Wednesday, November 24, 2004

THE FIGHTING NINTH

One of the most recognizable station houses throughout the country, and possibly the world, must be the 9th Precinct station house on East 5th Street.

Or so it was, until it was torn down for renovation months ago. But do not fret, the building is being properly restored, and will once again soon be home to �The Fighting Ninth�.

The 9th Precinct stationhouse was located at 321 East 5th Street, between First and Second Avenues on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The block was primarily residential with old walkup tenements on both sides.

The precinct faced a small vest pocket park that in l981 was usually inhabited by homeless people and a few of the local residents who hadn't surrendered the park.

It�s notoriety came from its popularity as the stationhouse on several very popular television series.

Years ago, the original motion picture "The Naked City" used the 9th Precinct for scenes. More recently, the TV shows "Kojak" and "NYPD Blue" used the front of the precinct for production of those successful and long-running shows. It wasn't hard to understand the reasons why the entertainment industry used it for location shots. The 9th was the quintessential New York City police station.

The famous �Fighting 9th Precinct� stationhouse located at 321 East 5th Street in Manhattan is currently being renovated, and the men and women of the 9th have been turning out of the Housing Police facility a 130 Avenue C for the past few years.

Since they had to leave their old precinct rumors were circulating that perhaps the old precinct would go the way of other NYPD department buildings. The old 6th Precinct on Charles Street in Greenwich Village is now a condominium. So too is the famous NYPD Headquarters at 240 Centre Street where Teddy Roosevelt had his office. Finally, when they demolished the old 9th Precinct, it seemed that the rumors had some basis in fact. So the news that there was to be a dedication ceremony for the construction of the new 9th Precinct at 321 East 5th Street was a surprise to many retired and active members of the 9th Precinct.

On Wednesday, May 26, 2004, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly hosted a dedication ceremony that, despite the rain, saw many veteran and retired 9th Precinct members turn out and share their feelings about the restoration of the stationhouse. It was reported that the Commissioner chatted with the retired cops �and it was obvious that he felt comfortable with men who were cops during the same years that he was a young police officer.�

It was especially good news to hear that the entire facade of old 9th Precinct would be restored on the new building.

The new precinct should be completed by next summer. The historical value of the 9th Precinct stationhouse was taken into consideration and, with input from the Historical Preservation Society, it has been assured that the facade of the old stationhouse will be preserved and will be restored with the new building.


INTERESTING WEB SITE

I must make mention at this time to the fine web site that Retired Captain Ed Reuss has assembled. NY Cop Online Magazine is an excellent site, of interest to anyone in this department, both for historical information and current events. He even hosts a short story section, with contributions from around the country. The information provided for the above piece on the Fighting Ninth was provided from this site. I can only encourage you to visit the site, bookmark it, and enjoy what�s there.


WWW.NYCOP.COM


SUBWAY CRIME DROPS

It has recently been widely reported that the drop in crime on the city�s subway is at record lows. Exactly how low is hard to imagine by a Transit Police alum who spent the 80�s fighting the rising crime on the subways.

There were 17,497 recorded subway felonies in 1990 - a peak year in the city's crack-cocaine-fueled crime epidemic. Thirteen years later, subway thuggery had plummeted 82%, to 3,218 felonies. Transit Police practices have proven to be successful, with several basic but effective strategies helping to explain the stunning decrease.

When Bill Bratton took over as Chief of the Transit Police in 1990, he brought along a crime fighting strategy that utilized the �Broken Windows� philosophy. Riders committing relatively minor infractions - jumping turnstiles, smoking or drinking onboard � were targeted. By cracking down on lesser violations, cops say they are able to send a zero-tolerance message that deters criminals and takes would-be thugs out of circulation - at least temporarily.

The basic premise was that the criminal who uses the subway system for his/her crime does not pay the fare when entering. Stop them at the turnstile when they enter, and you can prevent a crime from later occurring. A simple premise, yes, but a proven crime fighting tactic. It appears to have worked.

For a system that carries millions of riders daily, violent felonies are uncommon. So far this year, there have been an average of about three robberies a day. When I started on uniform patrol in District 33, in 1981, there were an average of over three robberies a day in that District alone, not counting the Grand Larcenies from the person, and other felonious assaults. It�s pretty hard to imagine the numbers.


REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

As was noted in a previous listing, the 60 �Forgotten� officers whose names were missing from the memorial wall honoring those officers slain in the line of duty will be rightly honored.

