21st Precinct 53-10-06 (014) The Bird

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – 21st Precinct 53-10-06 (014) "The Bird"

Date: January 10, 2026
Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: 21st Precinct 53-10-06 (014) – "The Bird"

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Episode Overview

This episode revives the classic radio police procedural “21st Precinct,” set in 1950s New York. The story begins with a seemingly routine call about a gas leak but quickly escalates into a policy (illegal lottery) investigation. The episode captures the day-to-day reality faced by precinct officers—balancing public safety, procedural diligence, and the unpredictability of urban crime. The procedural drama is heightened by keen character interplay, the methodical work of law enforcement, and a healthy dose of period-appropriate attitude and banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Gas Leak Incident

[00:35–06:15]

• Captain Kennelly and Patrolman Farrell respond to an emergency call about a possible gas leak at 618 East 75th Street.
• The building super, Mr. Champisi, alerted authorities after a tenant reported the scent of gas.
• Officers and the superintendent struggle to find the source; tenants are being evacuated.
• The situation is resolved when they discover a pot of coffee had boiled over, putting out the fire on the stove. No one is home in the apartment.
• The police have to forcibly enter the apartment, causing damage—a point of contention for the superintendent.

Notable Quote:

“What’d you expect us to do, Mr. Champisi? There might have been somebody overcome in here or a spark could have blown up the building.”
— Captain Kennelly, [06:03]

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2. Suspicion and Discovery

[06:15–10:08]

• While inspecting the “lucky” apartment further (since the gas leak was not severe), officers stumble upon something unexpected—a large amount of cash and policy slips (lottery tickets) hidden in the oven.
• Further searching finds electric calculating machines and tally sheets—clear evidence the apartment is being used as a base for an illegal numbers bank.

Notable Quote:

“Looks like we’ve got a policy drop, Sergeant.”
— Captain Kennelly, [08:12]

“Boy, this guy was running some bank.”
— Patrolman Coley, [10:04]

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3. Investigation and Interrogation of Residents

[10:38–13:30]

• Captain Kennelly instructs that plainclothes officers be called in to investigate further.
• Mr. Champisi, the super, is interviewed for more information on the tenant, Alfred Harrods, who has been living in the building for only a few weeks and paid rent in advance.
• The tenant's apparent occupation as a “salesman” is called into question.
• Attention shifts to a woman (Gloria Navin), suspected of being Harrods’ girlfriend, seen outside the building during the commotion.

Notable Quote:

“Tenant is a tenant until he proves himself otherwise.”
— Captain Kennelly, [09:16]

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4. Gloria Navin: The Girlfriend and Her Interrogation

[15:50–21:19]

• Gloria Navin initially denies any connection to Harrods. Captain Kennelly, with consistent questioning, exposes her as both Harrods’s girlfriend and a runner in his operation.
• The search of her person uncovers about $400 and nearly 1,000 more policy slips.
• Gloria begins to crack under pressure, expressing both fear of sentencing and, more so, fear of Harrods’ retaliation if she “rats him out.”

Notable Quotes:

“They won’t keep me. I’ve got the number of a Barnsman. All I have to do is call them.”
— Gloria Navin, [18:22]

“I’ve seen people stand up there… think who you hurt in making a little book or writing a few numbers… then wham. They get it right between the eyes.”
— Captain Kennelly, [19:03]

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5. Turning Informant

[21:11–21:44]

• Realizing the severity of her predicament, Gloria admits her full involvement and lists Harrods’s daily routine, including where and when he meets his collectors—at a Yorkville bar and grill, where money and policy slips are handed off covertly.

Notable Quote:

“Am I a friend of Al Harrods? Yes. Do I work for him too? Yes. What else?”
— Gloria Navin, [21:18]

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6. The Sting and Capture of Harrods

[22:31–25:30]

• Officers stake out the bar and grill based on Gloria’s intel, hoping to catch Harrods in the act.
• A tense but conversational confrontation ensues in the bar between Kennelly, Thomas, and Harrods, who puts up a casual front.
• Despite Harrods’s insistence he’s gone straight (“I got my stomach full of that. That’s for the birds.”), officers demand he open the trunk of his car, having already raided his apartment and collected the evidence.

Notable Quotes:

“I’m telling you, I’m out of it. Since I finished that bit on Rikers Island, I’m out of it.”
— Al Harrods, [24:46]

“Yeah, it sure is for the birds, Al. And you’re a volk too, with a 20 foot wingspread.”
— Captain Kennelly, [25:00]

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7. Episode Reflection and Closing

[27:12–27:40]

• The episode ends on a note reflecting the non-stop, unpredictable, and circular nature of police work in New York.
• The dramatic arrest wraps up, emphasizing that in the world of law enforcement, anyone can win—or lose—all in a day's work.

Notable Quote:

"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."
— Narrator, [27:29]

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Memorable Moments & Insights

• The routine gas investigation mushrooming into a major gambling bust exemplifies the unpredictability of police work.
• The episode highlights the danger and difficulty faced by informants, as Gloria’s genuine fear of retaliation is juxtaposed with her ambiguous sense of loyalty and self-preservation.
• The interplay between police and suspects has a mix of menace, weariness, and world-weary humor emblematic of the Golden Age of Radio.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:35 – The gas leak call and evacuation
• 06:15 – Discovery of policy slips and cash in the oven
• 10:38 – Thorough search; plainclothes officers called
• 15:50 – Interrogation of Gloria Navin begins
• 18:22 – Gloria reacts to news of her impending charges
• 21:11 – Gloria agrees to turn informant
• 22:31 – The police stakeout and arrest of Harrods at the bar
• 27:29 – Narrator’s closing thoughts on precinct life

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Conclusion

This episode of "21st Precinct" offers a tense, tightly woven procedural story showcasing the serendipitous nature of police work—how a minor incident can uncover a significant crime. The dialogue is sharp, displaying period realism, and the methodical build-up to the climax illustrates the dogged persistence of mid-century law enforcement. The show’s balanced tone—grave, sardonic, and compassionate—makes this a compelling listen for fans of Golden Age radio drama and crime stories alike.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why choose a sleep number? Smart bed.

