Our first stop on the afternoon shift was at Jeff's Bar, W. Flagler St and 12th Avenue. She was wearing a flared skirt, a blouse, and a hat. Officer Ferguson left six young children. He was aided by Officers E.R. Finally, he was stricken with toxic neuritis, sent to the hospital and told to take a long rest. The killer advised that his conscious had finally caused him to come forward with his confession to this murder as well as another Miami woman, Johanna Block, murdered a year after Ms. Little in the same general neighborhood. Sources of all these stories are from the Miami News on the dates indicated after each item. Miami-Dade County is not responsible for the content provided on First Desk Sgt- 1915. 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. They were jailed, later fined and sentenced to suspended jail sentences, which brought these unlawful actions to a halt. That conviction was later overturned by the Federal District Court due to Garrett being held for an unreasonable period prior to trial. Raul Iglesias' first day on the police. Leslie Quigg, long time MPD Chief of Police, related this story to MPD Vet Joe --------, husband of Quigg's granddaughter. It was also reported that Chief Hardee announced that 256 arrests had been made in March of 1906. (Miami Metropolis- 5/14/1897). At 5AM, four burglars arrived with three entering the building via the open window. McCormack, born in St Louis, Missouri on September 8, 1902, became a MPD officer on Sept 23, 1925 and was assigned to the motorcycle squad at the time of his death. A recent investigation by Senator Kefauver uncovered rampart corruption in both Dade and Broward counties. Funny story for all, except the burglar) (358 words). In 1905, Miami opted for a new political scheme that established a Chief of Police position, replacing the Town Marshall as the Citys law enforcer. LOL)( 278 words), 189. One shot hit bystander, Mrs. Myers, in the neck, seriously wounding her. Miami Police, many of whom knew Stathers personally, responded to assist and flooded the Gables residential area with uniform squad cars and K-9 units, and Dade County Homicide detectives commenced their investigation. Appointed in January 1908 for the holidays. After sending the driver on her way, I began the process to determine who from the motor squad lived in the south end that would have a pair of britches that I could wear for the remainder of the shift. Captain Bill Nolle, the commander of the black Precinct, was shot at his home, 245 NW 48th Place, Miami, in late March of 1957. (Miami News-9/10/1945). Photo of a MPD officer directing traffic downtown wearing shorts was printed in the local newspaper. and Eleventh Street. (This chapter relates the hairy story of a 1920s shootout in Overtown.). (This chapter relates the details on the arrest of a MPD staff officer for murder.) August of 1913 brought a third Chief of Police to Miami. 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 black community demanded action from the authorities. (Bennie) Palmer is investigating. One of the few stories of that first year was that Wm. At the same time, the geographical limits of Colored Town were expanded after much discussion as to whether to do this 'by custom' or by law. Nelson later served as a Police Inspector and as Assistant Police Chief during the 1930's and mid 1940's. Source: The Miami News and other newspapers, April 19th, 20th and 22nd, 1926. "Of all the dames on Flagler Street, I had to proposition three female fuzz". Gray received 112 votes in his reelection bid, with barely only 115 voters participating out of the 451 voters registered. During that shootout, officers responded and Officer Pistol Pete Logan, on duty in the railroad tower, sounded the alarm while climbing down and chasing the bad guys. Wood, Ralph C. Rymer and Isey Bandrimer savagely beat Hayes the night that Officer Frank Beckham was killed by Hayes. MIAMI (AP) For four decades, police detective Mike Gonzalez was Miami's undisputed master of solving murders. Roosevelt was escorted by the Secret Service and Miami officers. Many sex offenders were picked up and questioned. Investigating police believe that two of them were wounded. Feud between Huttoe and Quigg aired again in newspaper. Inspector John Webber stated that the idea of safety belts for Miami patrol cars had been considered and turned down since policemen get in and out of their cars so often and would never wear them. A flat bed truck was turned into a float. 1996), (This chapter relates some tales from the MPDs pursuit of the CASH GANG) (766 words). Huttoe remained at the same rank and will continue to earn $180 a month. Gringas, Alex was on-the-job in May of 1912. (All items from Miami News-1932, dates indicated). After a moment of silence, the young C.I. (Miami Metropolis/News- 8/21/1917). The . Schmid had gone to Chief Hardee's office to provide bond for a young employee who had been arrested by Caswell for vagrancy. (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. I'm at the back and it's pitch dark. 