Pfender, F.H. To acquaint our readers with the law enforcement's state of the art and the criminal society then prevalent in Florida as the 20th Century emerged, the story of the infamous Davis murders, the Dora Suggs murder and the notorious Ashley Gang are presented, as well as their affects on Miami. McCreary, a hotel manager, had no police or fire experience. Being the book-worm that Steve was, he remembered that the book said to switch to casual conversation after pumping a C.I. (Miami News-5/1/1923). Reeve was. Barrick, a leader in the department as well as the P.B.A.). Authors Note: In the early 1960s, lap belts were finally installed in all units and at present, the full safety belts are part of the police car package when purchased. 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. Hicks was buried in Graceland Memorial Park on SW 8th Street. Chief Whitman posted 'Ten Commandments' of parking in the newspaper in an attempt to achieve some sense of order out of the chaos of parking autos in the downtown area. Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. (A funny story about the authors police academy experience.). My fellow motorman made no statement at the time and has made none since. In 1917, Lt. William C. Shields, a seven year veteran of MPD and the second in command, was arrested in connection with the homicide of Eddie Kinsey, a young informer for the department. Dade County Sheriffs Deputy, Wilbur W. Hendrickson, 45, was the other lawman killed by Bob Ashley that night in the attempt to facilitate escape. His advice after resigning, Move out of the police station and dont let the City Manager try to run it from City Hall". Burrell,. The story.) Night beatman Singleterry and Williams were let go as was Officer James W. Northrup, who worked the Avenue D bridge. Miami detectives did not know the suspects name but were advised what compartment he was riding in. Peoria Police Department is a member of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) Editor's Note: This is the first mention I have found in which a black officer had been employed in an enforcement capacity in MPD history. Dr.Wilbanks' "Forgotten Heroes" 1996). On the same day, MPD officer Ray Brock suffered a sprained angle at the range when he stepped into a hole while target practicing. The team won many trophies in matches with other departments and Army teams. Tom advised, "Your partner, Joe Catell, handled it for you and the bad guy got 60 days in the stockade. Instagram &. The subject's prints were sent to New York City where Gotham cops matched the prints to a wanted felon who had a long record in their jurisdiction. (5/14/1949), Officer Dallas Carroll, previously moved to the Coconut Grove night beat for raiding a gambling joint, was jumped and beaten by three men while walking the Grove beat late one night. 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. The Chief is working steadily on the establishment here of the fingerprint system of cataloging criminals. As he did, an assailant fired a shotgun into the jalousie door as Nolle ducked back. Norris and J.W. McCann, a Georgia native and a three year veteran of the MPD, having joined in October of 1925, died shortly after midnight in Jackson Memorial Hospital. 1948, at Flagler Street and NE 2nd Ave. A truck had backed into the rusted utility pole which broke off, bounced off a taxi cab and stuck Officer Wichman. The story of one, the beloved Harry Lenchner, now 90, was published in the MPD Vets newsletter recently and is presented in its entirety. The detectives moved in and the shooting started. He was hit with two shotgun pellets, causing minor wounds. Steve Brodie joined the MPD in 1925 served one year and then switched to the Fire Dept where he served many years. Herrick was disciplined for failing to check doors during their rounds. Coplin was one of the 113 men who survived the sinking that cost the lives of 1,177 US Navy sailors. The 1979 parade. City Manager Lee resigns the following day. The usual retirement age then was 55. Officer Pat Cannon, called to the scene, was disciplined for failing to make a report of the incident. These officers were a credit to the Miami PD and to the City of Miami. This raid followed the City Managers directive that all police officers, not just the vice squad, should enforce the gambling laws. After treatment at Jackson Hospital, he was released the same evening. Huttoe, and Ray Tanner, all controversial during their career. In 1944, during Charles Nelson's