[Captain Kennelly]

Can I make my site softer?

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Captain Kennelly]

21St briefing. Sergeant Collins. You what? Smell gas. Where is this? East 70. What for? You haven't found where it's coming from? That's right. Get the people out. See if you can locate where it's coming from. No, no, that's all right. We'll take care of it. You're in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming. 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. You'll have assistance right away. Yes, sir, right away. No, no, just stay where you are. The officers will be there 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 homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct. The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kelly, Frank Kelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. It was Tuesday morning. I'd been on the job since 8 when I turned out the platoon for the day tour. After I read and signed reports, I went on patrol of the precinct with Patrolman Farrell as my operator. As we turned off Park Avenue into 72nd Street, a signal 32 came over the air. 618 East 75th Street. Ambulance and emergency squad responding. Sounded like a gas case I told Farrell to make. When we turned into the block, I could see that sector car number one was on the job. So was the sergeant's car. There was no sign of either the ambulance or the ES. Car 618 was a five story tenement building. A few passersby and Neighbors were beginning to gather on the sidewalk. There's the spot. Carol. Pull in. Get. Sir. All right, let's go. Right with you, Captain. That's either rehearsal. See her? The ambulance coming now. Yeah. Keep the sidewalk there, pal. Keep off the suit. All right, folks, will you let it. Let it go. Yeah. You please get off the soup, Big hair, pal. Yes, sir. I can smell that gas out here. It's sick, pal. Yes, sir. Keep people away from those doorbells. Yes, sir. Now, look, I told you to get off the. Sergeant Collins. Who is it? Captain Canelli. Second Fuller.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, Sergeant. All right, you play hole in there. Open up. Open up the police. Where is it, Sergeant? Beats me, Captain, we haven't been able to locate. We better locate it fast. Open up the building up. Open up in there. There's nobody's home, Captain. We've been hitting every door. I sent a man up to third and another to fifth who were clearing everybody out. It's not on this floor. Chloe, did you locate it? He's on the fourth floor, Captain. Whole horse and out. The gas. No telling where it's coming from. Who put in the call? Super. He's up with Coley. Tenant smell. Gas in the hall. How about the main feed line? I sent glass into the basement with the super squats to turn off the valve. Good. Now, come on, folks. Don't stand there and talk about it out on the street, please. Get in the sidewalk. Did you open your windows, folks, and have your doors open? All right, out of the building. All right, come on. Yes. Anybody cover the third floor yet? Just quickly on the way up, Captain. I told those people to clear out. Not them. Let's try that one. Smells pretty strong here. Police officers. Open up in there. Police officers.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Open up.

[Captain Kennelly]

This could be it, Captain.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Open up.

[Captain Kennelly]

Curly, come on down here. Bring the super with you. This is it. I'm sure. What do you want to do, Captain? Push the door in? Yeah. All right. Let's go together again. No. Is that it, Sergeant? You think so? Yeah. Let me see if I can kick it. Go ahead. Try it again. This is it. All right. Keep low. Coley, hit that window. I'll get this one. Here's the sergeant. Get the stove. I've got it shut off, Captain. How's the other window, Coley? This looks like the culprit, Captain. Yeah. Coffee boiled over. Put out the plane. You ruined a good coffee pot. Well, that looks like about it. Coley. Yes, sir. Take a look in that room. See if anybody's in there. Let's try this One, Sergeant. Only one burner was on, Captain. Looks like an accident. Nobody in here. Callie, anybody in that room? Yes or nobody. Well, the ambulance and the ESD just got here. You can head them off, Sergeant. We don't need them. Yes, sir. Right away. Say, Coley, where's the super? I left him out in the hall, Captain. Well, I want to talk to him. Yes, sir. Let's give this room a chance to air out.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Who is it down there? Phil?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes. Mr. Campisi. You want to see me? Yeah. This is Captain Kelly. Mr. Philip Champisi, Superintendent. Glad to know you. How are you? Real messes turned out to be real mess. Could have been worse. I headed off the ambulance and the sg, Captain. Good. Hey, listen, was it necessary to kick the door in? Look at that. The panel is split, the lock is busted. Ain't worth much of anything now. What'd you expect us to do, Mr. Champisi? There might have been somebody overcoming here or a spark could have blown up the building. That's all well and good, but I'm the one that's got to explain to the landlord. I'm the one that's got to ask him for a new door, new hardware. This could never be fixed. Never. Even a frame is shot. Look, what's the name of the tenant here? The tenant? Yeah. Well, the tenant is a fellow named Harrods. Alfred Harrods. Listen, is any damage inside? Just to the coffee pot. Ah, well, that ain't the landlord's. That's his Harrods. None of these flats furnished. Tenants gotta furnish their own furniture and furnishings. Where is he? What do you mean, where is he? Where'd he go? Well, listen, as long as he pays his rent, he can come and go as he pleases. I don't keep track of him. Can we take a look inside? I just want to check for sure there's no damage. I gotta call the landlord, give him the whole story. You get this pretty well cleared out by now, huh, Captain? Yeah, I'd imagine. Landlord's gonna hit the ceiling about this door. Still smells pretty bad of gas in here. It's all right. You don't have any idea where this tenant could be? I told you. Did you call the police? Yeah, that was me. