First Arrest

It had been more than two weeks since I had been assigned to the 30th Precinct and I had not effected an arrest. Well my time was soon coming but I had not expected how it turned out. I was assigned to a 4x12 shift and after reporting for duty, I was assigned to the Central Park detail, not unusual for rookie or young officers. Well I got back early, and the desk officer reassigned me to Patrol post #6.

I actually went out to w145 street to w152 street and Convent Ave. Note this was the house post and I did not know that I was supposed to go to the locker room and complete my tour. About 2300 hours I witnessed a woman crossing an intersection and two males jumped her and stole her pocket book. I was about a block away, and it happened so fast. They fled and I approached the woman and asked her if she was alright. She said yes, and then I saw that their footprints led into a 5 story walk up. [It was March and there must have been snow on the ground]

She accompanied me as we went to the roof in order to recover her pocket book. Now on the roof, I saw that their footprints led to the fire escape. Lo and behold as I looked over, I saw the two robbers going thru her bag and I told them "police, my partner is at the bottom of the fire escape." They walked up to the roof where I handcuffed them right hand to right hand and said if they fought or tried to escape I would shoot them. I walked them about 5 blocks back to the precinct and once again stated that I would shoot them if anybody tried to assist them.

When I walked into the precinct, the Lieutenant asked where I was as they were looking for me. I said I got two under for Robbery. He said good job and take them up to the detectives.

Somethings I recall: the detectives helped me process the arrests and fingerprints. I think the patrol wagon took me and the prisoners to court. I met the female complainant in the room where the court docket was typed up, a very long process. Then had to wait in courtroom for arraignment. First the prostitution cases were heard for their pimps paid $50 to get the girls back on the streets. A tax even then in this money making scheme. Then my case was heard, I don’t recall much, propbably remanded to Rikers for later court appearance, or they might have plead guilty.

The female stayed with me and I think we took the subway home, she told me that she was about 3 buildings from her residence when she was robbed. I think I kept my first memo book, I will check today to refresh my memory. [see image]

Looking back, it was the element of surprise that assisted me, as it could have gone very bad. In 1969 I could have shot them. This policy started to change in about 1972, with the Knapp Commission. In 1969 I guess I had stupid courage but that’s what Cops do. When the word got out in the Precinct, I went from being a rookie to a seasoned veteran, and respected by all.

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Note: I was attempting to recover the woman’s pocketbook, I never expected to find the two robbers going thru it on the fire escape.