tenure as chief of police, Miami's Black population was over forty thousand and the racial climate throughout the nation was very sensitive. After years of legal arguing over Garrett's mental capacity, he was finally sentenced to life imprisonment plus 10 years by Judge Ellen Morphonios. Upon arrival of all available men in the motorcycle and automobile divisions the yeggmen deserted the safe and fled to the nearby canal where they disappeared in the darkness. A special civil service ruling was passed to protect the pension and seniority rights of retiring Chief McCarthy when he reverts back to his civil service rank of Captain. He was later re-captured and spent a stretch in the clink. CORAL GABLES, Fla. - A man who is employed by the Miami-Dade Police Department was involved in an accidental shooting in Coral Gables Tuesday night that left him injured, Coral Gables. Early television viewers in the Northeast were bombarded with TV ads and the Arthur Godfrey show to "come on down", and they did. It was reported that a woman who was at the wheel of the car when the shooting started rapidly drove off alone. This information became public during a story on police brutality in 1935, which is described later in this book. Judge E.C. Exciting day. Officer McCormacks body was sent back to Missouri for burial by Philbrick Funeral Home. It was about 3 AM on a night in 1958, assigned to Unit 610. Huttoe had backed Abe Aronowitz run for office while Chief Quigg backed another. Lt Hardy served many years with the Miami police and was later joined by his son by the same name, providing a Hardy Bryan on the force for over fifty years. The two most seriously wounded were Mayor Anton Cermack, standing on the running board of Roosevelts car and Mrs. Joe Gill, wife of the President of Florida Power & Light Company, hit with a bullet to the stomach. That announcement was made Friday by Police Chief H. Leslie Quigg at the Dade County Law Enforcement meeting in the courthouse. In September of 1944, the Miami Police Department began hiring black police officers. Chief of Police Mitchell immediately follows by announcing his retirement. The council also wanted the Chief to add a 'roundsman' (a patrol supervisor). One the same date, Officer Frank McDade, Gordon McDade and Harry Lee were allegedly drunk on duty and the Council asked for a hearing. Women still had not gained the right to vote at that time. J.H. (Horse drawn) His request was referred to a committee. As the detectives battered on the door, White leaped from his bed, which was ablaze from the lighted cigarette he had dropped as he went to sleep. Efforts were made to mask the fact that Roosevelt was partially crippled by polio. Chief Headley's reputation was constantly besmirched by Mayor High but big Walter prevailed. addyf8c7179f01f0232d36019b24ca80cace = addyf8c7179f01f0232d36019b24ca80cace + 'aol' + '.' + 'com'; Gray served three one-year terms before moving back to becoming a farmer in the town of Union, Spaulding County, in west-central Georgia. Detectives. June 18th- Detective Frank Mitchell was fined $250 for hitting a former decorated officer, Norman Franks, breaking his jaw. 911. Many others served in Korea. Jan 4, 1932 - Chief Reeve ordered Captains Bryan, Nelson and Mathis to have their lieutenants and men arrest gamblers. His prior movements were traced without discovering hard information of any conspiracy in the New Jersey area. (Story about two brothers who rose rapidly to top staff positions .Story). (Miami Herald, -7/6/1954, MPD Vets newsletter). Lt. C.O. Zangara had accumulated $2500 in savings and had been withdrawing it to live on during the last year of his life in Miami. Girtman, John - Acting Marshall, June - Oct. 1899. The funds were received from the association members only and no public solicitation was done. The remainder of the investigate units were placed into one of four geographical divisions, headed up by a Detective Captain. He was reported to have said, If other states followed Floridas example of speedy trials, crime would certainly drop quickly all over our country, (Fresno Bee-2/17/1933, Nevada Journal-2/18/1933). (Miami News -July-1914). Belcher and the other two shots hit Officer Crews. I made a hurried explanation and departed.' John Brubaker, 30, died in a motorcycle crash on March 31, 1933, as he and Officer C.E. Many of the bars did not close until 5AM and a few never closed (the Clover Club in Miami and the Johnson Club in Medley were a couple of the more notorious) The term B-Girls became known to all as they seemed to be in every bar, despite all kinds of ordinances being drawn up to combat them. 