Embarrassing story (but funny) 391 words). B-1892, joined the Miami force in November of 1921. If I remember correctly, we did a quick street lineup, showing the employees of the shop the two had robbed to make identification. There I was with only a T-shirt and pants on and my shirt and vest on the ground. Ingram, 24, was pointed out by citizens as a stranger to the market area. Auto Theft Detective James Frank Beckham, 29, was shot and killed by a bootlegger about 11 P.M. on February 3rd, 1928. At the time of its municipal birth in 1896, Miami was just one of the small sparsely populated settlements of Dade County, with most of the city's inhabitants living in what is presently the downtown Miami business area, primarily on the north side of the Miami River. (287 words). Both Epperson and Eades got into some hot water over their use of firepower but not too seriously, as the MPD did not have guide lines for skyjacking situations. Non-Emergency. The eight men then ran into an open field. 6/17/1938, Officers Harry Fouts and Carl Spense made a quick arrest via a radio BOLO, one of the first using the new two-way radio setup that MPD installed. The U.S. issues a 653 page report on corruption and brutality in the department. I called the situation into the complaint room and heard the Ha Ha"s in the back round when the dispatcher said , "WHAT"..I repeated the situation and was told to QRX (stand-by) The two men got to about twenty feet of the 6th floor and ran out of sheets. Wichman, a Miami native and a graduate of Miami High in 1943, had served in the Navy during WW II and seen action at Iwo Jima. Chief Guy Reeve took over a soiled department following the arrest of Chief Quigg and others back in 1928. Officer Pat Cannon, called to the scene, was disciplined for failing to make a report of the incident. Check out our recruitment page that has all of the . John B. Rowland, 36, a Dade County States' Attorney investigator, will become Chief of Police on May 18, 1936. ", He said several men had availed themselves of the service. Wiggins said he would be the first to crash into the compartment, station that he was the oldest, with grown children while the other three had young kiddies to worry about The other three tossed a coin to see who would be Wiggins back up. The Miami PBA hosted a party for 1,600 school children at their 3rd annual picnic at the Biscayne Kennel Club. John Milledge, 49, one of Miamis first black officers, was shot and killed on November 1, 1946, (The killing of black MPD officer Milledge is described in detail, as well as recent developments.) Times change. Off. Black MPD officer, Charlie Cohan, was killed by his own gun as he partied with his girl friend in an off-duty incident. In other news, the Mayor ordered the Police Chief to dispatch a police officer to each fire to handle the traffic and crowds at the scenes. On May 24, 1928, Chief Quigg was dismissed by City Manager Snow, for Neglect of Duty and for the good of the services. The four detectives entered the train at NE 29TH Street prior to arriving at the Seaboard rail station. Headley charged Huttoe for interfering in a case outside his own detective district. The lead investigation was Detective Erv Whitman of the Homicide Unit, assisted by his partner, Det Charles Sapp, under the supervision of Lt. Chester Eldredge and the Detective Chief. It had crossed the lawn and crashed into the patio in back of 700 S. Alhambra. Being the book-worm that Steve was, he remembered that the book said to switch to casual conversation after pumping a C.I. Later elected Police Judge. A host of these leaders moved on to head other agencies, including Dick Witt being Chief of Hollywood PD and two others, Emory Putman heading up Mt. var addyf8c7179f01f0232d36019b24ca80cace = 'MPDVET' + '@'; Loud and profane talking by police officers will not be tolerated. involvement. Rose, Marshall Campbell and Forest Nelson. Griffing, Arthur, On-the-job in November 1907. My friend Jim was correct in what he said it was all about me. Dora PD. Olgle had to run out quickly and purchase another car, exactly like the cemented one, in order to have to avoid explaining at home what had happened to his new car. R.N.Harwood and A.V. Christ was later defeated in his election attempt. For this event, to make his public remarks, he merely pushed himself to the top of the back seat of the open limo. Later news articles indicated that Potterton was still on the job in 1949 as a Detective Captain. It had been said that he lost much of his savings at the Miami horse and dog tracks. Zangara had accumulated $2500 in savings and had been withdrawing it to live on during the last year of his life in Miami. The decorated Coplin was not seriously wounded and helped those who were. In order to provide a snapshot of Miamis law enforcement history, we will present excerpts of Phil Dohertys recent book, The Miami Police Worksheet. on May 30, 1995, Officer Carlos Santiago, 47, a 13 year veteran of MPD, was killed when he fell thru an open bridge over the Miami River. (Miami Metropolis- 5/14/1897). They ruled their particular area like old time sheiks engaged in a fierce rivalry with each other.
