was now the reception room and had a Persian rug on the floor.
Within a year the Women�s Precinct was closed.For a while the building was used as the Police Training School. In 1927 the building was turned over to the New York City Sheriff and used as a civil jail for the detention of material witness�, and persons in contempt of civil court orders, such as alimony defaults. For many years the building was known as the "Alimony Jail."
During the 1960s and 1970s many well-known labor leaders such as Mike Quill of the Transit Workers Union and Albert Shanker of the United Federation of Teachers were jailed in the building when they took their unions out on strike in defiance of court orders.The civil jail was closed in 1973, and for many years the building remained closed and empty. The City eventually sold the building to a developer, and in 1997 the old station house was demolished.
LONG LASTING IMPRESSIONS
I have received some tidbits from readers, passing on some lasting impressions from their early days on the job.
Ret. Det. AL PUKNAT, formerly of the 87 Sqd, recalls that while walking foot patrol he talked made it a habit to talk to everybody. Mom's & kids, shopkeepers, loungers, anyone who was around. It was a way to get a feel for the post - who's into what, who to keep an eye on. The foot cop was the biggest source of information for the detectives on what was going on out there, something we have lost lately.
Sometimes he would get stories he wasn't looking for because it was past history. He recalls hearing stories about a Detective Johnny Broderick who was already retired 2 years before he got on the job.
It seems Broderick was in the Main Office Squad, which was sometimes known as the Strongarm Sqd. Broderick had a reputation of being tough on the criminals, and the neighborhood had an expression �He was Brodericked�, which lasted a long time. Something having to do with an ashcan (that�s a garbage can) and someone headfirst inside of one.
William Heffernan wrote a book in 1980 "BRODERICK", which is a novel but believed to be based on facts from this officer.
Another impression that was left had to do with the expression on the face of Detective Herman Freigand's, when he was photographed with a cop killer as they returned from Chicago. Herman was sent to Chicago to bring back the killer of Detective�s Fallon and Finnigen, and when they returned the perp had his arm in a plaster cast. That little smile on Herman's face has piqued many an imagination for a lot of years.
AN ADDENDUM TO THE GREATEST DETECTIVE TALES
I almost forgot about the conversation in a squad room one day, discussing a choice for dinner, when a (soon to be Second Grade) Detective exclaimed that she "did not eat veal because she did not like the way they treated the baby veal".
Or the detective that needed to stand on a window sill to take a polaroid photograph of the face of a DOA, because the way the body was facing he wanted to "make sure the picture wasn't upside down" in the case folder.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
�It is not how they died that makes them a hero, but how they lived their lives�.
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 during rescue
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
June 15, 1944 Ptl Eliote Holmes, 13DetSq, Line of duty injury
June 15, 1967 Ptl Walter Ferguson, DetDiv, LOD heart attack
June 15, 1979 PO Ted Donald, PSA7, Shot- burglary arrest
June 15, 1980 PO John Patwell, 43 Pct, Assaulted
June 15, 1983 PO John Mandia, 25 Pct, Fell under train
June 15, 1984 PO Juan Andino, 40 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
Monday, May 23, 2005
�Three lawyers in a room are sure to produce at least four opinions�.
TALES FROM THE GREATEST DETECTIVES IN THE WORLD
You have to wonder sometimes, when you really think about it, how is it we ever get anything done?
When you take a close look around the Squad Room, you often can�t help but chuckle.
What do I mean?
How about a First Grade Detective with ten years experience in the same borough-wide office, who has no problem finding his way to any of the station houses in the borough � as long as he starts out from the command he works out of. No problem going from the 90 to the 79, or the 90 to the 73. But go from the 79 to the 73? Not without going back to the 90 first, and starting from there. Can�t possibly be true, right?
How about a cop with five years on the job who knows his way from Patchogue to the 77 station house, and knows the 77 streets inside and out � but send him out of the command, and he�s lost. Literally. Sent him one time from the 77 to the Brooklyn North Borough, on Wilson Avenue. Sounded pretty easy. Go straight up Utica Avenue, it will turn into Malcolm X, then make a right at Dekalb to Wilson Avenue. Should have been easy, just one hitch. Dekalb is a one-way at Malcolm X; not too hard, though, you�d think. Maybe go to the next block and double back? Wrong. He ended up at Laguardia Airport � don�t even try to figure that out.
Or the Detective that put a much-needed department auto out of service for a very long time, after he put diesel fuel into its regular gasoline tank. You�d think the difficulty he had trying to get the nozzle to work in the tank may have been an indication of a problem? Not so. Pumped a full tank of diesel into the engine, and conked out about 2 blocks away � from a stationhouse at the other end of the borough. (Another story altogether).
How about the investigator who couldn�t find the 911 caller to interview, because nobody at the location knew anyone named Ani Ali?
Or the detective who didn�t have a Penal Law, extra DD5�s, or any reporter notebooks in his desk, but always had a full bottle of Tabasco sauce, and a TV Guide. This was the same detective who would wear the same white shirt 3 days in a row � it was easy to spot, with the ink stain on the pocket (and no, it wasn�t Larry). He insisted on taking the keys for the squad car at the beginning of the tour, because he was the senior detective, and he had to drive. Except he never knew where he was going; he�d get onto Bushwick Avenue, drive about three or four blocks, then ask where he was going. I kid you not. I one time let him drive around for twenty minutes in the exact opposite direction, waiting to see how long it would take before he�d declare he didn�t know where he was going.
That same ace-driving detective-partner was the one who had the four speed car that didn�t have a first gear; he�d just rev the engine up and move right into second gear when he had to move forward. That was my detective trainer.
There was an entire team of detectives (they�ll know who they are, and some of you will, too) who would go out to eat at the whim of the squad sergeant. If he wanted Italian food, they�d all agree that was a �good choice�; Chinese food? Sure, sounds great! Breakfast was the best, though. In the winter, going out for breakfast meant going to Junior�s, and having oatmeal. Whether you liked oatmeal or not, you ordered oatmeal if you wanted to be part of that team. You had to see the face on one particular detective, as she tried to eat the oatmeal, and keep herself from gagging at the same time. �Great choice, I�ll have the oatmeal, too!�
Or the detective that helped out running a lineup, getting the fillers together, the lineup photos taken, and getting the lineup forms signed after paying the fillers � just pitching in to help a teammate. Which was just fine, until he paid the fillers and let them go � including the perp who had been picked out! Took some quick scurrying to make that little error right.
How about the detective who went to the hospital to interview the shooting victim, who gave him his name only, and told the detective he didn�t know what happened. �Heard a shot, felt pain�. Not an uncommon story we haven�t heard before, right? Except the victim was the same perp the squad had been seeking for the past week on a Wanted card � from the detective who interviewed him in the hospital � but didn�t recognize him as one of �his� most-wanteds! �Get back there right now and bring him back here when he gets discharged, do you understand�, I believe were the basic words I uttered (with several �*#@!*&+� thrown in for good measure.
Or the detective that was notified about a Robbery Enhancement that needed to be done, and asked the A/O if he could wait another fifteen minutes because �Abbott and Costello will be over by then�.
And then there was the detective team that conducted a full, thorough canvass of the area of Vanderbilt and Bergen, seeking witnesses to a shooting. Very thorough, indeed. Knocked on doors, talked to people in the street. Too bad the crime actually occurred at Bergen and Rochester � at the exact opposite end of the precinct.
I once worked with a detective that would bring a Burger King cup � empty � in from home, only to take out in the field with him, so he could stop at a Burger King and get his free soda refill. (I let him do that with me once, the next time I told him I was going to crush his cup and embarrass him in front of the entire restaurant; he didn�t go out in the field with me again).