Retired NYPD Sergeant and police historian Mike Bosak spent years tracking the death certificates of the slain men. The project was in part paid for by the PBA.

The families of these men will deservedly be invited to a ceremony at Police Headquarters to honor their ancestors.

Among those previously omitted are:

Patrolman Edward Dipple, who was shot in the head in July 1863 while trying to clear rioters who were looting the Gibbons House bar on W. 29th Street near 8th Avenue.

Patrolman John Smedick, who was shot in 1868 by a gunman who randomly opened fire on First Avenue and 32nd Street.

Detective Charles Horn who, in 1900, was fatally stabbed at a wedding when he tried to prevent someone from slashing the bride with a sword.



DISARMING THE BOBBIES

It was recently reported on several news sources that a shortage of armed police officers is occurring in London after firearms specialists handed in their weapons in protest at the suspension of two officers.

While commonly understood that British police officers do not carry firearms, which is not necessarily true. There has always been a staff of on-duty specially trained officers who did so.

Some of these officers have turned in their firearms after a jury ruled that two of their colleagues unlawfully shot a man who they believed was holding a sawed-off shotgun. The perp was actually carrying a table leg.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner indicated that this is �a very serious problem at the moment and it�s escalating. We need these armed officers in the present circumstances in London�, referring to anti-terrorism efforts in that city.

London has long been a terrorist target, first from the terrorist IRA group and most recently a high level target of Islamic extremists and Al Qaeda groups. In fact, it was just reported that anti-terrorism efforts have thwarted planned Al Qaeda attacks at several London locations in what would have been WTC type attacks using airlines.


WHAT�S NEW, KEMOSABE?

Sometimes you can�t begin to make up what the legal profession can do.

In Canada recently the Human Rights Commission board of inquiry was asked to rule on a suit brought by a Canadian woman who complained that her boss created a �poisoned work environment� by calling her Kemosabe. This is the name that was given by the Lone Ranger to his friend Tonto in the 1950�s TV Western �The Lone Ranger�.

The manager of the secondhand sports store where the litigant worked argued that Kemosabe was a term he used to address customers as well as employees.

To help decide on the suit the board of inquiry spent a full day watching �The Lone Ranger� episodes.

�When asked what Kemosabe meant, Tonto responded, �Trusty friend�� the board found. �Both the Lone Ranger and Tonto treat one another with respect, and at no time during the episodes is the term Kemosabe ever used in a demeaning or derogatory manner�.

The board further noted that while Tonto was always treated respectfully, the long-popular TV show treated other Native American characters in a demeaning manner.
It�s my guess that Canada has its share of a large number of law school graduates seeking work!


INVESTIGATORS TIP OF THE DAY

A sign displayed in several �old� detective squad offices mimics a classic detective idiom.

GOYAKOD

Sometimes, good detective work can be summed up in the meaning of this term.

Get Off Your Ass and Knock On Doors.

One of the biggest tactics of a good investigator is being able to talk to people. Getting people to talk to you � be they victims, witnesses, family, or as yet unknown � is probably the single most important tool of a good detective. If you turn people off, and can�t talk to others, you�re sure to have a hard time at this life we�ve chosen.

Talking is essential. But sometimes you just have to be reminded that getting out of the chair, into the street, and knocking on doors is basic detective work.

GOYAKOD


WATCH OUT, ROCKY BALBOA

A highly successful boxing �Smoker� was held last week, pitting the best of Brooklyn North pugs against Brooklyn South toughs.

As noted here previously, Tommy Joyce � one of Brooklyn North�s alums � stepped into the ring for his very first ever �sanctioned� boxing match. After a very tough fought, closely scored three rounds, Tommy was the victor.

Fear not, pugilists. It will probably be Tommy�s last bout. �I�m glad I did it, but I don�t think I�ll be doing it again�, Tommy stated. With an opportunity to retire undefeated, who could blame him?

Nice work, Tommy. Inspiration to many. �Keep up the fight��


HOLIDAY GREETINGS

As another year passes into the �Holiday Season�, let me extend a hearty and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Wherever you may find yourself, whatever you may be doing, reflect on all we have to be happy about. Remember those who cannot be with us any longer. And share a smile with another.

God Bless! Happy Thanksgiving!