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. Huttoe and Barker were both suspended by Chief Headley. After years of legal arguing over Garrett's mental capacity, he was finally sentenced to life imprisonment plus 10 years by Judge Ellen Morphonios. Records. We all love him as do many others officers around the state who know him from his long time F.O.P. Grateful members of the Jewish community in the Miami area, in appreciation for Plumacher's super work, paid for him to finish his college education. Marsh, H.H. (Chief Headley received world-wide attention in 1967 when he issued his famous when the looting starts, the shooting starts Interesting story in this chapter.) Chief 1913-1917. His wife survived him by many years, recently passing away in Marathon, Florida at an age of 101. He was buried in Flagler Memorial Park, 5301 W. Flagler Street. Nationwide, detectives receive a median annual salary of $62,110 as of May 2009, according to the BLS, with half of all detectives earning annual salaries between $47,070 and $83,650. Looking up, I saw a citizen pointing up to the East Side of the Court House. (206 words), (3-Wheel motors dont float, as Mark found out) (633 words), (How does that saying go? Phone: 305-471-2400 Fax: 305-471-2311 Email: hominfo@mdpd.com Major: Fernand Charles Jr. Several years ago our Vice President, Harvey Bach, proposed awarding funds toward college scholarships for the children and grandchildren of our Miami Police Veterans Association members. Law enforcement in Miami prior to the 1896 incorporation, was provided by the Dade County Sheriff, who was headquartered in the then county seat of Juno, many miles north of the city, headed up at that time by heriff R.J. Chillingsworth, assisted by his Miami deputy, S.S. Puckett. 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. Knight retired as Chief of Detectives in 1978. FREAK ACCIDENT KILLS OFFICER SANTIAGO. In June of 1947, C.O. G. J. David was fired for a law violation and Officer Wesley Gardner was suspended for five days for sleeping on the job. Morrison was convicted, but died before the sentence was carried out. Miami Herald, 4/25/1929). Holton was fired. A raucous and raunchy gig at Miamis Dinner Key auditorium on March 1st, 1969 resulted in famous rock star Jim Morrison getting arrested for indecency by MPD Officer Ted Seaman and Sgt Jim Cox. Officer Schel, a three year veteran, pulled up his zone car alongside a subject on foot when the man abruptly wheeled and shot Officer Schel through the right shoulder. Gore. The account, although lurid, describes the state of the art of the process of major crimes investigations during that period. He was then transferred to the USS Lexington on December 12th, serving in the South Pacific until his discharge. (US Census reports, Miami Metropolis/News-8/1913). You are now leaving the official website of Miami-Dade County government. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. - The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department is searching for a missing 15-year-old girl. (407 words), "The mammoth procession led by motorcycle escort, blinking bright red incandescent was immediately trailed by many squad cars that lighted up the highways (en route to the cemetery) They weaved in and out of the winding roads like a colossal dinosaur. The FBI's J. Edgar Hoover and the US Secret Service looked into possible motives of Zangara for the shooting spree. (Miami Metropolis/News-9/12/1913). )(2,923 words). Appointed in December 1905. Using rifles and pistols and sawed-off shotguns, the robbers were able to keep off the first squad of police. The MPD motorcycle squad's office was located along the Miami River back in the 1950's. (Funny story by field officer who does not want to be identified. The pickpocket problem was solved in downtown. (1,090 words), (Thirty-seven year old Bill Craig, a 14 year veteran Miami police motorcycle officer was struck by a drunk driver on South Dixie in early morning rush hour traffic on March 19, 1988.He died 3 months later. Mansfield, E.L. Barrick and Neal M. Coston. The group would pay whistle blowers a reward of $25 to any police, sheriff, marshal or constable for the arrest and conviction of any violators of the liquor laws. Jonathon is a native of Arizona and grew up in Litchfield Park where he attended Agua Fria High School. Click here for an updated story. He called in two of his detectives and told them to arrest a pickpocket and beat him up real good and bring him to his office. The yeggmen made their entrance into the store by breaking a glass over the rear door. June 20th -The Miami News ran a photo of 30 plus police officers in a classroom getting schooled on correct police procedures. 'That all able bodied men who did not assist in the clean-up of the area would be arrested'. Funny story about how to clean up the town. This pattern of controlling the police department's standard in enforcing laws in order to facilitate shady and unlawful actions by politicians is replicated in numerous American cities now, as well as in the past. 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. Abraham, a local car dealer, would decorate his home during Christmas season with Stathers keeping an eye out for the display when his night grew quiet. In January of 1908, one of the City Council members recommended that the police force be reduced to four members from the present six plus the Chief. 