Sometimes your help comes from those you least expect it from. I remember being in the Bronx with my partner, and we had just grabbed a perp for an armed robbery case. We picked him up as he was walking into his project building lobby; felt pretty good about it, too. We had worked on this for a few days, and the stakeout went just as planned. It had just started to snow, and it wasn�t the friendliest atmosphere, so we hurried back to the car and wanted to get out of there. Only the keys were locked in the car! Looking around for something to help us get into the car, I came across of wire hanger in the garbage pails next to the building (don�t ask!). Only to then have the prisoner help us get into the car, because us two detectives couldn�t figure out how to get the door opened ourselves; he was nice about it, helped us get the door open, back into the cuffs, and off we went. He was picked out of 2 lineups that night. Not a bad guy, though.
And let�s not forget the detective whose idea of a carry-on bag for an out of state trip to pickup a perp consisted of a brown grocery bag for his clothes. That was the same detective who stated he was going to "go over that with a pine cone tooth".
Like they say, you�ve got to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes. It�s what keeps you sane!
READERS REPORT
A recent response from a loyal reader is noted here.
Retired Det. Al Puknat, now living in Arizona, notes that he retired from the 87 Sqd. in February 1969. He attended a few Brooklyn North Detective retirement parties afterwards and a few 87 Pct. Reunions.
He found the postings on Cal�s Bar, next to the 9th Precinct stationhouse, stirred up quite a few fond memories.
He recalls that at the time he was working uniform patrol, the 9th started at Bowery and ran to 14th St. Bowery to Ave B. The old 11th Pct picked up from Ave B to the river. Their Station House was on Sheriff St. Not only is the old 11 Precinct station house gone, so is the street. There is no longer a Sheriff Street, as are a few blocks of East 1 Street. When they were eliminated, the 9th Precinct boundaries were adjusted.
The old 7th Pct Station House at the base of the Williamsburg Bridge is no longer there, replaced by the newer version also under the Bridge.
After a stint in the Manhattan South Youth Sqd. he was assigned to Brooklyn North Det�s, working in the 87th Sqd which was located on Herbert St. That building still stands, with many people knowing it better as the quarters for Brooklyn North Narcotics, before they moved out a few years back. The building is now vacant.
Ret. Det Puknat likes to add that he, too, wore the requisite detective attire of a fedora hat, smoking quite a few cigars in his time as well.
Hope you�re enjoying the sun and fun in Arizona, Al!
GET WELL WISHES TO RET. DET1 JOHN REILLY
Regular readers to this site will be familiar with the periodic citation of Ret. Det1 John Reilly to many department historical insights.
John is recuperating at home from a recent illness, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
Not too long ago I noted on this site a crime fighting tactic that New Orleans utilized to address a crime prone housing project location � they razed the development and built a WalMart in its place.
John Reilly would like to add the following.
Regarding New Orleans crime fighting strategies, you stated "what they did was more novel than any approach you will see in New York City."
While he did not know of any New York City Public Housing project�s demolished to fight crime, he did recall that something similar to this was done, possibly in St. Louis or some other large Midwestern city.
During the early 1960�s, though, he did recall that West 84th Street between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave�s became so over run with drug dealers that the City's final response was to demolish many of the brown- stone houses on the block, and they built Public Schools in their place.
IN MEMORIAM: DET. LUKE FALLON & DET. JOHN FINNEGAN
Det Luke Fallon #489, 70 Squad
Det. John Finnegan, #1613, 70 Squad
Killed in the Line of Duty: May 18, 1962 � Shot, Robbery
Detective Fallon and Detective John Finnegan were shot and killed in a gun battle with bandits caught in the act of robbing a tobacco and confectionary shop in Brooklyn's Boro Park section.
Both men were gunned down in a vicious exchange of shots with the robbers. Five suspects, the two in the store and the driver of the getaway car, plus two accessories, were rounded up within five days. One was picked up in Chicago, another in Connecticut, two in New York and the fifth surrendered to The New York Daily News. The detectives were on patrol when they learned of the robbery. As they entered the store, both men were met by a hail of fire. They returned the fire as they fell, mortally wounded.
Detective Fallon was 55 years old and had been with the NYPD for 26 years.
Detective Finnegan was 29 years old and had been with the NYPD for 6 years.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
May 17, 1927 Det Morris Borkin, DetDiv, Shot- burglary arrest
May 17, 1930 Ptl William Duncan, 18 Pct, Shot- GLA arrest
May 18, 1922 Ptl Douglas Hay, 49 Pct, Assaulted
May 18, 1962 Det Luke Fallon & Det John Finnegan, 70 Sqd � Shot-robbery
May 19, 1931 Ptl William O�Connor, Mtd, Shot
May 19, 1997 PO Anthony Sanchez, 13 Pct, Shot- robbery
May 20, 1920 Ptl John Fitzpatrick, DetDiv, Shot-GLA arrest
May 21, 1968 Det Richard Rolanz, 103 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
May 21, 1971 Ptl Joseph Piagentini & Ptl Waverly Jones, 32 Pct � Assasinated
May 21, 1996 PO Vincent Guidice, 50 Pct, Arrest- Cut by glass, assaulted
May 23, 1919 Ptl Emil Carbonell, Mcy, Auto accident on patrol
May 23, 1927 Ptl Walter Wahl, 7 Pct, Fire rescue
May 23, 1939 Ptl Nicholas Moreno, 87 Pct, Shot- investigation
May 25, 1970 PO Miguiel Sirvent, 71 Pct, Shot- robbery
May 26, 1924 Det Bernardino Grottano, DetDiv, Shot- burglary in progress
May 26, 1947 Ptl Phillip Fitzpatrick, Mtd, Shot- robbery
May 26, 1998 PO Anthony Mosomillo, 67 Pct, Shot- arrest, warrant
May 28, 1948 Ptl Charles Meyer, Hwy3, LOD injury
May 28, 1966 Ptl John Bannon, 110 Pct, Shot- off duty incident
May 28, 1970 Ptl Lawrence Stefane, 9 Pct, Stabbed by EDP
May 28, 2000 PO David Regan, 62 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
TALES FROM THE GREATEST DETECTIVES IN THE WORLD
You have to wonder sometimes, when you really think about it, how is it we ever get anything done?
When you take a close look around the Squad Room, you often can�t help but chuckle.
What do I mean?
How about a First Grade Detective with ten years experience in the same borough-wide office, who has no problem finding his way to any of the station houses in the borough � as long as he starts out from the command he works out of. No problem going from the 90 to the 79, or the 90 to the 73. But go from the 79 to the 73? Not without going back to the 90 first, and starting from there. Can�t possibly be true, right?
How about a cop with five years on the job who knows his way from Patchogue to the 77 station house, and knows the 77 streets inside and out � but send him out of the command, and he�s lost. Literally. Sent him one time from the 77 to the Brooklyn North Borough, on Wilson Avenue. Sounded pretty easy. Go straight up Utica Avenue, it will turn into Malcolm X, then make a right at Dekalb to Wilson Avenue. Should have been easy, just one hitch. Dekalb is a one-way at Malcolm X; not too hard, though, you�d think. Maybe go to the next block and double back? Wrong. He ended up at Laguardia Airport � don�t even try to figure that out.
Or the Detective that put a much-needed department auto out of service for a very long time, after he put diesel fuel into its regular gasoline tank. You�d think the difficulty he had trying to get the nozzle to work in the tank may have been an indication of a problem? Not so. Pumped a full tank of diesel into the engine, and conked out about 2 blocks away � from a stationhouse at the other end of the borough. (Another story altogether).
How about the investigator who couldn�t find the 911 caller to interview, because nobody at the location knew anyone named Ani Ali?
Or the detective who didn�t have a Penal Law, extra DD5�s, or any reporter notebooks in his desk, but always had a full bottle of Tabasco sauce, and a TV Guide. This was the same detective who would wear the same white shirt 3 days in a row � it was easy to spot, with the ink stain on the pocket (and no, it wasn�t Larry). He insisted on taking the keys for the squad car at the beginning of the tour, because he was the senior detective, and he had to drive. Except he never knew where he was going; he�d get onto Bushwick Avenue, drive about three or four blocks, then ask where he was going. I kid you not. I one time let him drive around for twenty minutes in the exact opposite direction, waiting to see how long it would take before he�d declare he didn�t know where he was going.