"EVERYDAY, YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW"

Reflecting recently on the above phrase, which was uttered numerous times by a very fond friend and associate, Ret. Sgt Freddie Crockett, I've started assembling ideas on this topic.

I'd like to encourage readers to send along to me their thoughts, ideas, etc. on this.

You learn something new everyday...

Send them along to me at:

Ltjac77@yahoo.com




LINKS LISTING

Although I don�t know how to add actual �Links� on this site, I am listing those sites which I think you�ll find interesting (and would be on a �Links� list if I knew how to do that!). You can utilize �cut & paste� for this purpose, then �bookmark� them for future reference. Editor's Note: With the new format of this blog site, it may be possible to just "click" on the site that's listed. I'm not sure myself, yet, but try it.


Squad Security, Inc.
http://www.squadsecurity.com/

NYC Police Museum
http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/index.html

REMA: Retired Emergency Man�s Association
http://hometown.aol.com/truck8tony/NYPD-REMA.html

National Police Support Network Inc
www.policesupport.com

E-Investigator (Info and people-search links)
http://www.einvestigator.com/

Organized Crime information
http://205.180.85.40/w/pc.cgi?mid=16573&sid=8835

Tom Natoli�s Transit Police Web Site
http://www.geocities.com/tomn2137/index.htm

NYS Shields
http://www.nyshields.com/

NY Cop Online Magazine
http://www.nycop.com/

John E. Reid & Associates, Investigative support
http://www.reid.com/

Retired Guardian�s, Transit Police and NYPD
http://www.retiredguardians.org/index.html

NY Transit Police Florida Reunion & Info Site
http://www.nyctpflare.com/

Phones and other searches: www.fonefinder.net www.switchboard.com (reverse) www.theultimates.com/white/ (reverse) www.anywho.com (reverse)

Cell Phone Carrier
www.primeris.com

Cigar Afficionado
http://www.cigarafficionado.com/

Manhattanville College Men�s Lacrosse
http://www.mville.edu/athletics/sports/mlax/mlaxhome.html

Villanova University Women�s Lacrosse
http://villanova.ocsn.com/sports/w-lacros/nova-w-lacros-body.html



�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 25, 1904 Ptl James Devens, 66 Pct, Trampled by horse
November 27, 1963 Det Ronald Rolker, 18 Sq, Shot-robbery, off duty
November 29, 1941 Ptl. James Collins, 62 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
November 30, 1900 Ptl William Baumeister, 29 Pct, Shot- assault arrest
November 30, 1957 Ptl Joseph Rauchut, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol

Friday, November 19, 2004

THE POLICE SHIELD

Thanks to John Reilly who has passed on a copy of the Spring 3100 issue of March 1958 that details information about the police shield, the following is noted.

Most would assert, looking at the NYPD�s police shield that it bears the �seal of the City of New York�. This is only relatively correct. The police shield does bear many of the devices which appear on the present City seal, but all of them differ in some respect.

The Seal of the City of New York, adopted in 1915, is officially described as:

Arms: Upon a shield, saltire-wise, the sails of a windmill. Between the sails, in chief a beaver, in base a beaver and on each flank a flour barrel.

Supporters: Dexter, a sailor, his right arm bent, and holding in his right hand a plummet; his left arm bent, his left hand resting on the top of the shield; above his right shoulder a cross-staff. Sinister, an Indian of Manhattan, his right arm bent, his right hand resting on top of the shield, his left hand holding the upper end of a bow, the lower end of which rests on the ground. Shield and supporters resting upon a horizontal laurel branch.

Crest: Upon a hemisphere, an American eagle with wings displayed.

Date: beneath the horizontal laurel branch the date 1664, being the year of the capture of New Amsterdam by the English and the first use of the name of the City of New York.

Legend: Upon a ribbon encircling the lower half of the design the words �Sigillum Civitatis Novi Eboraci� or Seal of the City of New York. The whole encircled by a laurel wreath. (They really liked those laurel�s, didn�t they!)

The devices on both the City seal and our police shield are the eagle, hemisphere, shield or escutcheon, beaver, flour barrels, windmill, Indian, Sailor, bow and sounding lead.

The eagles differ in that the heads are turned opposite to each other and the wings are spread differently. The hemisphere in the police shield bears cross lines that are diagonal, giving a diamond effect, while in the city seal they correspond to latitude and longitude markings. The flour barrels are virtually the same, although on the police shield only a small portion of the top is visible.