Contact the Miami-Dade Police Department These are just a few antidotes to highlight the political interference of politicians which can be observed in most police departments nationwide. (MPD Records, Miami Metropolis/News-1/1913). One shot just missed jailor C.H. Captain Homer Redman was appointed Acting Chief by the City Manager, while Chief Quigg was on vacation for five days, bypassing the departments number two leader, Inspector Forest Nelson. Capone told Chief Quigg that "he had no intention of breaking the law in Miami. (This chapter describes one method the police department kept the streets clear of drunks and vagrants.) Events during the first few years of its municipal existence include a fire on Christmas week in 1896 that destroyed three blocks of the Miami downtown area, starting with the Brady building and spreading to twenty seven others. Smith, 27. He was questioned for two hours by Dade County Sheriff Dan Hardie, Secret Service agents Brodnax and Murphy and Dade County Chief of Detectives, Guy Reeve. This organization has truly been the 'blue glue' that has kept us together. Contact Us Miami-Dade Police Department Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III Director Fred Taylor Miami-Dade Police Headquarters 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172 305-4-POLICE Joe testified very well, covering all bases and your testimony was not needed.". Former MPD Chief of Police, Frank B. Hardee is now a Deputy Sheriff for Dade County, under Sheriff Lewis Allen, former MPD officer. These four, along with Marshall (now Chief) Frank B. Hardee, were the first five uniformed police officers in Miami Police history. The combined newsletters, 48 ten-page quarterlies, would fill a book with close to 500 pages and will serve as historical basis of our MPD history in the 21st century. Enoch Powell, special Negro police agent for MPD, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. This is the story about a wild Burglary-in-progress by eight burglars that the Miami Police department responded to at that location. - Guy Reeves, special agent of the U S Justice Dept to Chief of Detectives.
PDF The City of Miami Police Department Special Victims Unit is asking for Richard Darby, 18, admitted he took the girl Sunday night when questioned by Detective Lt. E.W. In the process of bending down, my tailor-made riding britches split at the seam from knee to knee!! Also on this date, Det. Glisson won the donut and sinker contest at the station house by consuming 48 donuts and two quarts of coffee, defeating Lt McCarthy and G.S. Shields, E.J. In his pocket was a small drill punch and an automatic pistol. Other photos of officers in the next few years did not show the patch, suggesting that initially only the Motor Squad was issued the triangle patch. They stated Quigg did the same earlier, when Communists were making the same type pitch. Thirty years after politically correct police administrators disbanded the highly effective MPD crime prevention squad, The Task Force survivors, sixty strong, gathered in Ormond Beach, Florida in 1999 for a one-time reunion. The door of the larger safe was blown off demolishing much of the office equipment. Huttoe remained at the same rank and will continue to earn $180 a month. (704 words). The news story detailed the current salaries. Reeve was. The motorcycle policeman had instructions to arrest anyone who exceeded the new 12 mph speed limit. A year later, Sullivan and his wife was indicated for income tax evasion. This 45 man group was also the first integrated unit in Miami Police history, as several black officers (Pete Bryant, Jimmy McCray, Tom Marshall and Sgt. He entered the courtroom escorted by Dade Det. Some citizens liked the idea and others thought he looked silly. During the Cuban exile CIA secret project to invade Cuba and dethrone the communist dictator, Fidel Castro, the MPD got