21st Precinct 53-08-11 (006) Post Number Seven

Summary

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Podcast Summary: 21st Precinct 53-08-11 (006) – “Post Number Seven”

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: 21st Precinct 53-08-11 (006) Post Number Seven
Release Date: January 31, 2026
Source: [Golden Age of Radio re-broadcast]

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Main Theme & Purpose

This classic episode of "21st Precinct" immerses listeners in a tense, hour-by-hour account of police procedure after a patrolman, Bevin, disappears while on night duty in New York City. Narrated in a dry, procedural style by Captain Frank Kennelly, the episode details the search for Bevin, the discovery of his critical injury, and the subsequent investigation as the precinct strives to unravel whether it was a suicide attempt or foul play.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Arcs

1. A Routine Night Turns Alarming

• [00:27–03:15]
  • Captain Kennelly describes a mostly uneventful shift, mentioning minor incidents like a returned purse.
  • The routine breaks when Patrolman Bevin (Post #4) misses his radio check-in, raising concern due to his record of reliability.
• Quote:
  • "Bevin? Yeah, I rode by there about 20, 25 minutes ago. I saw him on post." – Sergeant Burns [04:30]

2. Escalating Search for Bevin

• [03:16–08:21]
  • Kennelly and his team begin systematically searching Post #4, involving multiple patrol units and detectives.
  • The neighborhood is canvassed, building by building, as tension rises due to Bevin's continued absence.
• Quote:
  • “Beats me, Captain. Just beats the living daylights out of me.” – Sergeant Burns [08:16]

3. Discovery of Bevin

• [08:21–11:58]
  • An inebriated civilian is questioned but proves unhelpful in solving Bevin’s whereabouts.
  • Lt. Matt King locates Bevin in the basement of a vacant tenement, grievously wounded by a gunshot to his jaw and neck.
  • At first glance, evidence suggests a possible self-inflicted wound.
• Quote:
  • "It looks like he shot himself." – Lt. King [10:30]
  • "Did he shoot himself? The gun was fired at very close range, Captain... full of powder marks." – Doctor [11:53]

4. Aftermath at Bellevue Hospital

• [14:19–18:28]
  • Dr. Lowfield informs Kennelly of Bevin’s critical but hopeful prognosis.
  • Mrs. Bevin is notified and anxiously awaits word on her husband’s condition.
• Notable Exchange:
  • "He's dead, isn't he? That's what you're going to tell me..." – Mrs. Bevin [16:10]
  • "No. No, he's not dead." – Captain Kennelly [16:14]

5. Emerging Doubts

• [20:00–21:55]
  • After surgery, Dr. Lowfield raises a crucial detail: the bullet removed doesn’t match Bevin’s service revolver (.38 Special), but seems to be from a different .38 (or a .32).
  • Investigation focuses on the possibility of assault, not suicide.
• Quote:
  • "It wasn't a .32. It was a .38. The doctor was wrong. Oh, but it wasn't fired from Bevin's service revolver. Wasn't it?" – Lt. King [22:50]

6. Case Resolved: The Real Shooter

• [23:05–24:36]
  • Detective work quickly links Bevin’s shooter to a burglary suspect arrested the same night, in possession of a .38 Spanish automatic, with one shot fired.
  • The suspect confesses; ballistics will corroborate the statement.

7. Resolution and Human Aftermath

• [24:36–26:26]
  • Bevin recovers in hospital. Mrs. Bevin, grateful for the outcome, shares the ordeal and relief with Captain Kennelly.
  • The episode reflects on the fluctuating fortunes of life in the precinct and the continual, unending tide of police work.
• Quote:
  • "Well, maybe it's a good thing to keep in mind, Mrs. Bevan, for all of us. Things can look a lot different than they really are." – Captain Kennelly [26:26]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• [03:28] Captain Kennelly remarks:
  • "People make a city. From dawn to midnight. From midnight to dawn, the rich and the poor and the good and the bad pour their lives together and stir up the city as in the 21st."
• [10:30] Lt. King, on Bevin's possible suicide:
  • "It looks like he shot himself."
• [11:53] Doctor, on powder marks:
  • "The gun was fired at very close range, Captain... full of powder marks."
• [16:10] Mrs. Bevin, on notification:
  • "He's dead, isn't he? That's what you're going to tell me."
• [22:50] Lt. King, on the bullet:
  • "It wasn't a .32. It was a .38. The doctor was wrong. Oh, but it wasn't fired from Bevin's service revolver."