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. Records. The results of the city election in July of 1913 were reported in the local newspaper. August 30th -MPD Officer Earl Hudson, an amateur boxer, was knocked out in the2nd round at a boxing match in Atlanta, Georgia. Brantley, still on his machine, pulled out his revolver and shot the driver. Pomerleau's stormy term ended in February of 1964 with his resignation. Inspector Francis Napier, a 31 year MPD veteran, was an old school detective who had been one of the Detective District Captains for many years. Hicks, a MPD officer for eleven years, joining in 1925, and his partner Officer Raleigh Page, were in the process of arresting four suspects and searching their car relating to an earlier auto theft case when Arnold, driving a truck, ran down Hicks, who died shortly after arriving at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The offender later recovered and was executed in 1941. Two dozen shots were fired in less than two minutes. One morning, I forget to alert Tom and fell fast asleep in the last row. McLendon, Officers G.S. He was a WW II Navy hero and a MPD icon. H.H. $1,000 would be the reward for providing information on any Chief of Police or Sheriff, for accepting graft and $1,500 for the arrest of any Judge who would accept illegal payments for protecting these establishments. Detective Haworth was transported to a local hospital where she passed away during surgery. Roosevelt spoke for a few brief minutes and prepared to leave for the train depot. The Miami-Dade Police Department's vision is to be the model law enforcement organization in the nation by blending strategic planning with community concerns. A crowd of witnesses immediately converged on the police station protesting the officer's action. (6/24/1947). officer in the mid 20s until 1930. In November of 1950, Chief Walter Headley proposes a state-wide police officer certification program. City Manager Danner announces the promotions of Detective Sergeant Walter Headley to Assistant Police Chief and Lt J.A. Stathers also had a bruised arm twisted back. Forest Nelson. Frohock, John-Marshall, Oct. 1899 - Nov. 1900. (Miami News-10/27/1941). (Sulllys own account of getting shot on St. Patricks Day,1971.) The NFL called a mid-field meeting before the coin toss to discuss possible crowd (80,000 plus) evacuation in case of chaos (bombs, etc) in the stands during the game. Chief H. Leslie Quigg was suspended b y City Manager Curry on nine charges of ineffective law enforcement and failure to obey orders. Their administration had been labeled the 'termite administration'. 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. Feb 1938, A suspect in the kidnapping of a 15 year old girl was arrested today by MPD officers A.W. Stathers weapon, a .357 Colt Trooper, was missing. Huttoe was reinstituted to his previous rank and position in July of 1949. In 1920, according to the US Census, he was living in Bridgeport, Ct, working at the AT&S Co. Miami, FL - Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Detective Cesar "Echy" Echaverry died in the line of duty on Wednesday after being shot in the head while trying to apprehend an armed robbery suspect two days earlier. His parting words were, It just was not worth it. In 1946, the Miami Police opened their own recruit Academy for training, under the direction of Sgt. (475 words). Periodic checks were made by members of the Safe & Holdup Squad. A private investigator, David Bolton, continues to work on the case and still suspects the guy that Heywood led him to, but former Dade Cold Case investigators say the guy, who was still living in South Miami a couple of years ago, is not the right one. He demanded the two follow him to the police station, but they fled in their stolen Essex auto. At a subsequent trial, Niles was convicted of first degree murder which then carried an automatic sentence of execution in Floridas new electric chair. (178 words). and Sergeant George T. Warner replaced Lindstrom. Garbett, taking their weapons, after a car chase in the northwest section. 