involved, whether they wanted to or not. The crowd shouted Kill that man. McLendon, Officers G.S. Crews, E.H. Hanlin, Pat Baldwin, Charles Stanton, Lt. J.O. 32 were riding the wagon. Miami-Dade County Facebook - Opens a warning dialog, Miami-Dade County Twitter - Opens a warning dialog, Miami-Dade County Instagram - Opens a warning dialog, Miami-Dade County TV - Opens a warning dialog, Crime Scene Investigative Support Section. (The case dragged out in the courts for years). His new movie opened in Miami and all Miami police officers were invited to view the flick. The motive for the killing was a pool room bet. Riley arrived and arrested some of the culprits. The shooter, Willie Garrett, a known black militant, opened fire as Lane exited the rear door shooting the rookie in the back, knocking him to the ground, then fired three more times as Lane was laying on the ground. The corrupt elected commissioners (not all) led by Mayor Williams, fired Chief Rowland. Carberry heard a pick-up call for a green Pontiac believed used in the Grand Union robbery and spotted the car at SW 3rd Street and 12th Ave. Officer John Burlinson was driving east on SW 7th Street at 16th Avenue in his patrol car when he was struck by a drunk driver, William Jacobs, 44, who was initially charged with manslaughter. William Reddish, 30 and Cullen J.Thompson, 24. Coplin was one of the 113 men who survived the sinking that cost the lives of 1,177 US Navy sailors. You may recall the earlier story in the late 1930'a about Chief Rowland confiscating the illegal slot machines around town and arresting the owners. Chief Whitman asked for the resignation of Off. (Story about two brothers who rose rapidly to top staff positions .Story). Bob Knight, the son of MPD Capt Cecil (Hamp) Knight, later became C/O of the motor squad, and several other commands. It will cause you to think about the policeman's lot for many years to come. No records are available but it can be assumed that very few offenders (if any) resisted arrest when Parker and Leavitt were on duty. He then explained that he wanted all three of us to perform, with him as an observer, with bananas.' MPD Sergeant W. B. Poe was thrown from the motor as he escorted a 100 car motorcade of Klansmen from Miami to Homestead. MPD Officer Willie (Big Nick) Nicholson, 35, working both on and off duty for three weeks, solved the murder of a bolita operator, Beatrice Dunaway, who was killed during a bolita counting house robbery. Fortunately for all, the other guards gun was not loaded. (Interesting story from one of our smartest MPD vets.) They served in WW2 and then had a career at Miami P.D. Down the street from his home came MPD Officer C.H. Rookie Miami officer, Steve Plumacher, was taken out of the police academy and placed into the City Water department as an employee, working along side the suspect, Donald Branch. One known criminal, a teen, was found in Alabama and returned to Dade for questioning but was released for lack of evidence. You are now leaving the official website of Miami-Dade County government. (338 words), (The saga of the Chief of Police (Quigg) being arrested for complicity in murder is described in this chapter. (Miami News- 12/3/1941). The department was then reorganized into four divisions: traffic, detectives, vice squad and motorcycle corps. In June of 1960, Class #44 graduated from the MPD Police Academy. He was also the building inspector, street superintendent, sanitary inspector and tax collector. We did not want to embarrass the boss but it was evident that he did not realize that the drive inn restaurant was owned by a known Mafia hoodlum from New York and that most of the 'customers' were either big time Mafia hoods themselves or scumbags coming in to purchase narcotics. He was rushed to a Miami hospital, but never regained consciousness, and died on October 15th, 1931. A pile of rap sheets was prepared and packaged up with a copy of the original complaint and 'someone' shoved the entire wad under the boss's door at 3AM. He explained that this store location is the central office for all the company stores in South Florida. The gang, thought to be from Hollywood, escaped. EMERGENCIES - DIAL 911. "Several improvements have been made in the Miami Police department since Chief Curry took office a few weeks ago. Periodic checks were made by members of the Safe & Holdup Squad. On March 20th, 1933, fourteen days after Mayor Cermack died of his wound, Giuseppe Zangara was executed in Raiford State Prison. North Beat: Officer W.G. (451 