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:27–03:15]: Early hours in the precinct, patrol routine disturbed
• [03:16–05:50]: Bevin goes missing, police react
• [06:00–08:21]: Search expands; suspense builds
• [08:21–11:58]: Civilian encounter; Bevin found shot
• [14:19–16:56]: Hospital scene, Bevin's wife notified
• [20:00–20:50]: Doctor realizes bullet does not match service revolver
• [21:53–22:50]: Ballistics report; confirmation of outside shooter
• [23:05–24:36]: Suspect confession and case wrap-up
• [24:36–26:26]: Emotional resolution with Mrs. Bevin and reflection

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Tone & Style

The episode is delivered with a matter-of-fact professionalism and understated tension. Captain Kennelly’s narration is steady and observant, capturing both the procedural elements and the quiet drama underlying the officers’ work and personal lives. The interplay with Mrs. Bevin offers human warmth amid the clinical routine of police investigation.

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Summary Statement

“Post Number Seven” stands as a model of radio drama’s immersive, documentary-inspired storytelling. Using the microcosm of one precinct and one incident, it sympathetically illustrates the dangers, uncertainties, and personal stakes of police work, all filtered through the calm authority of Captain Kennelly and the procedural grind of a busy New York precinct in the 1950s.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

21St Precinct. Sergeant Klein in the basement. Where? 3, 4, 0. Who shot him? Who? Ah. Is he dead? He's not dead. Who's there? Sergeant Burns. There you are in the muscle room at the 21st Precinct. The nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct. All right, I'll send an ambulance. Emergency squad? For what? Who said so? Okay, tell them I'll call CB to send the ESD card. Yeah, right away. Right away. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes and their property is my job. My job and the job of the 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants. If who mind? The boss. My name is Kennelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st. What makes a city? Not buildings, not subways, not business. People make a city. From dawn to midnight. From midnight to dawn, the rich and the poor and the good and the bad pour their lives together and stir up the city as in the 21st. Even on a quiet night, I was working my 6pm to 8am tour. At 10, after I had finished reading and signing the reports and communications that had accumulated, I investigated two minor complaints about conditions in the precinct that had been brought to my attention. At midnight, I turned out the platoon for the late tour and went on patrol until shortly after 2:00am Then I returned to the station house where Lieutenant Gorman, as desk officer, and Sergeant Klein were on duty. In the muster room, I went around behind the desk to sign an entry in the blotter stating that I had completed patrol and returned to the precinct house. Thank you, Captain. Yeah. Some coffee. Hot, if you want it. Not a bad idea. What's doing? Nothing much, Captain. The hack driver turned in a woman's purse. You found the back of the cab. It had $62.08 in it. That's all. Any identification in it? No, sir. Just the money in the small exchange place, a hack strip and a pack of cigarettes. Nothing else. He thought he was a big hero. All right, 29. I tell them you guys are supposed to look in the back seat of your hacks every time you discharge a passenger. Next time you get sent down to the PAC Bureau on a violation. Well, I'll get that coffee.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Oh, sergeant. Oh, yes, sir. All right, go ahead, take a slide. Yes, sir. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. All right, 15, you take the meal period down. All right? Okay. Yes, I can. I had a communication from the telegraph door. They're interested in the QD76 report dated last week. Car jumped the curb and knocked over a call box on Park Avenue. The driver didn't answer the summons in court and they want to issue a warrant. Will you get it out? Yes, sir, but can I wait a few minutes? What's the trouble? I got a man on post, six minutes late ringing in. Who's that? Patrolman Bevin. Post number four, Captain. All right, go ahead. Yes, sir. When did he ring in last? 142, Captain. From box number 23 on time to the minutes. Communications, General. Patrolman Thomas. This is Sergeant Klein, 21st Precinct. Yes, sir. Have 604 to call the 21st. Six hundred and four. Yes, sir. He's not taking his meal, is he? No, sir. He's not due for his meal until 3:30. 