8/5/1931 - Guy Reeve regains the Chiefs job in court, replacing Hardy Bryan, who has served since July 13, 1931, while Reeve was in Court attempting to regain his position. July 19th -The new 79th Street Causeway opened for traffic. (#2). Carroll was later jumped and beat up by several assailants while walking the midnight Grove beat, an obvious result of his earlier raid. FREAK ACCIDENT KILLS OFFICER SANTIAGO. Fallen Miami-Dade Police Department Detective Cesar "Echy . A recent investigation by Senator Kefauver uncovered rampart corruption in both Dade and Broward counties. Lavender, a cook employed by Gray to prepare meals for prisoners, was arrested for stealing Marshall Gray's shoes, hat and revolver, for which he was sentenced to 60 days confinement. The Miami Police department organized a Homicide Unit in July of 1926, according to a story in the Miami Herald, July 23, 1926 and Miami News, 7/16/1926. A year later he was serving as a Detective Sergeant. June 17th- Chief Reeve orders crackdown on bookies. A squad of motorcycle officers, headed by Sgt. for information. Officer Dale Deskins and former officer David Collier were caught by off-duty security officer Lt. Gil Zamora, in the parking lot of Jai Ali, armed, and dressed and made up like blacks, in what appeared to be a robbery attempt. They were apprehended the day of Wever's funeral, in a shack/camp while sleeping later that night in the town of Fulford, Florida (now North Miami Beach). In 1928 he was rolled back to the Captain rank when Chief Reeves took over the department. They served in WW2 and then had a career at Miami P.D. The judge gave me a piece of his mind after court, but did understand.. Chief Paul Denham had the reputation of being THE authority on anything to do with traffic and auto crashes in the entire state of Florida during his distinguished career. He purchased, under the name of his wife Rose, a home on a small island between Miami and Miami Beach and would spend many of the winter months partying and relaxing in the sun. guys, known all over the world as 'Man Mountain Dean', real name Frank Leavitt, @Soldier Leavitt. As a supervisor I went ahead and took the back-up and was the first to arrive. A hearing was set for the following month. The Precinct has now re-opened as a Museum, thanks to the efforts of some of these mentioned officers, led by the Retired Police Officers Community Police Benevolent Association. He refused the alcohol test and was not convicted of the DUI charge, which had been down graded from manslaughter. 'Smiling Mac' McCarthy was appointed Acting Chief on May 23, 1935 and permanent Chief on Dec 28, 1935, succeeding S.D. The offender, then a teen, had been living in the neighborhood of the murder, but eluded the polygraph tests and palm print submissions his neighbors endured. Hardee, J.J. , Appointed in January 1908 for the holidays. Driggers fired three more shots and was reloading when a rifle bullet ripped into his right side, knocking him down. I rip my shirt and vest off cause I couldn't breathe. He did and broke both of his legs and a hip. We are fortunate that the intelligent officer went on to become a medical doctor and is able to describe the case from both the viewpoint of a police officer and a medical expert. Commissioner Pete Rozelle at Super Bowl X.) Knight, a brilliant, hard working officer, had a reputation of a stormy figure in the department, with occasional judgment problems. Papy striking a prisoner with his fist, Officer John Suggs (now in Navy) for striking another prisoner and Officer Nick Muslin for roughing up a prisoner and not acknowledging that it was an improper action. Officer Steve Collins had developed a real good C.I. During his 20-year reign, the Miami Police Department changed dramatically. One of the few stories of that first year was that Wm. At the City Council meeting of June 29, 1906, Councilman Crosland asked Mayor Sewell what the qualifications for police officer were, due a complaint a citizen had made. After downing several quick ones we headed back out to the wagon. Pinder. Three of the four districts were headed up at times by Captain Lee Napier, C.O. (Miami News-4/15/1926), (Here is an exciting story that was found too late to be included in the book. The girl was rescued by six dairy farmers after chasing Darby's car at high speeds on Milam Dairy Rd. Members of the MPD team noted were: Edward C. Allen, Harry Morris, J.A. No records are available but it can be assumed that very few offenders (if any) resisted arrest when Parker and Leavitt were on duty. The news story detailed the current salaries. The only local Miami protection was supplied by a night watchman, A.E. The law in Florida previously charged the local Justice of Peace (five in Dade County) with holding preliminary hearings on all death investigations. 