words), 180. Driving to NW 6th Avenue between 8 and 9 street, the officers stopped their unmarked car. (Miami News-2/24/1935), Captain William J. McCarthy, commander of the traffic division, was named Acting Chief. On June 30, 1905, the Miami Metropolis (fore runner of the Miami News) newspaper, reported that C.E. The author was present during his questioning by our top Homicide Unit investigator, Mike Gonzalez, now the lead officer. View Map. (Miami Herald & Miami News- 3/1/1951, Dr. Wilbanks' "Forgotten Heroes". (Miami News-1/24/1940). Gray and Constable Frohawk arrested Asbury Duckett for the knife murder of Ben Worthy at Woods Saloon, north of town. I will insist that the department be run with the sole aim of protection of life and property". D.Q. Miami, FL Commander Eunice Cooper Lieutenant John W. Buhrmaster Lieutenant Joe Schillaci Sergeant Armando Aguilar Sergeant Carlos De Los Santos Sergeant Manny De La Torriente Sergeant Confesor Gonzalez Sergeant Jose Pepi Granado Sergeant Juan Herrera Sergeant Altarr Williams Detective Orlando Benitez Jr. Detective Fernando Bosch 6/4/1932 - A MPD police pistol range opened at warehouse 8 of the municipal docks. Although the cost of living in Miami is . (Miami Metropolis- 7/31/1896), Marshall Gray made his first recorded arrest on Oct 14, 1896. With McCann during that morning was Officer W. G. Wilson, who escaped with only bruises. (This chapter highlights some of the problems that alcohol causes in enforcing the law.) (This chapter has a story about the author and partner arguing about who actually nailed the burglar. Clarence L. Holton, B-1908, a MPD officer from 1938 thru 1949, was suspended by Chief Headley in 1949, from the guard force at the 20th street stockade for fighting with another guard. McCann, M.T., Appointed Nov. 1913. to 1915. Scarboro himself denied the boys the use of the phone and he and Captain Mathis, the Duty Captain at the station, was both reprimanded by Chief Quigg, but City Manager Lee upped the penalty to a ten day suspensions for both. The first female deputy sheriff in Florida was appointed by Sheriff Dan Hardie. Fortunately, the desperado's bullets went wild and Bob only suffered minor wounds. A resident sent a riot call to headquarters as the shooting continued. The number of paddy wagons was increased to pick up prisoners from these one-man cars. It was also noted in the Miami News that Chief Reeve started a police training school, compiled a police regulation booklet and inaugurated a merit system. However, in 1933, he was appointed as the Chief of Police in addition to his Public Safety Director duties. City police arrested two white men and a negro, destroyed a 1,000 gallon capacity moonshine still and confiscated 18 jugs of whiskey in what Assistant Chief Forrest Nelson described as the biggest police still raid since prohibition. Five brave Black men completed the training and were sworn in as patrolmen on September 1, 1944. The judge sentenced Jacobs to 30 days in jail. After his military service, Coplin joined the MPD and served many years, most of which as a detective in the Burglary Unit. I've got it on during a tour of duty on the midnight shift. These days, Miami Police Department Det. This action was due to the economic depression of 1907, which affected the entire country. (Miami News- 3/31/73), (Field officer tells of real street stories.) The account, although lurid, describes the state of the art of the process of major crimes investigations during that period. Even Detective Chief Scarboro himself, arrested a bookmaker. (475 words). (He had one), A news photo showed motor officer Sgt. New furniture and fixtures have been installed, making it much more business like appearing place. Milstead, and Henry Owens as well as Detectives. Chief Quigg publicly stated that the City wanted a liberal atmosphere in vice enforcement. Source: The Miami News and other newspapers, April 19th, 20th and 22nd, 1926. The MPD had a liquor squad back then and many wondered if they were assigned to stop the activity or promote it. (Sad story in this chapter about the death of the entire contingent of MPD police horses.) I check with the state attorney's office and they said, "go sit' in the police area of the courtroom." His wife was pregnant at the time of John's death. Youell to Deputy Chief. It was funny. William J. McCarthy, born in Waterfiet, NY, September 17, 1896, died at his desk in the police chief's office on September 10, 1941. The offender, Edward Litchfield, swerved into Brantley catching his motor on