The present police shield was first manufactured in 1898 by the now defunct American Railway Supply Company. Today, contracts for the manufacture of new shields are awarded to several badge stamping companies. The shield is made of 18 gauge nickel silver. It is first die struck in a drop hammer which gives the impression and pounded until the desired height of the characters is reached. The perimeter or outline is blanked and embosses, the numbers and lugs hard soldered and then the badge is dipped and cleaned, nickel plated and polished and ready for wear.


THE MEMORIAL WALL

Retired Sgt. Mike Bosak spent a decade discovering that 77 cops supposedly killed in the line of duty during the 19th century never made the wall of honor in the lobby of One Police Plaza.

In 1996, his work complete - or so he thought - Bosak contacted the then-chief of personnel, the late Michael Markman. Bosak says Markman deep-sixed his project, which lay dormant for four years. Then, a chance meeting at a St. Patrick's Day celebration with former First Deputy Commissioner Pat Kelleher started it up again. Kerik signed on. First Deputy Joe Dunne was supportive.

In September 2000, then-Chief of Personnel James Lawrence scheduled a ceremony to honor Bosak's newly discovered cops. Then, 9/11 occurred and the matter was forgotten.

One might have suspected Ray Kelly to veto an idea supported by two of his least favorite people, Lynch and Kerik. Instead, earlier this year, Kelly appointed a committee of top brass, three-star chiefs Michael Scagnelli and Rafael Pineiro, Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne and First Deputy Commissioner George Grasso, to examine each cop's credentials.

It was recently announced by Commissioner Kelly that the 60 officers Bosak found will be added to the wall and their descendants invited to the ceremony.


GARDA SIOCHANA

The "Garda S�och�na na h�ireann" (in English - "Guardians of the Peace of Ireland") is Ireland's national police force. The force is responsible for the maintenance of law and order throughout the Republic of Ireland. The mission of An Garda S�och�na is to protect life and property, to safeguard the liberties of the individual, to preserve public peace, to prevent and detect crime, to provide guidance for young people as they seek to become caring, law-abiding citizens and in so doing to provide a quality service to the public while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and efficiency.

Organised policing in Ireland began with the Dublin Police Act, 1786. The Irish Constabulary was established in 1822, which became the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1867. The Dublin Police was established in 1836. During one of the bloodiest periods in Irish History, the War of Independence 1919-1922, over 400 policemen were killed. In 1922 the Royal Irish Constabulary was disbanded and the Civic Guard was established. The Civic Guard was later renamed the Garda S�och�na and in 1925 the Dublin Metropolitan Police merged with the new police force.

Today there are almost 11,000 members in the police force stationed in about 700 police stations throughout the country. The population of the Republic of Ireland is 3.5 million with 1.1 million people in Dublin the capital city. They are lucky to have one of the lowest levels of serious violent crimes in comparison to that of other developed countries.The entry level to the force is at the rank of Student Garda. Competitions for entry into the Garda S�och�na are usually held once every three years. The Student Garda undergo an intensive two year training programme, with subjects such as Law, Social Science, Communications, Irish Language, Physical Training. The training includes theoretical training at the Garda Siochana College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, and work experience at placement stations. Irish is the first official language of the Republic of Ireland and English is the second official language. Every member of the police force must be suitably qualified in both languages. Successful students will then be appointed to the Force, and have promotional prospects up through the ranks to the level of Commissioner.

Besides domestic duties, the Garda S�och�na also performs peace-keeping duties overseas with the United Nations. Since its first overseas mission with a 50 member contingent to Namibia in 1989, the force continued to play a major role in United Nations peace-keeping missions to Angola, Cambodia, Cyprus, Mozambique, South Africa and the former Yugoslavia.

The Garda S�och�na is a civil police force and uniformed members of the force do not carry firearms. Policing is carried out in both rural and urban areas by uniformed officers equipped with only a modest truncheon. Firearms are carried by detectives.



INTERESTING WEB SITE

This site has been noted here before, but certainly worth mentioning again. An excellent site memorializing our brothers and sisters who have gone before us.

www.NYPDAngels.com

Between 1849 and 2004 there have been 703 members of the NYPD killed in the line of duty. This website is dedicated them - the 576 Patrolmen/Police Officers*, 79 Detectives, 38 Sergeants, 8 Lieutenants, 2 Captain and 1 Inspector that gave their lives for us. They gave unselfishly and now walk through Heaven's streets where they continue to serve and protect us. May their memories live on forever.