That same ace-driving detective-partner was the one who had the four speed car that didn�t have a first gear; he�d just rev the engine up and move right into second gear when he had to move forward. That was my detective trainer.
There was an entire team of detectives (they�ll know who they are, and some of you will, too) who would go out to eat at the whim of the squad sergeant. If he wanted Italian food, they�d all agree that was a �good choice�; Chinese food? Sure, sounds great! Breakfast was the best, though. In the winter, going out for breakfast meant going to Junior�s, and having oatmeal. Whether you liked oatmeal or not, you ordered oatmeal if you wanted to be part of that team. You had to see the face on one particular detective, as she tried to eat the oatmeal, and keep herself from gagging at the same time. �Great choice, I�ll have the oatmeal, too!�
Or the detective that helped out running a lineup, getting the fillers together, the lineup photos taken, and getting the lineup forms signed after paying the fillers � just pitching in to help a teammate. Which was just fine, until he paid the fillers and let them go � including the perp who had been picked out! Took some quick scurrying to make that little error right.
How about the detective who went to the hospital to interview the shooting victim, who gave him his name only, and told the detective he didn�t know what happened. �Heard a shot, felt pain�. Not an uncommon story we haven�t heard before, right? Except the victim was the same perp the squad had been seeking for the past week on a Wanted card � from the detective who interviewed him in the hospital � but didn�t recognize him as one of �his� most-wanteds! �Get back there right now and bring him back here when he gets discharged, do you understand�, I believe were the basic words I uttered (with several �*#@!*&+� thrown in for good measure.
Or the detective that was notified about a Robbery Enhancement that needed to be done, and asked the A/O if he could wait another fifteen minutes because �Abbott and Costello will be over by then�.
And then there was the detective team that conducted a full, thorough canvass of the area of Vanderbilt and Bergen, seeking witnesses to a shooting. Very thorough, indeed. Knocked on doors, talked to people in the street. Too bad the crime actually occurred at Bergen and Rochester � at the exact opposite end of the precinct.
I once worked with a detective that would bring a Burger King cup � empty � in from home, only to take out in the field with him, so he could stop at a Burger King and get his free soda refill. (I let him do that with me once, the next time I told him I was going to crush his cup and embarrass him in front of the entire restaurant; he didn�t go out in the field with me again).
Sometimes your help comes from those you least expect it from. I remember being in the Bronx with my partner, and we had just grabbed a perp for an armed robbery case. We picked him up as he was walking into his project building lobby; felt pretty good about it, too. We had worked on this for a few days, and the stakeout went just as planned. It had just started to snow, and it wasn�t the friendliest atmosphere, so we hurried back to the car and wanted to get out of there. Only the keys were locked in the car! Looking around for something to help us get into the car, I came across of wire hanger in the garbage pails next to the building (don�t ask!). Only to then have the prisoner help us get into the car, because us two detectives couldn�t figure out how to get the door opened ourselves; he was nice about it, helped us get the door open, back into the cuffs, and off we went. He was picked out of 2 lineups that night. Not a bad guy, though.
And let�s not forget the detective whose idea of a carry-on bag for an out of state trip to pickup a perp consisted of a brown grocery bag for his clothes. That was the same detective who stated he was going to "go over that with a pine cone tooth".
Like they say, you�ve got to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes. It�s what keeps you sane!
READERS REPORT
A recent response from a loyal reader is noted here.
Retired Det. Al Puknat, now living in Arizona, notes that he retired from the 87 Sqd. in February 1969. He attended a few Brooklyn North Detective retirement parties afterwards and a few 87 Pct. Reunions.
He found the postings on Cal�s Bar, next to the 9th Precinct stationhouse, stirred up quite a few fond memories.
He recalls that at the time he was working uniform patrol, the 9th started at Bowery and ran to 14th St. Bowery to Ave B. The old 11th Pct picked up from Ave B to the river. Their Station House was on Sheriff St. Not only is the old 11 Precinct station house gone, so is the street. There is no longer a Sheriff Street, as are a few blocks of East 1 Street. When they were eliminated, the 9th Precinct boundaries were adjusted.
The old 7th Pct Station House at the base of the Williamsburg Bridge is no longer there, replaced by the newer version also under the Bridge.
After a stint in the Manhattan South Youth Sqd. he was assigned to Brooklyn North Det�s, working in the 87th Sqd which was located on Herbert St. That building still stands, with many people knowing it better as the quarters for Brooklyn North Narcotics, before they moved out a few years back. The building is now vacant.
Ret. Det Puknat likes to add that he, too, wore the requisite detective attire of a fedora hat, smoking quite a few cigars in his time as well.
Hope you�re enjoying the sun and fun in Arizona, Al!
GET WELL WISHES TO RET. DET1 JOHN REILLY
Regular readers to this site will be familiar with the periodic citation of Ret. Det1 John Reilly to many department historical insights.
John is recuperating at home from a recent illness, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
Not too long ago I noted on this site a crime fighting tactic that New Orleans utilized to address a crime prone housing project location � they razed the development and built a WalMart in its place.
John Reilly would like to add the following.
Regarding New Orleans crime fighting strategies, you stated "what they did was more novel than any approach you will see in New York City."
While he did not know of any New York City Public Housing project�s demolished to fight crime, he did recall that something similar to this was done, possibly in St. Louis or some other large Midwestern city.
During the early 1960�s, though, he did recall that West 84th Street between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave�s became so over run with drug dealers that the City's final response was to demolish many of the brown- stone houses on the block, and they built Public Schools in their place.
IN MEMORIAM: DET. LUKE FALLON & DET. JOHN FINNEGAN
Det Luke Fallon #489, 70 Squad
Det. John Finnegan, #1613, 70 Squad
Killed in the Line of Duty: May 18, 1962 � Shot, Robbery
Detective Fallon and Detective John Finnegan were shot and killed in a gun battle with bandits caught in the act of robbing a tobacco and confectionary shop in Brooklyn's Boro Park section.
Both men were gunned down in a vicious exchange of shots with the robbers. Five suspects, the two in the store and the driver of the getaway car, plus two accessories, were rounded up within five days. One was picked up in Chicago, another in Connecticut, two in New York and the fifth surrendered to The New York Daily News. The detectives were on patrol when they learned of the robbery. As they entered the store, both men were met by a hail of fire. They returned the fire as they fell, mortally wounded.
Detective Fallon was 55 years old and had been with the NYPD for 26 years.
Detective Finnegan was 29 years old and had been with the NYPD for 6 years.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
May 17, 1927 Det Morris Borkin, DetDiv, Shot- burglary arrest
May 17, 1930 Ptl William Duncan, 18 Pct, Shot- GLA arrest
May 18, 1922 Ptl Douglas Hay, 49 Pct, Assaulted
May 18, 1962 Det Luke Fallon & Det John Finnegan, 70 Sqd � Shot-robbery
May 19, 1931 Ptl William O�Connor, Mtd, Shot
May 19, 1997 PO Anthony Sanchez, 13 Pct, Shot- robbery
May 20, 1920 Ptl John Fitzpatrick, DetDiv, Shot-GLA arrest
May 21, 1968 Det Richard Rolanz, 103 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
May 21, 1971 Ptl Joseph Piagentini & Ptl Waverly Jones, 32 Pct � Assasinated
May 21, 1996 PO Vincent Guidice, 50 Pct, Arrest- Cut by glass, assaulted
May 23, 1919 Ptl Emil Carbonell, Mcy, Auto accident on patrol
May 23, 1927 Ptl Walter Wahl, 7 Pct, Fire rescue
May 23, 1939 Ptl Nicholas Moreno, 87 Pct, Shot- investigation
May 25, 1970 PO Miguiel Sirvent, 71 Pct, Shot- robbery
May 26, 1924 Det Bernardino Grottano, DetDiv, Shot- burglary in progress
May 26, 1947 Ptl Phillip Fitzpatrick, Mtd, Shot- robbery
May 26, 1998 PO Anthony Mosomillo, 67 Pct, Shot- arrest, warrant
May 28, 1948 Ptl Charles Meyer, Hwy3, LOD injury
May 28, 1966 Ptl John Bannon, 110 Pct, Shot- off duty incident
May 28, 1970 Ptl Lawrence Stefane, 9 Pct, Stabbed by EDP
May 28, 2000 PO David Regan, 62 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
GANGBUSTERS, THE WILD COWBOYS, AND DETECTIVES STREET STORIES
It was December 16, 1991. Beekman Avenue, Bronx. When Mark Tebbens caught the quad-homicide in the 40 Squad, little did he know where it would take him.