the car and dragging the officer down the road. Employees can login to access personnel information, workplace tools, trainings and more. Zangara was immediately pounced on by citizens in the crowd in addition to Miami police officers Arthur Clark, Ray Jackson, Red Crews and Fitzhugh Lee, all on duty in the park under the command of Captain Nelson. Melchen. I've got mine on and its very uncomfortable. . William McCarthy, 40, who has been serving as Acting Chief since May 23rd, 1935, was appointed permanent Chief of Police last night by City Manager L.L. Quigg says he will no longer fight for the position. Walter Headley. Patrolman Arthur Fairbrother, 31, was in Jackson Hospital today suffering from bullet wounds when he was shot by Patrolman Gillette. Hepburn then ran eastward on NW 14th Street and confronted Fireman J.T. Over 4,000 residents visited Stanley's Market, on NW 30th street to provide their palm print to a 12-man police identification squad. 4th street and 4th Avenue. )(494 words), (Story about MPD going after the fixer of cases in Dade County. He was aided by Officers E.R. McCann, the driver, had swerved to avoid a pedestrian that had emerged from a bus. McCarthy was acting Chief of Police during the fall of 1935 when the terrible hurricane wiped out the Keys and took a good swipe at south Florida. (A blot on the MPD as rouge cops become the bad guys. Brautigan first was in charge and later, a young Dick Gerstein took over. Late Monday afternoon, J.B. Williams, 26, of Pueblo, Colorado and Ray Colbert, 19, of Memphis, Tennessee, were arrested in a room at the United States Hotel in the downtown area and recovered the bandits car in front of the hotel. Redman, from assistant traffic director to Captain of Uniform Division. A gunfight in downtown Miami, between Officer Edward Rowe and an offender on May 4, 1917, resulted in the death of the bad guy. (658 words). No story accompanied the picture. Willie Garrett, 26, an ex-con with a long record linked to the Black Panther Party, was taken off an airplane several hours later in Orlando as he headed for New York, still in possession of the gun used to kill the officer. He passed away many years ago. Main figure arrested was Raymond Healy, 26, termed by police a self-styled Hitler who came here recently from New York. (Police were not equipped with radios at that time). Miami Police Department Dial 911 for EMERGENCIES ONLY Miami Police Non-Emergency: (305) 579-6111 CrimeStoppers: (305) 471-TIPS (8477) Victims Advocate Services Unsolved Homicides Safe Place Initiative Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales Welcome to the Miami Police Department. Collier later served time for other offenses and Deskins was fired and was last heard from out in Texas. (Jack) Farr, Jr., killed two of the suspects and wounded a third. No grounds were presented and the Court awarded him his job and rank back in May of 1930. His first assignment was to the Accident Prevention Unit. Lieutenant Francis Lee Napier was reduced back to the rank of Sergeant by Deputy Chief Youell. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and parents. These were seven- day a week assignments. it is so difficult to police a densely populated area, a fact that our GI's are currently enduring in the Middle East as they attempt to root out insurgents who are mixed in very close quarters with innocent citizens. MPD Zone cars and a Dade helicopter searched the area and soon arrested one man, James Ingram, in the market area. The City Manager later orders the pool room to be closed. Nolle had his unoccupied city car shot with rifle bullets the previous month which were followed up with telephone calls to his wife stating that Nolle himself would be the target next time. Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. The investigation was led by Detective Bob Utes and his supervisor, Lt. Bill McClure. (This chapter goes into detail on the death of Officer Baldwin.) He then led a majority on the commission to immediately fire Safety Director Kavenaugh. A year later Ken volunteered to return to the Marines to help his buddies out and was killed. Chief of Police Mitchell immediately follows by announcing his retirement. At a subsequent trial, Niles was convicted of first degree murder which then carried an automatic sentence of execution in Floridas new electric chair. Officers are to carry themselves in a military manner with their hat in proper position. J. D. Dorman was also moved up to the Lieutenant rank in (Miami Metropolis/News-12/1915), June 