3:30 at 4. He's seven minutes late. Now, what's the trouble? Patrolman Bevin, post number four. He's seven minutes late ringing in. Well, surely he's been a good man, Captain. One of the best hooks we got in here in that last bunch. Yes, I know. Pretty ringing on time. Earlier. Right on time. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein, box 31. Sergeant Burns. Oh, hello, it's Sergeant Burns. Listen, ride over to post number four and see if you can locate Bevan. He's eight minutes late ringing in. Bevin? Yeah, I rode by there about 20, 25 minutes ago. I saw him on post. Did you stop and talk to him? Yeah. You didn't get many calls, did you? No, not a thing from here. Okay, I'll get back to you. He said he rode by there about 20, 25 minutes ago and saw him. Is he riding over there now? Yes. He's a good kid. That bad? Father was a lieutenant in Brooklyn East Borough Headquarters. They're tired of years going on. Do you know him, Captain? No. Get out that QD76, sergeant. Yes, sir. I don't want to. He shoots in the draw. Captain. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. What? Louisa? Stabbed Who? Speak into the phone. I went into the 124 room and had a cup of coffee. Patrolman Ryan, the clerical man, called to my attention an MV104, a report concerning an accident on Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive along the east river which had occurred during the day tour. A passenger in one of the cars involved had died of injuries in Mount Sinai Hospital at 1:50am I instructed him to have the desk officer notify the communications bureau and the Manhattan East Motor Vehicle Homicide Squad. I went back to my office to read and sign more reports to be sent to the 6th Division headquarters, 160 E. 35th St. At 2:35am Sgt. Klein walked across the muster room and stuck his head in the open door of my office. Captain, Come in. Sergeant Burns just rang in. Yes. He's been over every inch of post number 4. He can't find any sign of Bella. Where'd he look? Just down the street so far, Captain. That's all he had time for. All right, come on. Oh, call the sector car from over there. Yes. Have him drop his recorder on post number four and bring the car by here for me. Yes. Beginning not to make sense, Captain. No sense at all. Communications girl. Patrolman Thomas, Sergeant Klein, 21st briefing. Have 608 call the 21st, will you? Yes, sir, 608. Right away. All right. Let's take a look at the map, Sergeant. That's a pretty quiet post. Normally, Captain. Yeah, there's not much open around there this time of night. Three or four bars and grills. Maybe there's another luncheon all night. That's real crazy, the whole thing. What time was Bevin due to ring in last? 2:12, captain. He's almost a half hour late. I stood behind the desk for a few minutes and watched as two robbery, assault and section 1897 suspects were brought down by Lt. Matt King, commander of the 21st Detective Squad for booking. A sector car came and Patrolman Farrell drove me to post number four. We located Sergeant Burns. He already had his operator, Patrolman Mercado, and Patrolman Eisman on the job, making a building by building search for Patrolman Devon. Post number four consists of three square blocks between first and Second Avenues. As in many parts of New York, the complexion of the streets change from building to building. An old log tenement might be flanked by a fine apartment house on one side and a garage on the other. We shook every Door went in every basement, inspected every courtyard and climbed every roof. In this we had assistance from the men on adjacent posts, from the men on the ESD car patrolling the district, and from Lt. King, two of his detectives of the 21st Squad. By 3:18am there was still no sign of Patrolman Bevan. Beats me, Captain. Just beats the living daylights out of me. Yeah, Bevin was the kind of a guy that. Wait a minute. There's somebody walking square.