Four bullet-torn bodies in a drug-ridden South Bronx alley.
A college boy shot in the head on the West Side Highway. Det. Garry Dugan of Manhattan North Homicide thought he had a �road-rage� incident; how could this possibloy connected to a Bronx drug gang?
A wild shootout on the streets of Washington Heights, home of New York City's immigrant Dominican community and hub of the eastern seaboard's drug trade.
All seemingly separate acts of violence. But investigators discover a pattern to the mayhem, with links to scores of assaults and murders throughout the city.
It was the work of the drug gang that came to be known as the �Wild Cowboys�. The story of the takedown of this gang was recounted in a 1997 book by that name, Wild Cowboys�, written by Robert Jackall � who more affectionately came to be known simply as �The Professor�.
In this bloody urban saga, Robert Jackall recounts how street cops, detectives, and prosecutors pieced together a puzzle-like story of narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and murders for hire, all centered on a vicious gang of Dominican youths known as the Wild Cowboys. These boyhood friends, operators of a lucrative crack business in the Bronx, routinely pistol-whipped their workers, murdered rivals, shot or slashed witnesses to their crimes, and eventually turned on one another in a deadly civil war.
Jackall chronicles the crime-scene investigations, frantic car chases, street arrests at gunpoint, interviews with informants, and knuckle-breaking plea bargaining that culminated in prison terms for more than forty gang members.
The saga of this investigation was also recounted by Michael Stone, in his book on the subject, �Gangbusters�.
Stone�s version of the investigation takes the reader deep into the working of this case, and shows how seasoned veterans of the elite Homicide Investigation Unit of the NY County DA Office took down the city�s most dangerous drug gang, and in the process rewrote the book on tackling gang crime.
How did the NY County DA Office take over the investigation that included homicides in the Bronx? The story is worth reading for that alone. One of the most violent and bloodiest drug gangs in NY�s history was taken down by what was then a novel approach to gang crime, led by the Manhattan DA Chief, Walter Arsenault.
The Wild Cowboys were known to have terrorized the South Bronx and upper Manhattan for years.
In addition to Mark Tebbens, Garry Dugan and Walter Arsenault, the tale includes the likes of Dan Brownell, lead prosecutor, then assigned to the NY DA Office, along with Chief Investigator Terry Quinn.
Mark Tebbens, NYPD Detective, assigned to 40 Sqd, primary investigator on the Double and Quad cases, and later posted to HIU for the investigation.
I have written about these two books a while back on this site, but it�s certainly worth mentioning again. By the way, the judge who presided over the Wild Cowboys trial was none other than Leslie Crocker Snyder, an Acting Supreme Court Justice at the time.
I bring this up again because �The Professor�, Robert Jackall, has just released a new book that readers of true crime will surely find to be quite interesting.
�Street Stories � The World of Police Detectives� has just been published by Harvard University Press, and has already found a place on The Minister�s bookshelf.
Author Robert Jackall, a professor at Williams College in Massachusetts, immersed himself in those stories for several years to figure out how cops in one of the country's most crime-ridden cities determine the truth. By tagging along with New York's Finest, Jackall interviewed cops and criminals and pieced together the grisly details of gut-churning crimes.
Dubbed the Professor by his uniformed friends, Jackall has released his second book delving into the lives of New York cops. The narrative-rich "Street Stories: The World of Police Detectives" is a meandering nonfiction novel that follows a diverse cast of cops as they tackle crimes.
The book is packed with seedy characters, mostly criminals-turned-informants, with mind-boggling morals, to most of whom Jackall assigns pseudonyms.
Take, for example, police informant Tyre. He used to rob the subways with Shorty, then turned his partner in to police when Shorty robbed him.
"You can rob all the peoples you wants on the trains," Tyre explained to police, "but you don't rob the peoples you smokes crack wit."
Jackall also describes a suspect in a criminal lineup asked to repeat the order barked during a robbery. The suspect got disgusted with the police decoys in the lineup who meekly recited the line.
Jackall writes: "The third person in the lineup, indeed the actual suspect, strode up to the microphone, stuck out his arms and said: 'YO, ..., THIS IS A STICKUP!' He then indicated to the other guys that this was the right way to announce a robbery."
He was then correctly picked out in the lineup. Jackall's stories unfold the way cases do for detectives: Bits of information are culled from dozens of interviews until, finally, one version appears the most plausible.
Jackall succeeds in offering insight into the quirky judicial system. In the process, he tells plenty of tales worthy of their own Court TV episodes.
Take the case of Sara Long, who mysteriously vanished. Long's roommate, Julian Cowell, seemed distracted when interviewed by Detective Austin Muldoon and a rank odor permeated his apartment.
Stories with happy endings never include permeating rank odors.
Street Stories , based on years of fieldwork with the New York City Police Department and the District Attorney of New York, examines �the moral ambiguities of the detectives' world as they shuttle between the streets and a bureaucratic behemoth.�
"In piecing together street stories to solve intriguing puzzles of agency and motive, detectives crisscross the checkerboard of urban life. Their interactions in social strata high and low foster cosmopolitan habits of mind and easy conversational skills. And they become incomparable storytellers."
This book brims with the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction violence of the underworld and tells about a justice apparatus that splinters knowledge, reduces life-and-death issues to arcane hair-splitting, and makes rationality a bedfellow of absurdity.
�Detectives' stories lay bare their occupational consciousness--the cunning and trickery of their investigative craft, their self-images, moral rules-in-use, and judgments about the players in their world--as well as their personal ambitions, sensibilities, resentments, hopes, and fears. When detectives do make cases, they take satisfaction in removing predators from the streets and helping to ensure public safety. But their stories also illuminate dark corners of a troubled social order.�
All that, and an interesting read as well!
If I may make a recommendation, it�s the following.
For a look at how a violent drug gang from the early 1990�s was taken out of action, through good detective work and aggressive prosecutorial methods, then pick up �WILD COWBOYS� and �GANGBUSTERS�. You won�t be disappointend.
For some good �detective stories�, the true ones that are often stranger than fiction, pick up the new book �STREET STORIES�.
Some good recommendations for a summer reading list.
For a book to avoid, read on.
NO LIGHTS, NO SIREN
No way.
I picked this book up, as a true crime collector of NYPD work, but questioned my decision after reading it in the one day it took to complete.
Robert Cea is a retired police officer, who left after twelve years on the job in the early 1980�s. He worked patrol in the 67 Precinct, then later went to a Zone Anti-Crime Team that worked in the 76, 67, 72 area of Brooklyn � Red Hook, at it�s worst.
The Corruption and Redemption of an Inner City Cop, is the sub title of this work.
Essentially, Cea details how he routinely �testi-lied� (his words) so as to make gun collars stick, and how he stole drugs from dealers to use them to supply his junkie snitches.
What�s worse, is that his story has reporters writing that �aggressive cops working on the city�s meanest streets commit these crimes and many more on a regular basis � all in an effort to stay one step ahead of the bad guys�. �It�s the only way to get things done�, Cea says.
�I became a monster�, Cea writes. The problem I have is the way it portrays everyone else on the job � if you�re a good cop, you must be doing the same thing?
I paid the full price for this book � that was my faulty decision. You may want to pick it up anyway, see what it�s all about. Maybe you worked with him, or knew him. Go ahead, if you must.
But perhaps you�ll wait for it to appear on the Bargain Table.