2, 1915 became a sad day for the Miami Police Department. McCarthy became a Captain of the Traffic Division in 1932. Coplin was one of the many MPD officers who served in the military during the war. Bill Berger is currently the U.S Marshall for Florida and Ray Martinez is the Chief of Miami Beach PD. One of his cohorts snitched on him and the US Customs and our Internal Security squad caught wind of his plan. After the appointment of the Miami Klan leader, Sam McCreary, as Public Safety Director in 1930, Reeve was put on the hot seat and finally resigned to go on to be the Chief of Detectives at Dade County and later to be the U.S Marshall for Florida. MPD had many of these double heroes. The City of Miami Police Department is an active member of the South Florida ICAC Taskforce. They did arrive and the man fell into the net. The results of the city election in July of 1913 were reported in the local newspaper. directing traffic downtown was struck and killed at Flagler Street and Bayshore Drive on February 16, 1926 by an auto driver by J.L. security policies. Elected Chief. Foss was a third baseman with the Washington Senators. Prior to that incident, Phillips, while fighting a fire at the Florida Conservatory of Music, a ladder fell and struck him on the thumb. Chief Quigg took the offender to Jackson Hospital. Ingram had removed his shirt in an attempt to evade detection. He told me that he saw this police car pull a car over and the skinniest policeman he ever saw got out just as the driver of the other car got out and ran at the officer with his fists clenched. The ticket was issued by a City of Miami officer. (Miami had top national honors for two years running in Pistol matches). Cross, spoiled Zangaras aim as she threw herself in front of him clutching his arm. Officer Harley found Stathers patrol car across the street from Abrahams home, engine running and still in gear. Napier was nabbed by MPD and federal agents with a truck load of grass, which was confiscated. Later, Williams himself was arrested and tossed out of office for corruption charges. (Miami Herald, -7/6/1954, MPD Vets newsletter). Currently, there are two MDPD Lieutenants, six MDPD Sergeants, 26 MDPD Detectives, and one Municipal Detective (from Miami Police Department and Miami Beach Police Department) assigned to the permanent countywide multi-agency robbery suppression effort. (The author relates in this chapter just how danger can come at an officer from WITHIN the department.) Separating, Driggers walked to 7th Ave while Whitlock searched along 6th Avenue. His name will appear many times in these MPD stories. The Florida Supreme Court ruled against Quigg and he was out again. The stunned Driggers got to his feet and joined his comrades. The Miami Beach officer warned the judge in court that he better watch his speedometer while riding in the vicinity of Miami Beach. guys, known all over the world as 'Man Mountain Dean', real name Frank Leavitt, @Soldier Leavitt. - Homer .S. Walter Headley is named as Chief of Police of Miami. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; I said no way. Motor Officer L.P. Brantley attempted to pull over a speedster he was chasing. On his last week of work, he arranged for a large marijuana purchase. Rolland Lane II, a rookie with only four months on the job, along with partner, 23 year old Fred Harris, had stopped three men for questioning in front of the Imperial Hotel on NW 8th Street. The chief and the new public safety director, would be appointed by the city manager, and police officers would fall under civil service guidelines. Last month, the veteran city cop, who's been on the force since 1984, accepted arguably the toughest police. His pallbearers were Capt. (Additional details on this death are contained in this chapter of the book.) $50 would be paid for the second conviction. Nolle, watching TV with his wife and niece, heard a noise at the front of the house and looked out the door. Guy C. Reeve, Chief of Detectives, was appointed acting Chief of Police while Quigg was under indictment and suspension. Roosevelt had been expected to make a 20 minute speech to a crowd, estimated at 25 thousand, interested in seeing the new President close up. Officer H. Floyd was fired for drunkenness, Off A.T. Richards was suspended five days for sleeping on duty, and Off Frank Gerke and E.A. Kennedys murder.) In September, Officer Alex Gingras, 55, a police officer for eight years, retired on pay, $75 a month for life, for disability due to an on-the-job injury.