[A]

Captain.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Hey, mister. Mister, wait a minute. We want to talk to you. Oh, no, no, no. Have you been around here for the last hour? Look, I'm so lad. Mister, two beers. There's two beers. You can't kill a man over two beers, can you? What's your name? My name? My name is Joseph Lance Baldness. Junior. Junior because I was named after my father. Had the same name, only senior. Two beers. That's all. Look, have you seen a policeman around here tonight? A policeman? Yeah, I've seen a cop around here. When? Right now. Him? He's a cop. And, oh, look, the sergeant. Still to be a sergeant, he's got my word of honor. My scout, Saul. Where do you live? Joseph Lawrence Boney's unit. Two beers. No, no. You told us your name. Where do you live? There. Right there. I almost made it through, didn't I? Almost. Listen, you won't tell Alma? Please don't tell Alma. All right, come along. Take me to jail. I'll be up and throw the two beers away. But don't. Well, come along. That's all I have. You can ask anybody. Is this the house? Yeah, this is it. 728-728, apartment 60. You're not going to tell Al? Got your keys? I think so. I think I got my keys. But please don't tell them. We let you tell her yourself. You make the stand. Oh, yes. Thank you. Thank you very much. Well, good night, gentlemen. Good night. It was a pleasure to have out with you. There's Matt King, Captain. Hello, Matt. We found him, Captain. Where? The next block in the basement of a tenement. 740 was shot. How bad? He's not dead, but it's pretty bad. Through the jaw, neck and right side. Is he conscious? No, he lost a lot of blood. Even if he was conscious, I don't think he'd be able to talk. But the ambulance. I guess who shot him had any idea? Yes, ma'. Am. Who? It looks like he shot himself. Lieutenant King drove us around to the house was an old law tenement building. The ambulance and the sector Car were parked in front. It was 3:31am There was no crowd on the sidewalk, but tenants in nightclothes were beginning to stick their heads out of the front windows. The first floor above the street was occupied by two business establishments. A beauty parlor and a radio repair shop. An iron gate and fence separated the basement stairs from the sidewalk. We went down. You are interpreted. The basement's been vacant for about a year. Yeah. Be right with you, Captain Whiting. All right. All right, be careful now. Yeah. Roll him on the stretcher. Just roll him on. All right. Get a feet there. Okay, I got some. Easy now. Easy. Okay. All right. Thanks. Thanks a lot. Doctor. I'm Captain Kennelly. Captain. How does it look? It went through the maxillary bone of the jaw, Captain. On the way, it probably hit a vein in the neck. Lost a lot of blood. How is he? Pretty bad. Did he shoot himself? The gun was fired at very close range, Captain. Not farther than this. The Satan had her full of powder marks.

[A]

I see.

[B]