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. Detective Captain J.O. Cesar "Echy" Echaverry as the result of injuries from a Monday shooting, local police departments and lawmakers are expressing their condolences. At West Flagler and 16th Avenue, a 20 year driver turned in front of Brubaker resulting in a crash that injured the officer, who died of a fractured skull two days later. (This chapter highlights some of the problems that alcohol causes in enforcing the law.) Chief Hardee also made a request to the City Council for funds to buy a Patrol Wagon. Dick was the author's partner in the Patrol, Task Force and later in Robbery. (Miami News-1/31/1930), 7/22/1931 - Chief Hardy Bryan promotes three officers to the position of Traffic Sergeant. The offenders were two Ohio white men, Walter C. Valiton, alias William H. Fox, b-1907 and John Naugle, b-1902, of Columbus and Toledo, Ohio. All personnel were on a seven day week, with two weeks vacation in summer. She then explained that she was preparing to bathe as she had a pressing appointment, and that I could let myself out after changing.' For many years, both Miami and Fort Lauderdale justice authorities maintained a practice of running drunks and vagrants out of town as to not 'spoil' the cities for the tourists. The weapon has never been recovered. Some of these officers were Reserves. The Council agreed and the officers were sworn in: Rufus James Hardee, John Frank Coleman, J.R. ONeal, and Joseph M. English. 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. Click here for an updated story. It's about 0300 and I start making a cursory look as one of my units arrive. The MPD police radio system was split into two channels due the heavy load of traffic on the sole one. Three officers were assigned to the downtown business area, three others stationed in the colored area, and two were desk sergeants and one a motor officer. That began the 'Night of the Long Knives", as it was called. (Miami News- 3/7/1938). This is the story about a wild Burglary-in-progress by eight burglars that the Miami Police department responded to at that location. This email address is being protected from spambots. Human Trafficking S. D. McCreary. Quigg passed the order to Huttoe. (Miami PD records, Miami News-9/11/1941). Napier was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for Conspiracy to import and sell 225,000 lbs of marijuana in a Jamaica- to- New York crime connection. ), PO Box 291121 Port Orange Fl 32129All Rights Reserved. Walter Combs, long time Miami funeral director, said in 1965 that Wever's funeral was the "most lavish funeral" he ever conducted in Miami. Smith confessed to Chief Quigg that he was brought in from Chicago to blow the safe. On February 28, 1951, Officer James Brigman, 29, a South Carolina native, was killed in an auto crash at N.W. Walter Headley is named as Chief of Police of Miami. Dora PD. Kenny graduated with Miami Academy class #58. Hope you enjoy their humor. Chief Ray Dillon became Chief on the first of November. Campbell sped toward a burglary call. Dan Hardie, who had been the Fire Chief of Miami since its formation, was elected Sheriff of Dade County in Jan of 1909. Driggers confronted the violent criminal at NW 6th Ave. and 30th St. and seen to it that the bad guy got his wish. City Manager Lee calls for Chief Quigg to clip the wings of ambitious vice detectives who were making raids obsessively to gain clout in obtaining promotions. The five will be tried in city court on Monday. He was stationed on the USS Arizona in Hawaiis Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, during Japans strike against America. Guy Howard, a MPD detective, was killed in action the Pacific while serving in the Marines as a Master Sergeant. His limo halted in front of the band shell. Whitman was elected as Chief of Police, with 425 votes, with A.R. His wife was pregnant at the time of John's death. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Lane ran back through the hotel in an attempt to intercept him. In May of 1950, a police precinct was established at 480 NW 11 Street to provide a station house for black policemen and a courtroom for black judges in which to adjudicate black defendants. Callaway was thrown to the ground and sustained injuries that caused his death three days later, January 10, 1927. Others are identified. The Council agreed with him and the complaint was ruled not valid. No fine, no arrest, no charges, no strings of any kind- just so you keep away from the wheel of the car until you become sober. He had only $43 on his person when arrested and $200 in a New Jersey postal account. Great 1973 story. 