PIZZA, ANYONE?
Always looking for the Best in Pizza, I have to add the following contribution.
Submitted by Tony Pinnisi, who retired from the 60 Precinct, what he describes as being �The Very Best� pizza place in Brooklyn is Totonna�s of Coney Island.
Located on Neptune Avenue and W. 16 Street (in the 60 Pct), this place has been serving one of the very best for over 80 years now.
I can add my own rating as one of the best, and recount how this was the favorite of the Hollywood Squares team of Transit Major Case � when Louie Cosentino wanted pizza, he wanted none other than Totonna�s.
As a side note to this, they also have a restaurant on the Upper East Side, in the 19 Preinct, on Second Avenue and East 80 Street, for all the Manhattan gumshoes who can�t make their way down to Coney Island.
I�ll ask John Cantwell to check out the Manhattan location for a second opinion.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Some actual quotes as heard from the Brooklyn North squad room.
�Those 2 lebonese (lesbian) girls that live down the street�
�I got minstrel (menstrual) pain�
�The bullet went in my thigh and missed my tentacles (testicles)�
�The doctor said he got trouble with his veins from flea bites (phlebitis)�
�When I was born I had the un-biblical cord wrapped around my neck�
� My mom can�t walk, cause she got onions (bunions) on her feet�
�She�s got general herbies (genital herpies)�
It was December 16, 1991. Beekman Avenue, Bronx. When Mark Tebbens caught the quad-homicide in the 40 Squad, little did he know where it would take him.
Four bullet-torn bodies in a drug-ridden South Bronx alley.
A college boy shot in the head on the West Side Highway. Det. Garry Dugan of Manhattan North Homicide thought he had a �road-rage� incident; how could this possibloy connected to a Bronx drug gang?
A wild shootout on the streets of Washington Heights, home of New York City's immigrant Dominican community and hub of the eastern seaboard's drug trade.
All seemingly separate acts of violence. But investigators discover a pattern to the mayhem, with links to scores of assaults and murders throughout the city.
It was the work of the drug gang that came to be known as the �Wild Cowboys�. The story of the takedown of this gang was recounted in a 1997 book by that name, Wild Cowboys�, written by Robert Jackall � who more affectionately came to be known simply as �The Professor�.
In this bloody urban saga, Robert Jackall recounts how street cops, detectives, and prosecutors pieced together a puzzle-like story of narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and murders for hire, all centered on a vicious gang of Dominican youths known as the Wild Cowboys. These boyhood friends, operators of a lucrative crack business in the Bronx, routinely pistol-whipped their workers, murdered rivals, shot or slashed witnesses to their crimes, and eventually turned on one another in a deadly civil war.
Jackall chronicles the crime-scene investigations, frantic car chases, street arrests at gunpoint, interviews with informants, and knuckle-breaking plea bargaining that culminated in prison terms for more than forty gang members.
The saga of this investigation was also recounted by Michael Stone, in his book on the subject, �Gangbusters�.
Stone�s version of the investigation takes the reader deep into the working of this case, and shows how seasoned veterans of the elite Homicide Investigation Unit of the NY County DA Office took down the city�s most dangerous drug gang, and in the process rewrote the book on tackling gang crime.
How did the NY County DA Office take over the investigation that included homicides in the Bronx? The story is worth reading for that alone. One of the most violent and bloodiest drug gangs in NY�s history was taken down by what was then a novel approach to gang crime, led by the Manhattan DA Chief, Walter Arsenault.
The Wild Cowboys were known to have terrorized the South Bronx and upper Manhattan for years.
In addition to Mark Tebbens, Garry Dugan and Walter Arsenault, the tale includes the likes of Dan Brownell, lead prosecutor, then assigned to the NY DA Office, along with Chief Investigator Terry Quinn.
Mark Tebbens, NYPD Detective, assigned to 40 Sqd, primary investigator on the Double and Quad cases, and later posted to HIU for the investigation.
I have written about these two books a while back on this site, but it�s certainly worth mentioning again. By the way, the judge who presided over the Wild Cowboys trial was none other than Leslie Crocker Snyder, an Acting Supreme Court Justice at the time.
I bring this up again because �The Professor�, Robert Jackall, has just released a new book that readers of true crime will surely find to be quite interesting.
�Street Stories � The World of Police Detectives� has just been published by Harvard University Press, and has already found a place on The Minister�s bookshelf.
Author Robert Jackall, a professor at Williams College in Massachusetts, immersed himself in those stories for several years to figure out how cops in one of the country's most crime-ridden cities determine the truth. By tagging along with New York's Finest, Jackall interviewed cops and criminals and pieced together the grisly details of gut-churning crimes.
Dubbed the Professor by his uniformed friends, Jackall has released his second book delving into the lives of New York cops. The narrative-rich "Street Stories: The World of Police Detectives" is a meandering nonfiction novel that follows a diverse cast of cops as they tackle crimes.
The book is packed with seedy characters, mostly criminals-turned-informants, with mind-boggling morals, to most of whom Jackall assigns pseudonyms.
Take, for example, police informant Tyre. He used to rob the subways with Shorty, then turned his partner in to police when Shorty robbed him.
"You can rob all the peoples you wants on the trains," Tyre explained to police, "but you don't rob the peoples you smokes crack wit."
Jackall also describes a suspect in a criminal lineup asked to repeat the order barked during a robbery. The suspect got disgusted with the police decoys in the lineup who meekly recited the line.
Jackall writes: "The third person in the lineup, indeed the actual suspect, strode up to the microphone, stuck out his arms and said: 'YO, ..., THIS IS A STICKUP!' He then indicated to the other guys that this was the right way to announce a robbery."
He was then correctly picked out in the lineup. Jackall's stories unfold the way cases do for detectives: Bits of information are culled from dozens of interviews until, finally, one version appears the most plausible.
Jackall succeeds in offering insight into the quirky judicial system. In the process, he tells plenty of tales worthy of their own Court TV episodes.
Take the case of Sara Long, who mysteriously vanished. Long's roommate, Julian Cowell, seemed distracted when interviewed by Detective Austin Muldoon and a rank odor permeated his apartment.
Stories with happy endings never include permeating rank odors.
Street Stories , based on years of fieldwork with the New York City Police Department and the District Attorney of New York, examines �the moral ambiguities of the detectives' world as they shuttle between the streets and a bureaucratic behemoth.�
"In piecing together street stories to solve intriguing puzzles of agency and motive, detectives crisscross the checkerboard of urban life. Their interactions in social strata high and low foster cosmopolitan habits of mind and easy conversational skills. And they become incomparable storytellers."
This book brims with the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction violence of the underworld and tells about a justice apparatus that splinters knowledge, reduces life-and-death issues to arcane hair-splitting, and makes rationality a bedfellow of absurdity.
�Detectives' stories lay bare their occupational consciousness--the cunning and trickery of their investigative craft, their self-images, moral rules-in-use, and judgments about the players in their world--as well as their personal ambitions, sensibilities, resentments, hopes, and fears. When detectives do make cases, they take satisfaction in removing predators from the streets and helping to ensure public safety. But their stories also illuminate dark corners of a troubled social order.�
All that, and an interesting read as well!
If I may make a recommendation, it�s the following.
For a look at how a violent drug gang from the early 1990�s was taken out of action, through good detective work and aggressive prosecutorial methods, then pick up �WILD COWBOYS� and �GANGBUSTERS�. You won�t be disappointend.
For some good �detective stories�, the true ones that are often stranger than fiction, pick up the new book �STREET STORIES�.
Some good recommendations for a summer reading list.
For a book to avoid, read on.
NO LIGHTS, NO SIREN
No way.
I picked this book up, as a true crime collector of NYPD work, but questioned my decision after reading it in the one day it took to complete.
Robert Cea is a retired police officer, who left after twelve years on the job in the early 1980�s. He worked patrol in the 67 Precinct, then later went to a Zone Anti-Crime Team that worked in the 76, 67, 72 area of Brooklyn � Red Hook, at it�s worst.
The Corruption and Redemption of an Inner City Cop, is the sub title of this work.
Essentially, Cea details how he routinely �testi-lied� (his words) so as to make gun collars stick, and how he stole drugs from dealers to use them to supply his junkie snitches.
What�s worse, is that his story has reporters writing that �aggressive cops working on the city�s meanest streets commit these crimes and many more on a regular basis � all in an effort to stay one step ahead of the bad guys�. �It�s the only way to get things done�, Cea says.
�I became a monster�, Cea writes. The problem I have is the way it portrays everyone else on the job � if you�re a good cop, you must be doing the same thing?
I paid the full price for this book � that was my faulty decision. You may want to pick it up anyway, see what it�s all about. Maybe you worked with him, or knew him. Go ahead, if you must.
But perhaps you�ll wait for it to appear on the Bargain Table.
PIZZA, ANYONE?
Always looking for the Best in Pizza, I have to add the following contribution.
Submitted by Tony Pinnisi, who retired from the 60 Precinct, what he describes as being �The Very Best� pizza place in Brooklyn is Totonna�s of Coney Island.
Located on Neptune Avenue and W. 16 Street (in the 60 Pct), this place has been serving one of the very best for over 80 years now.
I can add my own rating as one of the best, and recount how this was the favorite of the Hollywood Squares team of Transit Major Case � when Louie Cosentino wanted pizza, he wanted none other than Totonna�s.
As a side note to this, they also have a restaurant on the Upper East Side, in the 19 Preinct, on Second Avenue and East 80 Street, for all the Manhattan gumshoes who can�t make their way down to Coney Island.
I�ll ask John Cantwell to check out the Manhattan location for a second opinion.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Some actual quotes as heard from the Brooklyn North squad room.
�Those 2 lebonese (lesbian) girls that live down the street�
�I got minstrel (menstrual) pain�
�The bullet went in my thigh and missed my tentacles (testicles)�
�The doctor said he got trouble with his veins from flea bites (phlebitis)�
�When I was born I had the un-biblical cord wrapped around my neck�
� My mom can�t walk, cause she got onions (bunions) on her feet�
�She�s got general herbies (genital herpies)�
Friday, May 06, 2005
FROM THE INVESTIGATORS NOTEBOOK: DECEPTION
While it is true that some timid individuals will change their answers when they feel threatened or intimidated, there is no guarantee that information learned through coercion is truthful.
The "tough-guy" approach during an interview certainly does not encourage truthfulness. Rather, the more authoritative or judgmental the questioner becomes, the more motivated a person is to lie to that person.
Part of the reason for this is that a judgmental attitude serves to remind the person of the consequences he faces if he tells the truth. The other reality is that it goes against human nature to cooperate with somewhat whom we do not respect. To reveal the truth to another person often requires a significant level of trust and understanding toward the confidant with whom we decided to share our "secret".
If an individual is interested in learning the truth from another person, it is unreasonable to expect the other person to volunteer the truth. The truth must be elicited by asking the right questions. If my son comes home from a party and I ask him how the party was is he likely to answer, "Well dad it was a pretty good party. I smoked some marijuana and got really high." Absolutely not. He�s much more likely to say, "The party was fine dad." It would be totally unreasonable for me to be upset with my son for not volunteering this incriminating information.
If I want to learn if he used illegal drugs at the party I need to ask him that question.
Many people, including criminal investigators, are uncomfortable asking questions that may elicit an incriminating response, so they soften the impact of the question. This, of course, makes the question easier to lie to.
One way to soften the impact of a question is to include qualifying language. Consider the following examples:
"Ryan, did you happen to see any illegal drugs at the party?"
"Do you recall using any illegal drugs at the party?"
Ryan knows whether or not he used illegal drugs at the party. The use of qualifying language makes the question easier to lie to. The question should be simply phrased, "Ryan did you see any illegal drugs at the party?" and, "Did you use any illegal drugs at the party?"
The easiest question to lie to, however, is one that expects agreement to an assumption within the question. This is called a negative question.
Examples of negative questions include:
"You were good for the baby sitter, weren�t you?"
"There weren�t any drugs at the party, were there?"
"You don�t know anything about the fire in your neighbor�s garage, do you?"
As these examples illustrate, it is highly improbable for a person to correct the implication within a negative question, and tell the truth, e.g., "No mommy you�re wrong. I was a holy terror with the baby sitter."
The average person who is properly socialized does not enjoy lying. This is especially true when the person they are lying to is someone they respect. Counteracting this influence is that fact that no one wants to suffer the consequences of telling the truth. Thus, almost every person who has done something wrong or who is ashamed of something they did is caught in a conflict between these two drives. Most people resolve this conflict by telling the truth a little bit at a time. It is a very na�ve parent, teacher or investigator who expects a person to all of a sudden decide to tell the full and complete truth.
In most instances, the truth is learned in small steps and only after a reasonable period of time. In the previous example of illegal drug use at a party, the questions asked to develop this information should be designed to gradually commit the person to more incriminating information. For example:
Elicit an admission that drugs were present at the party
Elicit an admission that people were using drugs at the party
Elicit an admission of being offered drugs at the party
Elicit an admission of experimenting with drugs at the party.
Frequently investigators fail to appreciate how difficult it is for a suspect who is facing significant consequences to tell the truth. After failing to elicit a full confession when initially asking the suspect if he committing the crime, the investigator breeze over the rest of the interview questions and quickly jumps to the interrogation. Similarly, the parent or teacher offers the child one chance to tell the truth and if the child does not completely come clean, the parent goes into the punishment mode and forgets about learning the truth.
This article is not intended to imply that if an investigator uses proper techniques that most criminal suspects will offer a full confession through the interviewing process. Because of the significant consequences facing most criminal offenders, under that circumstance, interrogation is often the only means to learn the truth.
(From John E Reid & Assocs.)
FROM THE BOOKSHELF: MORE ON THE MURDER AT THE HARLEM MOSQUE
Readers are anticipating the soon to be released text by Retired Det. Randy Jurgensen, titled �Nolo Contendre�.
Det. Randy Jurgensen, the lead detective in the case, is penning the book with Robert Cea (who has a book coming out any second called No Lights, No Sirens, published by Morrow).
Nolo Contendere is expected to be a no holds barred account of the death of Police Officer Philip Cardillo, who was murdered on April 14, 1972 inside Harlem Mosque # 7. This incident was also written about by Sonny Grosso, Jurgensen�s partner at the time, in the other highly acclaimed �Murder at the Harlem Mosque�.
The case is still open but unsolved. Mosque # 7 is the same mosque that at one time was refuge to Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Before April 14th was over, apologies from the NYPD and deals were made in the mosque that saw prisoners released, a crime scene destroyed, black and white cops separated and several high-ranking police personnel resign in disgust and protest over the case.
Over the years, books, newspapers and magazine articles have been published. �It is the case that will not go away. It is not talked about at 1 Police Plaza, yet is taught at the N.Y.C.P.D. academy�.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. GEORGE SECHLER AND PTL. ALFRED SELLECK
Ptl. George Sechler, Shot � April 14, 1907
Ptl. Alfred Selleck, Shot � April 14, 1907
Patrolman Sechler and Patrolman Alfred Selleck were shot and killed by two brothers who had just shot and killed a man after an altercation in Washington Square Park.
After shooting the man in the park the brothers fled on foot with a Sergeant and Patrolman in pursuit. Patrolman Sechler and Selleck were on duty just a few blocks away when they heard the shots and saw the suspects running towards them.
Both Patrolman Sechler and Selleck chased the suspects into a tenement house at 230-232 Thompson Street. The brothers fled up the stairs, but were trapped at the top when they came to a locked door.
As Patrolman Sechler and Selleck approached the brothers turned and opened fire. Patrolman Selleck was struck two times and fell down the stairs to the stoop. As the suspect was about the fire a third time Patrolman Sechler threw his body across his partner to shield him, but was himself hit in the stomach.
Before he collapsed he was able to strike the suspect several times about the head and body with his Billy club, knocking the suspect nearly unconscious.
As Patrolman Sechler fell to the stoop, the Sergeant who had been in pursuit of the suspects was able to take the suspect into custody.
Both Patrolmen were removed to Saint Vincent�s hospital. Patrolman Sechler died a few hours later and Patrolman Selleck died two days later. Both officers had been assigned to the 16th Precinct.
10-13 BENEFIT
A 10-13 benefit to help Det. Herb Griffin of the 19 Squad has been planned.
Thursday, May 19, starting at 5pm, the benefit will take place at Buster�s Garage, 180 West Broadway (between Leonard and Worth Streets). Admission is $20.
Det Herb Griffin, of the 19 Squad, is a former DEA and PBA delegate. He has worked not only in the 19 Sqd, but in Cold Case, HNT, BNND, MNND, MNTF, and the 28 Pct. He is also, among others, an Honor Legion, NYS Shields, FOP, and Transit Emerald Society member.
Herb Griffin is a great guy who always helped out anyone in need. Now its payback time for Herb and we should all try to attend, and if you can't make it, please make a donation.
Herb was a former DEA delegate at the 19th Precinct and had to give it up because he transferred to Cold Case. He missed the Squad and came back. He has helped sponsor many 10-13 rackets as well as help endorse boxing smokers for the job.
Herb was at the New Years Eve Detail and didn't get back to the precinct until after 2 am. He had his "turn-around" in the morning and went out to get something to eat. He was in a restaurant for no more than a half hour when 3 guys robbed the owner of the restaurant and the owner took off after the perps.
Herb assisted and was jumped by one of the assailants and knocked unconscious to the ground. The perps then began kicking him in the face, skull, and chest area causing a fractured skull, numerous broken ribs, and lacerations to numerous parts of his body. He spent a few weeks in the hospital and in the beginning he was just barely hanging on. All perps were caught that night by 19 Precinct patrol.
He did the right thing that night and I hope everyone can attend his racket.
For further info you can contact the 19 Squad.
INTERESTING WEB SITE
Here�s and interesting �people finder� site. Check it out. I did, and was able to locate three high-school friends who I lost contact with years ago. Probably work good for those who leave a trail, not so good for the common perp we search for, but certainly worth checking out.
www.zabasearch.com/
BEFORE THERE WAS NYPD BLUE�
Before the recently popular NYPD BLUE show, which has ended it�s television run this past season, there was a television show named NYPD.
That show ran from 1967-69, and starred Jack Warden, Robert Hooks and Frank Converse as members of the 27th detective squad in Manhattan.
Jack Warden played the Squad Commander, Hooks and Converse two of the detectives. It was a good solid show that should have lasted longer.
It was also filmed in New York City. You may be able to find episodes available on VHS on e-bay; certainly a collectible for any cop-TV buff.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Some actual quotes as heard from the Brooklyn North squad room.
�He can�t have sweets, he�s diabolic (diabetic)�
�He don�t feel no pain, he�s taking peanut butterballs (Phenobarbital)�
�I got a headache in my stomach�
�I�m psychotic, I can see the future�
�I got a cole slaw on my lip�
�She speaks English and Spanish, she�s bilateral (bilingual)�
�Can I play solitary (solitaire) on the computer on my break?�
�I didn�t get my last rights before they questioned me�
�He needs to take his insulation (insulin)�
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
May 1, 1964 Ptl Edmond Schrempf, TPF, assaulted
May 1, 1981 PO John Scarangella, 113 Pct, Shot- car stop
May 2, 1974 PO William O�Brien, 10 Pct, auto accident on patrol
May 3, 1913 Ptl William Heaney, 12 Pct, Shot- arrest
May 3, 1921 Ptl John Conk, 97 Pct, Struck by horse
May 3, 1931 Ptl Bernard Sherry, 15 Pct, Shot- burglary in progress
May 3, 1964 Det Joseph Greene, DetDiv, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1863 Ptl Francis Mallon, 4 Pct, Shot by EDP
May 4, 1914 Ptl Michael Kiley, 156 Pct, Shot- arrest
May 4, 1931 Ptl John Hoey, 40 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1938 Ptl Thomas Hackett, 4 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1968 Ptl Gerard Apuzzi, 107 Pct, Asphyxiated
May 4, 1981 Lt Jan Brinkers, PSA8, Shot- off duty robbery arrest
May 5, 1934 Ptl Arthur Rasmussen, 3 Pct, Shot- robbery in progress
May 5, 1971 Det Ivan Lorenzo, Narco Div, Shot- off duty incident
May 6, 1934 Ptl Lawrence Ward, 23 Pct, Shot-investigation
May 6, 1964 Ptl Stanley Schall, 70 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
May 7, 1931 Ptl John Ringhauser, 102 Pct, auto accident on patrol
May 9, 1939 Ptl William Holstein, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
May 10, 1922 Ptl Henry Pohndorf, 38 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
May 10, 1979 PO Robert Soldo, 108 Pct, Shot- off duty incident
May 11, 1959 Ptl Harry Hafner, Hwy3, Motorcycle accident
While it is true that some timid individuals will change their answers when they feel threatened or intimidated, there is no guarantee that information learned through coercion is truthful.
The "tough-guy" approach during an interview certainly does not encourage truthfulness. Rather, the more authoritative or judgmental the questioner becomes, the more motivated a person is to lie to that person.
Part of the reason for this is that a judgmental attitude serves to remind the person of the consequences he faces if he tells the truth. The other reality is that it goes against human nature to cooperate with somewhat whom we do not respect. To reveal the truth to another person often requires a significant level of trust and understanding toward the confidant with whom we decided to share our "secret".
If an individual is interested in learning the truth from another person, it is unreasonable to expect the other person to volunteer the truth. The truth must be elicited by asking the right questions. If my son comes home from a party and I ask him how the party was is he likely to answer, "Well dad it was a pretty good party. I smoked some marijuana and got really high." Absolutely not. He�s much more likely to say, "The party was fine dad." It would be totally unreasonable for me to be upset with my son for not volunteering this incriminating information.
If I want to learn if he used illegal drugs at the party I need to ask him that question.
Many people, including criminal investigators, are uncomfortable asking questions that may elicit an incriminating response, so they soften the impact of the question. This, of course, makes the question easier to lie to.
One way to soften the impact of a question is to include qualifying language. Consider the following examples:
"Ryan, did you happen to see any illegal drugs at the party?"
"Do you recall using any illegal drugs at the party?"
Ryan knows whether or not he used illegal drugs at the party. The use of qualifying language makes the question easier to lie to. The question should be simply phrased, "Ryan did you see any illegal drugs at the party?" and, "Did you use any illegal drugs at the party?"
The easiest question to lie to, however, is one that expects agreement to an assumption within the question. This is called a negative question.
Examples of negative questions include:
"You were good for the baby sitter, weren�t you?"
"There weren�t any drugs at the party, were there?"
"You don�t know anything about the fire in your neighbor�s garage, do you?"
As these examples illustrate, it is highly improbable for a person to correct the implication within a negative question, and tell the truth, e.g., "No mommy you�re wrong. I was a holy terror with the baby sitter."
The average person who is properly socialized does not enjoy lying. This is especially true when the person they are lying to is someone they respect. Counteracting this influence is that fact that no one wants to suffer the consequences of telling the truth. Thus, almost every person who has done something wrong or who is ashamed of something they did is caught in a conflict between these two drives. Most people resolve this conflict by telling the truth a little bit at a time. It is a very na�ve parent, teacher or investigator who expects a person to all of a sudden decide to tell the full and complete truth.
In most instances, the truth is learned in small steps and only after a reasonable period of time. In the previous example of illegal drug use at a party, the questions asked to develop this information should be designed to gradually commit the person to more incriminating information. For example:
Elicit an admission that drugs were present at the party
Elicit an admission that people were using drugs at the party
Elicit an admission of being offered drugs at the party
Elicit an admission of experimenting with drugs at the party.