All right, easy with him. All right, lift together now. Yeah. Come on, lift. Stand by. Good way. Watch it. You've got very little clearance there. Easy, easy. Oh, what's the turn there? Hold that back end high. Going up. Captain? Yes, Matt? Whitey and Novak have been talking to the tenants. Yes? They can't find anybody who heard the shot. The next floor up, the stores and the flats don't start until the second floor. Only one shot? Are you sure that's all? That was fired from a service gun, Captain. Is it possible he chased someone down here? Is it possible they had a gun and shot him? Yes, sir. Possible, but not likely. No, sir. That shot was fired at very close range. There isn't any sign of another person being down here. Is that his flashlight there? Yeah. We're leaving it lay there for a while until we get some measurements. Was it turned on? It was on, Captain. The switch had it. The light was broken when it dropped. Apparently the gun was on the floor right near him. How old is he, Captain? He's on his way, Captain. How old is he, sergeant? 24, 25. Married? Yeah, he's married. A couple of young kids. You have any personal problems do you know of? Not that I know of. Luton. He never spoke to me about any personal problems. Man. Well, he's got a big personal problem now. Yes, he has. If he lives. I waited around the scene for a few more minutes while Lt. King and his detectives continued their investigation. And Sgt. Burns talked to Lt. Gorman and got information for his UF6. He ordered the sector car to resume patrol and release the ESD car to its regular duties from a call box on the corner. I gave instructions to the desk officer to notify the division command regarding the accounts. He told me that according to Patrolman Bevan's records, he resided in Jackson Heights, Queens. His wife's name, marion. I instructed Lieutenant Gorman to call CD with a request that the 110th Precinct notifying Patrolman Bevan was wounded and in Bellevue Hospital. Otherwise, things were still quiet in the precinct. Patrolman Mercado was assigned to post number four. Patrolman Farrell drove me downtown to Bellevue. I waited in the doctor's lounge for the surgeon. Doctor Lowfield? Yes, I'm Dr. Lowfield. Captain Kennelly, 21st Precinct. We met. Oh, yes, Captain.

[A]

Captain.

[B]

Well, what kind of a chance do you think he has? Fair, Captain. Just fair? No, better than that. Well, we tried to probe around in there. When he came into Emergency, we couldn't reach the slug. It's pretty deep. There's no telling where it went after it penetrated or what organs it hit. I sent him up to be X rayed. That'll locate the slug, and I'll go in after it. Well, does it have to come out now? The sooner the better, Captain. What does surgery do to his chances? Tommy? Well, he's apparently a very healthy young man, physically, under the circumstances, his pulse and respiration are both better than can be expected. I see. Does it appear to you that he shot himself? The gun was fired at very close range. Powder mark? That's right. Yes, sir. He has a family, doesn't he? Yes. His wife's been notified. She's on her way. She'll be here any minute. I'll have to talk to her and explain what I plan to do. I'll need her consent. I don't think there'll be any trouble about that, Doctor. Oh, excuse me. Sure. Dr. Lowfield? Yes. All right. Right there. Yes, we'll be out.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Mrs. Bevan? She's waiting out at the reception desk. All right. That way, Captain. Thank you. This is the worst part of my job, captain. It's not the best part of mine. That's her, I guess. I'll talk to her. Mrs. Bevan?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm Captain Kennelly.

[A]

Oh, Joe. Where is he?

[B]

This is Dr. Lowfield.

[A]

He's dead, isn't he? That's what you're going to tell him.

[B]

No. No, he's not dead.

[A]

You sure? You positive?

[B]

I just left him. You'd better sit down, Mrs. Bevan.

[A]

That's all Right.

[B]

Please sit down.

[A]

Yes, all right. Awful. Really the worst thing in the world.

[B]

We're going to have to operate, by the way.

[A]

Yes, Right away, if it's got to be done. Suppose it's all right, isn't it, captain?

[B]

Yes, it has to be done.

[A]

All right. Well, doctor?

[B]

Yeah?

[A]

Can I see him before, honey?

[B]

I don't think it would be wise, Mrs. Bevan. Oh, well, I have to get up to him.

[A]

Yes, that would be a good idea.

[B]

I'll be back down as soon as possible. As soon as possible.

[A]

What was his name? Doctor? Who?

[B]

Dr. Lowfield.

[A]

He good.

[B]

Fine as they come.

[A]

That's good. Awful. Worst day in the world. Joe would come home and tell me about notifications. He'd tell me how I'd have to find a mother or wife or father. Tell them that someone was hurt or dead. He'd tell me how he'd always get a neighbor who knew the person. He had to notify them. And the doorbell rang and there was Mrs. Petey from next door and missed the prom. And I. I screamed. I. I really screamed. I don't know what he. Like.

[B]

I know, Mrs. Levin.

[A]

I knew what they were going to say. They were. They were nice. Very nice. But he didn't know anything. It's just that he was shot and that he was here. He didn't know how or why or how bad or anything make it worse. Kids woke up, or one of them. Jackie, I think. Mrs. Creedy staying with them. But she's glad her husband isn't a cop. He's a salesman of something. Very nice people.

[B]

I'm sure they are.

[A]

You gotta tell me how bad it's.

[B]

Joe.

[A]

You're gonna die. I. I don't know what I do.

[B]

He's in serious condition, Mr. Devon.

[A]

Dear God.

[B]

Has he had any problems lately? Real problems?

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

Well, I mean, have you had any financial difficulties? Any trouble at home?

[A]

What have you?

[B]

How about you and George?

[A]

Woody?

[B]

Well, is it getting along all right?

[A]

It's been fine. We're very happy. We have a nice home, two very beautiful children. We couldn't be happier.

[B]

I'm glad to hear that.

[A]

What do you want him out for?

[B]

Oh, we just have to know everything.

[A]

How'd he get soft? Have to. Who do you think know?

[B]

Well, not exactly, Mrs. Bevan. We. We have an idea. We're trying to make sure. I waited with Mrs. Bevan for another 15 or 20 minutes until her mother arrived from Brooklyn. The operation had not yet been completed. I arrived back at the policing house at 5:14am Must have room. Was quiet. Hello, Ken. How is it, Captain? Well, not too good. They hadn't brought him downstairs yet when I left. That can be a rough operation, I guess. Yeah. What's going around here? All right, 31. Hello, Captain. Any messages, Sergeant? Just division headquarters. The division captain wants you to call if there's any change in Bevin's condition. You needn't bother, Mrs. A change?

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Hasn't been a change, has it? No, still critical. Beats me. Sure beats me. Here's some hot coffee, Captain. No, thanks. 21st briefing, Sergeant Klein. Captain Canali there. Who is this calling, please? Dr. Lowfield of Bellevue. It's important. Hold on, please, Captain. Dr. Lowfield of Bellevue. All right, I'll take it here. Captain Kelly. Dr. Lowfield. Captain. Yes, Doctor? I finished the operation. I think he's going to be all right. Good. That's good news. The bullet was large on the buccinator muscle on the contralateral side of the mouth. I got it out. He has a fractured jawbone, which I sat and he lost a lot of blood, so I think he'll pull out of it all right. He's not conscious, is he, Doctor? No. No, he isn't. Listen, Captain. Yes? Do all your men carry a standard service revolver? What do you mean? Well, do you all carry.38 in uniform? The men are required to carry a.38 special. Why? Is that what Patrolman Devin had? Yes. What's your point? Well, the slug I took out of him was a little beat up, but it doesn't look like a.38 to me. Doesn't it? I'm no expert on guns, but. Well, I used to fool around with him a little bit in the Army. It looks more like a.32 than a.38. Captain. Where is this slug? Well, I'm. I'm holding it. Captain, A detective from your precinct asked me to. Lieutenant King. Yes, I think Lieutenant King. Well, hang on to it, Doctor. Just hang on to it. I will. I intend to, and thanks. Thanks a lot. All right. Bye, Doctor. Any change in his condition, Captain? There have been all kinds of changes. I'm going upstairs to see Lieutenant King. I went through the back room and upstairs to see Lieutenant Matt King. He telephoned to Dr. Lowfield. Detective Vitali was sent down to Bellevue to get the slug taken from Patrolman Bevin's jaw and take it to the police laboratory for a ballistics examination along with Patrolman Bevin's service revolver. If the slug was fired from a.32 caliber gun, Patrolman Bevin could not have shot himself. By 8am There was no word on the ballistics examination. I turned out the platoon for the day tour, signed the blotter, left the precinct to go off duty. Ellen was awake and dressed when I got home. I talked with her while she had breakfast. He told me she was going to 34th street because both Macy's and Gimbels had advertised big linen sales. Ellen left the house and I went to bed. A hot sun flashed in under the shade. I don't know how long it took me to fall asleep. Maybe it only seemed long. Hello, Captain? Yes? Matt King. Oh, hello, Matt. Were you asleep? Yeah. That's all right. What time is it? One o'. Clock. Five minutes after. What have you got the slug they took out of Bevin? Yes? It wasn't a.32. It was a.38. The doctor was wrong. Oh, but it wasn't fired from Bevin's service revolver. Wasn't it? Not according to the report. Well, that's good news. I'm calling from home too, Captain. I'm going in now. Vitale called me. Said there was a man picked up on suspicion of burglary in the 34th Precinct at 3. 55 this morning. He was carrying a. 38 Spanish make automatic. Yeah. One shot had been fired from it. How does it look? Well, I'm going out to the 34th to talk to this fella. Look, if there's anything to it, Matt, will you let the man on TS know so he can call me? I'll call you myself, Captain, as soon as I know anything. I got up and got dressed. After I had some coffee, I took my car over to Fred's to be washed and greased. I returned home close to four. Ellen was there. She told me Lieutenant King had phoned. I called him back. The man arrested in the 34th had a record of five arrests and two convictions for burglary. After questioning by Lt. King and Assistant District Attorney Lewis Sullent, he admitted shooting Patrolman Bevin. He was brought into the 21st and booked on charges of assault in section 1897. The gun in his possession at the time of his arrest was sent to the police laboratory for ballistics examination to corroborate his statement. That night, en route to a meeting of the Captain's Endowment association at the 71st Regiment Armory in Manhattan, I stopped in at Bellevue Hospital.

[A]

Oh, hello, Captain.

[B]

How is he, Mrs. Evans?

[A]

Better. Much better.

[B]

That's good.

[A]

He's been propped up since about 4:00 clock this afternoon. Of course, he can't talk and it's Hard to feed him much, but the doctor says he's doing fine, just fine. I was going out now so he could get some food.

[B]

Well, then I won't stay. I.

[A]

That's all right. He not asleep yet? I'm sure he'd want to see you. It's this way.

[B]

You've been here since this morning?

[A]

Oh, yes. My mother was here for a while. Then she went out to the house to take care of the kids. Ms. Creedy couldn't stay all day to her children have alone, you know. It's in here. Let me stick my head in and make sure he's not asleep. Joe. He's still up. Come on, you guess who's here? Joe talking to Nellie.

[B]

Hello, Joe.

[A]

The doctor told me it'd be at least a week before he'd be able to talk again. You know, it was real funny. The detectives in the precinct, what were their names, Joe? Kenny and Goldman. Kenny and Goldman. They came down here. Wanted a statement from Joe on what happened. Do you know them, captain?

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

But it was really funny, wasn't it, Joe? He couldn't say a word to them. It was all all right anyway because they knew what happened from the man that shot him. Joe saw him come down a fire escape, but he chased him. He chased him into that basement. Is that right, Joe? He just robbed an apartment. Anyway, Joe followed him down into the basement. He was looking around for him with his flashlight and the man was hiding behind a partition. And then when Joe got this close, he shot. Joe fired one shot that didn't do any good. Isn't that right, Joe? And we're glad they got him. Very glad. We're glad. Joe's gonna be all right. I was worried this morning, captain.

[B]

So was I. I didn't know how.

[A]

Things were gonna turn out. I thought he was dead or dying. But looked at him, strong as an ox, anxious.

[B]

Well, maybe it's a good thing to keep in mind, Mrs. Bevan, for all of us. Things can look a lot different than they really are. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. I can hear you. What's the trouble there? She all alone? How much is on the clock? Two dollars and one. Why can't she pay it? Where'd she lose it? Where? Doesn't she have any money? Nothing, huh? Well, all right. You're driving a hack. Drive her into the station house. We'll talk about it when you get here. And so it goes. Around the clock, through the week, every day, every year. A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone. 21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloane in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch is Lieutenant King. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.