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. It was noted that there were 572 applications on file to fill this position. The Chief of Police, John Rowland, quit the department the following day and Leslie Quigg was again appointed to the Chief's position. A Robert Franklin Jones was arrested in 1962 but later released. (This chapter describes in detail the alleged brutality case against several officers and quotes the testimony of the Chief of Police that he was the head of the Ku Klux Klan in Miami from 1924 to 1930, at which time he was appointed as Public Safety Director, in charge of both the fire and police departments. It had crossed the lawn and crashed into the patio in back of 700 S. Alhambra. His maid observed a tall, thin black man wearing black pants and a white shirt pedal away on a 28 inch English-model bicycle with a chrome fender. The bullet passed through his foot and shoe but did not strike a bone. Chief Quigg did not give details of the organization, saying that details were being worked out rapidly and that the best experts obtainable would be placed in the squad. Officer LaFleur and his partner, E.B. (Police were not equipped with radios at that time). Gray was immediately sworn in by new Mayor John Reilly the evening of the vote. (MPD Records, City of Miami publications, Miami Metropolis/News- 7-1917). 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. (288 words), 215. The first female deputy sheriff in Florida was appointed by Sheriff Dan Hardie. Collins, despite the pleas of court appointed attorneys, including Lewis Twyman, President of the Dade County Bar Association, James M. McCaskill and the Italian speaking Albert Raia, that their client was mentally unstable, sentenced Zangara to eighty years total. Others hit were William Sinnott, a New York City police officer accompanying Roosevelt, Margaret Kruise, a New Jersey visitor, Russ Caldwell, Miami, and Miami Mayor R.G. The citizen did in fact commit suicide that evening. Norman Franks, MPD motor officer, chased a bandit car containing a gang of robbers. Detective W.J. The author was fortunate to have toiled with many honest, intelligent and professional officers. Each officer will be held accountable for the good order of their beat or district. Mr. McGill was charged with reckless driving. NOTE: The police rules and regulation booklet, the first ever issued to MPD officers, was quite comprehensive, detailing the duties of each rank as well as providing much finger-tip information for each officer. Ellsworth observed two persons bound hand and foot on the floor and observed two gunmen looting the coin store. In 1914 a MPD Officer named W.H. (Miami Metropolis-1/1/1897). 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.) (596 words). 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. In early July, Lt Curry of MPD arrested five white men for harassing Dr. Scott. Suddenly, a muffled detonation was heard from the direction of 9th Street and 7th Avenue. (Miami Herald-2/2/1915), It was noted that the 18 officers on MPD, are now on an eight hour day. The stunned Driggers got to his feet and joined his comrades. Check out our recruitment page that has all of the . This evidence; fingerprints and DNA, led to the identity of the killer, who was by that time, incarcerated in a New Jersey jail on other charges. It was not uncommon for the JP to come to the scene of the crime, especially in cases of an officer-involved killing, and hold an inquest in the rear seat of a police car. He was a Miami P.D. While patrolling the South End on an evening shift, I stopped a driver for a noisy exhaust.' Napier was nabbed by MPD and federal agents with a truck load of grass, which was confiscated. . New Chief of Police, J.B. Rowland, suspended the Chief of Detectives, Lonnie O. Scarboro and three other detectives on two-score charges of brutality, incompetence and neglect of duty today. Needless to say, he was put back into jail but the other one got to go to Ward D at Jackson Hospital. "Be careful about what you ask for?" The author was among the twelve officers 'badged' that day. Valiton leaned out the car window and fired four shots at Wever, who was rushed to the hospital, dying an hour or so later just as his wife came to his bedside. Brubaker, a Pennsylvania native and a Army veteran, joined the MPD in 1928.