IN MEMORIAM: 1946 EXPLOSION

On November 25, 1946 three MOS were killed effecting a rescue in a building with a gas leak.

Patrolman Kundsen of ESU and Patrolman Francis O'Hara of the 102 Pct were killed when while attempting to cut off the flow of gas to a building where a leak was reported. When Patrolman Kundsen and Francis entered the basement of the building an explosion occurred and the officers were instantly killed. Lieutenant Charles Michie of ESU expended every effort to rescue the patrolman and exerted himself to such an extent that he collapsed amid the debris and died.


THE BROOKLYN SMOKER

As you read this, the event will probably already be completed. I must apologize for not having a posting sooner to announce the event to all.

Friday, November 19, 2004 saw the boxing competition between Brooklyn North and Brooklyn South commands known traditionally as �The Smoker�.

One of Brooklyn North Detective�s own, the former Squad Commander of the 79 Squad and current Squad Commander of Bronx Cold Case, TOMMY JOYCE, sees his boxing debut at this event as he faces off against one of the 60 Precinct�s pugilists.

Not counting an unscheduled bout recently, this will be Tommy�s introduction to the �sweet science�. He�s had a lot of fine training to get him into the ring, assisted by John Coughlin of the 79 Squad, Tony Gray of the 75 Squad, and by Dave Sieve of Brooklyn South.

�The Thrilla-in-Bay Ridge�, taking place at Nazareth High School, is intended as a fund raiser for charity, and will certainly prove to be a great night out for all.

I have to give Tommy a lot of respect for stepping into the ring, for the three one-minute-round event. We�ve seen him �spar� with the best, on his feet at COMPSTAT and at squad commander�s meetings; this �spar� of a different type will open up new doors, for sure!

Anyone interested in a �Sumo-Wrestling Smoker�? We may have some contestants ready to go into the ring for such an event. Watch out for more on these items in the future.


�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 19, 1926 Ptl Edward Byrns, 45 Pct, Shot-pursuit
November 20, 1980 PO James Dunston, PSA5, Shot-Burglary arrest
November 22, 1857 Ptl Horatio Sanger, 9 Pct, Head injury
November 22, 1930 Ptl William Senk, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
November 23, 1938 Ptl Clarence Clark, 105 Pct, Auto Accident
Ptl. Victor Cooper, 105 Pct, Auto Accident
November 23, 1989 Det Keith Williams, QDAOS, Shot by prisoner
November 24, 1939 Ptl Michael Lonto, 75 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 24, 1971 Ptl Patrick O�Connor, ESU, Auto accident
November 25, 1933 Ptl Peter Costa, 3Div, Shot-robbery in progress
November 25, 1946 Lt Charles Michie, ESU, Explosion-Rescue
Ptl Peter Kundsen, ESU, Explosion-Rescue
Ptl Francis O�Hara, 102 Pct, Explosion-Rescue

Thursday, November 11, 2004

We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view� Tangled up in blue.

POLICE REVOLVERS

The arming of police officers with handguns, specifically revolvers, is not a practice that was always in place.

While it is generally believed that the police were armed with revolvers since the 1860s, this information is not 100 per cent correct.

While in July of 1857, a "Metropolitan Police Pistol" was offered at a discount rate to the members of the department, the offer was turned down because public sentiment was in favor on an unarmed police force. Again in June of 1873 an effort was made to arm certain selected members of the police force. Again this was turned down as public resistance to a "stand army" was too great.

In the 1873 Rules & Procedures of this department it is noted that officers were allowed to practice firing weapons in the sub-basement of Police Headquarters. In the book "Our Police Protecters" which was published in 1885, there is an illustration of police equipment which includes a revolver.

Yet, it was not until 1887 that Rule 503 of the R & P required police officers on duty to be armed with a revolver. It appears that revolvers were carried and in some cases used.

In Jan. of 1883, Acting Sgt. John Delaney while serving a warrant was shot in the eye; he then shot and killed his attacker. Delaney recovered and retired many years later as a Captain.


INTERESTING WEB SITES

Ret Det Al Meller would like to pass along the following web site, which is very informative on this hot topic.

DNA Information at Your Fingertips:

http://www.DNA.gov

This site offers a wealth of information about funding, training, publications, and other resources related to the use of DNA technology in solving crimes, protecting the innocent, and identifying missing persons..