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. The sensational murder trial featured the testimony of these two Miami cops. (714 words), (Story about a 1972 Dixie Mafia hit on 3 people at Miami complex. ROBBERY VS HOMICIDE THE PIER 17 STORY, (An after hours 1972 dust-up between MPD Robbery detectives and Miami-Dade Homicide detectives.) A photo accompanied the story. Lastly, how does the job of policing affect the men and woman who perform their tasks day in and day out? (174 words), Did you know that Charlie Chan was a member of the Miami Police? When Sophie gathered the three of us, all of us working in street detail, the "John" explained that he had something new that he wanted us to do. Capone told Chief Quigg that "he had no intention of breaking the law in Miami. The Chief is working steadily on the establishment here of the fingerprint system of cataloging criminals. (A blot on the MPD as rouge cops become the bad guys. Having inherent faith in the honesty of an individual, I bent down to look under the vehicle to determine the problem.' It carried a floral tribute shaped like a motorcycle. H.H. 9105 NW 25th St.Doral, FL 33172Phone: 305-471-2350Fax: 305-471-2376Email:[emailprotected]Chief: Arnold Palmer. Detectives in Miami earn about 12 percent more than the national average for police detectives and criminal investigators. (A funny story about the authors police academy experience.). Despite a standing reward close to fifty thousand dollars, this vexing case is still only one of two Dade County police officer murders yet unsolved. Auto Theft Detective James Frank Beckham, 29, was shot and killed by a bootlegger about 11 P.M. on February 3rd, 1928. It was discovered that the owners of these slots contributed heavily to Williams' election campaign. (Dr Wilbanks' "Forgotten Heroes", 1996 & Miami News- 7-2/16 & 2/17/1951). Motes was one of the recent graduates of the 30-man Academy class in August of 1946. He died in 1944 at the age of 74. (Story about ducking knives thrown at MPD guys by a crazed person in Liberty City.). (The outstanding Metropolis newspaper account is copied in the book 'exactly' as it appeared on 6/30/1905. ), (Story about O.J. Ginsburg went on his way to spout another day. His reply was a classic (and true); (A funny story that is told in this chapter.). He later provided his real name to the Chief. Detectives Chambers and Howard beat out the flames without the aid of firemen. Rookie MPD officer Richard Roy Marler, 34, was shot and killed accidentally by a Dade County deputy sheriff on November 28, 1921, during a manhunt for an armed robber and suspected killer who was 'running amuck' with a shotgun. Wichman was survived by his wife, Vivian. No grounds were presented and the Court awarded him his job and rank back in May of 1930. Media Relations Section; For this event, to make his public remarks, he merely pushed himself to the top of the back seat of the open limo. Ellis, himself a big time moonshiner, was to testify against gang members who had planned to kill witnesses in an upcoming trial. (MPD records). 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. STILL HAS ELECTRIC CHAIR. 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. John Ross, Dave Rivero, Larry Boemler, Gwen Boyd, Nancy Olon, Vince Landis were just a few that went to head other various Law Enforcement agencies. Liquori had been assigned as a liaison officer to the Dominican Consulate in Miami and was a one time aide to Dominican President Trujillo's son. Chief Headley's reputation was constantly besmirched by Mayor High but big Walter prevailed. Additional stories on Quigg are posted in further stories in this book. Denby was then Superintendent of City Communications, Ben Denby, head of police and fire communications, stated, Miami Police and Fire will be getting 40 FM radios. The funeral procession of Miami police cars were headed up by two hooded KKK men driving small motorcycles. (Gene) McCracken leaving the station in a one-man car. Smith was taken to police headquarters and questioned by Police Chief Quigg. These officers were a credit to the Miami PD and to the City of Miami. Joe testified very well, covering all bases and your testimony was not needed.". As Zamora confronted Deskins, the later pleaded, "Gil, it's me, Dale Deskins". Lt Ed McDermott, RIP ,May 18, 1980. Candidates must have been in the state (Florida) for one year, Dade County for six months and the City of Miami for ninety days. Each officer will be held accountable for the good order of their beat or district. 