Frequently investigators fail to appreciate how difficult it is for a suspect who is facing significant consequences to tell the truth. After failing to elicit a full confession when initially asking the suspect if he committing the crime, the investigator breeze over the rest of the interview questions and quickly jumps to the interrogation. Similarly, the parent or teacher offers the child one chance to tell the truth and if the child does not completely come clean, the parent goes into the punishment mode and forgets about learning the truth.
This article is not intended to imply that if an investigator uses proper techniques that most criminal suspects will offer a full confession through the interviewing process. Because of the significant consequences facing most criminal offenders, under that circumstance, interrogation is often the only means to learn the truth.
(From John E Reid & Assocs.)
FROM THE BOOKSHELF: MORE ON THE MURDER AT THE HARLEM MOSQUE
Readers are anticipating the soon to be released text by Retired Det. Randy Jurgensen, titled �Nolo Contendre�.
Det. Randy Jurgensen, the lead detective in the case, is penning the book with Robert Cea (who has a book coming out any second called No Lights, No Sirens, published by Morrow).
Nolo Contendere is expected to be a no holds barred account of the death of Police Officer Philip Cardillo, who was murdered on April 14, 1972 inside Harlem Mosque # 7. This incident was also written about by Sonny Grosso, Jurgensen�s partner at the time, in the other highly acclaimed �Murder at the Harlem Mosque�.
The case is still open but unsolved. Mosque # 7 is the same mosque that at one time was refuge to Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Before April 14th was over, apologies from the NYPD and deals were made in the mosque that saw prisoners released, a crime scene destroyed, black and white cops separated and several high-ranking police personnel resign in disgust and protest over the case.
Over the years, books, newspapers and magazine articles have been published. �It is the case that will not go away. It is not talked about at 1 Police Plaza, yet is taught at the N.Y.C.P.D. academy�.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. GEORGE SECHLER AND PTL. ALFRED SELLECK
Ptl. George Sechler, Shot � April 14, 1907
Ptl. Alfred Selleck, Shot � April 14, 1907
Patrolman Sechler and Patrolman Alfred Selleck were shot and killed by two brothers who had just shot and killed a man after an altercation in Washington Square Park.
After shooting the man in the park the brothers fled on foot with a Sergeant and Patrolman in pursuit. Patrolman Sechler and Selleck were on duty just a few blocks away when they heard the shots and saw the suspects running towards them.
Both Patrolman Sechler and Selleck chased the suspects into a tenement house at 230-232 Thompson Street. The brothers fled up the stairs, but were trapped at the top when they came to a locked door.
As Patrolman Sechler and Selleck approached the brothers turned and opened fire. Patrolman Selleck was struck two times and fell down the stairs to the stoop. As the suspect was about the fire a third time Patrolman Sechler threw his body across his partner to shield him, but was himself hit in the stomach.
Before he collapsed he was able to strike the suspect several times about the head and body with his Billy club, knocking the suspect nearly unconscious.
As Patrolman Sechler fell to the stoop, the Sergeant who had been in pursuit of the suspects was able to take the suspect into custody.
Both Patrolmen were removed to Saint Vincent�s hospital. Patrolman Sechler died a few hours later and Patrolman Selleck died two days later. Both officers had been assigned to the 16th Precinct.
10-13 BENEFIT
A 10-13 benefit to help Det. Herb Griffin of the 19 Squad has been planned.
Thursday, May 19, starting at 5pm, the benefit will take place at Buster�s Garage, 180 West Broadway (between Leonard and Worth Streets). Admission is $20.
Det Herb Griffin, of the 19 Squad, is a former DEA and PBA delegate. He has worked not only in the 19 Sqd, but in Cold Case, HNT, BNND, MNND, MNTF, and the 28 Pct. He is also, among others, an Honor Legion, NYS Shields, FOP, and Transit Emerald Society member.
Herb Griffin is a great guy who always helped out anyone in need. Now its payback time for Herb and we should all try to attend, and if you can't make it, please make a donation.
Herb was a former DEA delegate at the 19th Precinct and had to give it up because he transferred to Cold Case. He missed the Squad and came back. He has helped sponsor many 10-13 rackets as well as help endorse boxing smokers for the job.
Herb was at the New Years Eve Detail and didn't get back to the precinct until after 2 am. He had his "turn-around" in the morning and went out to get something to eat. He was in a restaurant for no more than a half hour when 3 guys robbed the owner of the restaurant and the owner took off after the perps.
Herb assisted and was jumped by one of the assailants and knocked unconscious to the ground. The perps then began kicking him in the face, skull, and chest area causing a fractured skull, numerous broken ribs, and lacerations to numerous parts of his body. He spent a few weeks in the hospital and in the beginning he was just barely hanging on. All perps were caught that night by 19 Precinct patrol.
He did the right thing that night and I hope everyone can attend his racket.
For further info you can contact the 19 Squad.
INTERESTING WEB SITE
Here�s and interesting �people finder� site. Check it out. I did, and was able to locate three high-school friends who I lost contact with years ago. Probably work good for those who leave a trail, not so good for the common perp we search for, but certainly worth checking out.
www.zabasearch.com/
BEFORE THERE WAS NYPD BLUE�
Before the recently popular NYPD BLUE show, which has ended it�s television run this past season, there was a television show named NYPD.
That show ran from 1967-69, and starred Jack Warden, Robert Hooks and Frank Converse as members of the 27th detective squad in Manhattan.
Jack Warden played the Squad Commander, Hooks and Converse two of the detectives. It was a good solid show that should have lasted longer.
It was also filmed in New York City. You may be able to find episodes available on VHS on e-bay; certainly a collectible for any cop-TV buff.
YOU CAN�T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Some actual quotes as heard from the Brooklyn North squad room.
�He can�t have sweets, he�s diabolic (diabetic)�
�He don�t feel no pain, he�s taking peanut butterballs (Phenobarbital)�
�I got a headache in my stomach�
�I�m psychotic, I can see the future�
�I got a cole slaw on my lip�
�She speaks English and Spanish, she�s bilateral (bilingual)�
�Can I play solitary (solitaire) on the computer on my break?�
�I didn�t get my last rights before they questioned me�
�He needs to take his insulation (insulin)�
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
May 1, 1964 Ptl Edmond Schrempf, TPF, assaulted
May 1, 1981 PO John Scarangella, 113 Pct, Shot- car stop
May 2, 1974 PO William O�Brien, 10 Pct, auto accident on patrol
May 3, 1913 Ptl William Heaney, 12 Pct, Shot- arrest
May 3, 1921 Ptl John Conk, 97 Pct, Struck by horse
May 3, 1931 Ptl Bernard Sherry, 15 Pct, Shot- burglary in progress
May 3, 1964 Det Joseph Greene, DetDiv, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1863 Ptl Francis Mallon, 4 Pct, Shot by EDP
May 4, 1914 Ptl Michael Kiley, 156 Pct, Shot- arrest
May 4, 1931 Ptl John Hoey, 40 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1938 Ptl Thomas Hackett, 4 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
May 4, 1968 Ptl Gerard Apuzzi, 107 Pct, Asphyxiated
May 4, 1981 Lt Jan Brinkers, PSA8, Shot- off duty robbery arrest
May 5, 1934 Ptl Arthur Rasmussen, 3 Pct, Shot- robbery in progress
May 5, 1971 Det Ivan Lorenzo, Narco Div, Shot- off duty incident
May 6, 1934 Ptl Lawrence Ward, 23 Pct, Shot-investigation
May 6, 1964 Ptl Stanley Schall, 70 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
May 7, 1931 Ptl John Ringhauser, 102 Pct, auto accident on patrol
May 9, 1939 Ptl William Holstein, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
May 10, 1922 Ptl Henry Pohndorf, 38 Pct, Shot- robbery arrest
May 10, 1979 PO Robert Soldo, 108 Pct, Shot- off duty incident
May 11, 1959 Ptl Harry Hafner, Hwy3, Motorcycle accident