People Finder site/Public Record(update)A site that offers free people person search, plus also allows for locate info on public records. Note: sometimes you are directed to paying sites...but many times free sites are available for Public records.

http://www.searchbug.com/peoplefinder/



FOLLOW UP TO THE HUMIDOR

My recent posting, extolling the virtues of Sanchez Cigars in Manhattan, was supported by Sgt. Jerry Kane of the Manhattan Robbery Squad.

Jerry notes that Sanchez is an excellent cigar store. �Always fresh and reasonably priced�. He notes further that Senor Sanchez rolls 'cuban seed' Dominican leaf cigars in his little shoebox of a store. And he attests to the quote about his �Cuban hand-rolled� cigars.

We would just like to add that, although we may discuss cigars on this site, we do not condone the smoking of any cigars on city property.


FROM THE CORPORATE WORLD: ANOTHER CORPORATE LESSON

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.



THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF CRIME

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

Some of the entries of interest follow:

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

Barking Irons: Pistols

Baster: A house thief

Betty: A picklock

Blow a Cloud: Smoke a cigar or pipe.

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

Moll: A woman.

Oil of Barley: Strong beer.

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



HOW IRONIC

Some things you just can�t make up.

Recently a Level 1 Mobilization was called in Queens for an escaped suicidal � homicidal patient, who had escaped from Elmhurst General.

The description of this male included that he was wearing �a New York Yankees pinstripe tee shirt�.

I bet he was suicidal! Any truth that Jay Genna was seen searching for the missing culprit, trying to lure him out with a Red Sox cap?

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

WOULD YOU LIKE A CIGAR WITH THAT PIZZA?

Sure, Carmine Galante was a mob boss. Sure, he got rich selling heroin and killing people to control his business. But say this about him: according to the book NEW YORK NOTORIOUS, he had a mighty set of teeth.

�No matter how many bullets tore through his chest one afternoon in 1979, Carmine refused to let a lit stogie slip from his bloodstained lips. Even after he died.� Or did he?

It has been reported in many circles, and noted as a Herculean performance in the annals of the mob, where death usually requires gangsters to drop everything. Still, most found Carmine�s fate fitting, particularly because he was known in mob circles as �The Cigar�.

Carmine led quite an interesting life. Sent to reform school when he was nine years old, and jailed when he was 17, he later went on to work for mob chief Vito Genovese and was arresting for shooting a cop. His biggest assignment was believed to have been murdering Carlo Tresca, the Anarchist newspaper editor, in 1943.

He was rewarded for his actions and moved up in mob hierarchy until he controlled a multimillion-dollar heroin and racketeering empire. Life was good, except he continued to have the urge to wipe out the competition, including don Carlo Gambino, the mob�s patron saint of drug-free crime. This didn�t sit well with those he was wiping out.

Carlo Gambino died peacefully in 1976, but the rest of the mob was fed up with Galante�s threats. Not a good position to be in for Galante, no doubt. A meeting of bosses resulted in the decision to put out the cigar.

On July 13, 1979, Galante ate lunch at Joe & Mary�s on Knickerbocker Avenue (off Troutman in the 83). Carmine�s cousin Joe Turano owned the country-style restaurant, that featured a sunny patio out back with round tables and a vegetable garden.

Galante took a patio table with three associates who, it was later reported, kept fidgeting and getting up to make phone calls throughout the meal. Shortly before 3pm three men wearing ski masks ran into the restaurant. That�s never a good sign if you happen to be in the restaurant. From as close as six feet away they fired double-barrel shotguns at Galante�s chest. Minutes later, when police arrived, they found Carmine on his back, blood dripping from his left eye, the stogie still in his mouth. This scene was captured for all to see by a newspaper reporter who climbed an adjoining building to get the patio photo.

Since the photo first appeared stories have circulated that the stogie-in-the-mouth was �staged� by a responding detective for the benefit of the snapping photographer. Believe what you may, it certainly made a great photo. The Minister is taking the �fifth� on any knowledge in these respects.

PASS THE NIPPERS, PLEASE

Back in time in this department, to 1955, it was not required that a patrolman have a set of handcuffs. What was required for use in restraining a prisoner was a set of nippers.

These were a steel chain attached to a locking handle that was looped around the wrist of a prisoner. If a prisoner resisted then the officer would twist the chain that was around the prisoner's wrist; the theory being that the pain would cause him to �come along�. For that reason, they were also referred to as �Come along�s�.