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. Leavitt was one of our most famous Miami P.D. The MPD police radio system was split into two channels due the heavy load of traffic on the sole one. I knocked at the door of the apartment and his wife responded, in a bathrobe. McLendon arrested an entire busload of Negroes because one of them yelled an insulting remark at the officers from the bus window. Bishop, Motor Officer Roberts and patrolmen R.H. Starling, J.S. officer killed in the line of duty.) Officer D.D. Interesting). William J. McCarthy, born in Waterfiet, NY, September 17, 1896, died at his desk in the police chief's office on September 10, 1941. (Miami News-3/1/1939), In 1939, Chief Quigg issued a permit for the KKK to conduct an auto parade down Flagler Street, which resulted in the heightening of tensions between the races in the City. There were numerous complaints of vehicles speeding on Biscayne Drive, causing accidents and problems. In June of 1929 Nelson was suspended, then reduced to police officer rank. Included in the class was Clarence Dickson, the first MPD academy trained black officer, and later the Chief of Police. The local paper ( The Metropolis) reported in May of 1915 "that the police officer directing traffic in the middle of Miami's busiest intersection, Avenue "D" and 12th Street (now named Flagler St and Miami Avenue) was provided with a huge umbrella to shade himself from the sun while managing the traffic during the hot daylight hours. Huttoe was demoted by City Manager Danner from Probationary Captain to Lieutenant. Wilson died at the hospital. The picnic was financed from proceeds of the annual dance, sponsored by the association. Johnson had joined the MPD in December of 1925. Permanent officer in December of 1905. Stevens, E.V. (Miami News- 5/23/1935). On October 3, 1931, Officer Robert L. (Bob) McCormack, 29, was visiting Miss Dorothy Lager and her family in Miami, and had gone out on the porch to rest before dinner. Phone: (928) 214-2530. Napier was also transferred out of Vice and reassigned to General Assignment. Pomerleau, in effect, took over the police department causing dramatic organizational changes such as eliminating the detective districts, closing down the black precinct, and put the MPD on the road to utilizing computers for crime prevention and other law enforcement purposes. He was also the building inspector, street superintendent, sanitary inspector and tax collector. A 21 year old rookie officer had planned to take his young girlfriend to a prom that evening, May 23, 1970, but was shot and killed at 3AM in the alley behind the sleazy Imperial Hotel on NW 8th, just off Miami Avenue. (Humorous personal story in this book chapter on bondsmen), (Story about how the 68 riot actually started -and why. 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). Sgt Wever, the commanding officer of the 20-man Motor Squad, was a four year veteran of the MPD. Sullivan was immediately suspended by Governor Warren. Zangara was returned to the court, pled guilty, and sentenced to die in Floridas electric chair. Morris, was arrested for unnecessary force during an arrest of a black male. They waited a few minutes until an auto drove up. One spot check found a window open but no burglars, causing the detectives to commence a stake-out at the building. (476 words). Suddenly, a muffled detonation was heard from the direction of 9th Street and 7th Avenue. Other promotions noted were Forrest Nelson and M.E. A wag reported in a Miami News column that "A title for an official song for the police department has been suggested; You may be deaf tonight but you will get your hearing in the morning". Sadly, just this past year, retired Captain Bob Yee, working as a security and crime prevention officer at a Miami River boat yard in his retirement years, was gunned down in an assassination by a hired hit man and killed. This website enabled the committee to coordinate the event and search nationwide for the living members. McCarthy was a traffic division Lieutenant in 1925, having a detail of 250 men under him, more than there are now (1935) on the force. A temporary replacement was Lt. William B. Curry, a 12 year MPD Veteran, appointed by Mayor Parker Henderson, to fill the remainder of Whitman's term. Laurie Lafayette Wever, 34, a four year veteran of the MPD, was shot and killed while chasing two armed robbers in Miami. In October of 1962, City Manager Mel Reese brought in a tough old Marine Colonel, Donald Pomerleau, as Public Safety Director, the boss of the Chief of Police. Guy Howard, 28 years old, was killed in action. (449 words), 154. (1942). Lindstrom, replacing him with Lt. H.L. He had only $43 on his person when arrested and $200 in a New Jersey postal account. (Additional details on this death are contained in this chapter of the book.) The judge dismissed the vagrancy charge and issued a warrant for Officer Caswell's arrest for assault. August 30th -MPD Officer Earl Hudson, an amateur boxer, was knocked out in the2nd round at a boxing match in Atlanta, Georgia. It was believed that the six fled north in two vehicles that were chased by two police units up to the Fort Lauderdale area. The gang, thought to be from Hollywood, escaped. The offender was taken to Jackson Hospital in critical condition. Coral Gables Officer Homer Barton was shot in May 1938 by a crazy drunk with a shotgun while trying to serve a warrant. During the period of 1958 into the mid 1960s, Miamis Mayor was Robert King High, a diminutive attorney who's passion appeared to be criticizing the Chief of Police, Walter Headley. Carver and C.G. The Miami News reported on June 5, 1911, that a citizen named Schmid criticized Officer Thomas Caswell and was struck with a billy club.