One problem that was often encountered, though, was that if you were trying to bring in a drunk, you soon found that twisting the chain had no effect as he was feeling no pain.

Before the chain nippers were standard equipment there were cord nippers. These were made with a cord and wooden handles; the best of this type nippers used braided fishing cord.

As Ret. Det1 John Reilly points out, the department�s amended Rules & Procedures of May 1958 specified the change to make it a requirement to carry and use handcuffs. Sergeants and Patrolmen assigned to duty in uniform and members of the force assigned to plainclothes or detective duty were now required to carry regulation handcuffs while on duty.

Before this date there was also a requirement that a set of department handcuffs would be in every RMP car. The cuffs were locked onto the bar behind the front seats (there were no rear seats at the time). When the Sergeant made his inspection of the RMP cars that was one of the items he always looked for.

The only problem was that the cuffs would disappear (can you believe that?) so the crews (6 men) assigned to the car would have to chip in to buy a new set of cuffs. Each man had to put in $2.50 (total $15.00) and one man had to go to the Equipment Bureau to obtain the cuffs.


INTERESTING WEB SITE

Computer Crime Research Center: good info and articles
http://www.crime-research.org/

Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: Computer forensics experts, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, have published the second edition to a guide that provides step-by-step instructions on finding digital evidence. This text may be found to be quite helpful to those involved in computer forensic investigations. Subtitled "A Guide for Law Enforcement," the publication is available as a plain text or PDF download at the Web site of the National Institute of Justice. Chapters cover topics such as assessing, acquiring and examining evidence and documenting and reporting evidence.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/199408.htm


GOOD AND WELFARE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sgt. Rodney Gillis Street Renaming

The street in front of ESS#8 will be renamed "Sergeant RODNEY GILLIS Way".

In a ceremony to be conducted at 1200 hours, Friday, November 12th at ESS8, (located in the 90 Precinct at 10 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn) the street in front of the Truck's Quarters will be dedicated to the memory of Sgt Gillis, assigned to Truck 8, who perished at the WTC on 9-11-01.


Fundraiser for Detectives Patrick Rafferty and Robert Lee Parker

On November 19, from 7 pm-10 pm a fundraiser will be held at the Banshee Pub, on the Upper East Side of New York City, for the benefit of these two Detective�s who gave their lives in the performance of duty this past September.

The Banshee Pub is located at 1373 First Avenue, between E. 73 & E. 74 Streets. Their telephone number is 212.717.8177 (http://www.bansheepubnyc.com).

The evening will feature drink specials, guest bartenders, t-shirt sales and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go directly to the families of these two Detectives.

Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Admission is $10. One beer is included in the admission price.

Paddy and Bobby were brutally murdered in the performance of duty on September 10, 2004, during the investigation of a domestic violence case. May God have mercy on their sweet souls and watch over their families. Please try to take the time to help support their families.

A reminder, also, that the 67 Squad is raising money for the families by selling a memorial t-shirt. You can contact the 67 Squad for more information.


CORPORATE LESSON

A sales rep, an administration clerk and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out in a puff of smoke.

The Genie says, "I usually only grant three wishes, so I'll give each of you just one.""Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone.

In astonishment, "Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of pina coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager.

The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.


�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL

November 3, 1854 Ptl David Gurley, 1 Dist, Stabbed (Munic.PD of NY)
November 3, 1892 Det John Carey, CentOffSqd, Shot-Arrest
November 3, 1931 Sgt Thomas Madigan, 30 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
November 4, 1966 Ptl Anthony Campisi, 1Div, Stabbed-investigation
November 5, 1924 Ptl John Bonahan, McyDist, Auto accident on patrol
November 5, 1928 Ptl Henry Behnstedt, TraffDiv, Auto accident on patrol
November 6, 1978 Det Horace Ford, SCU, Shot-off duty robbery
November 7, 1863 Ptl John Van Buren, 8Pct (17Pct), Beaten-Draft riots
November 7, 1864 Ptl Joseph Nulet, 29 Pct (10Pct), Shot-burglary invest.
November 7, 1937 Det Arthur DeMarrais, 88 Sqd, Injured-assaulted
November 8, 1930 Ptl Charles Weidig, 28 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
November 8, 1937 Ptl George Pierson, GCP Pct, motorcycle accident
November 8, 1955 Ptl John Albanesi, 60 Pct, LOD heart attack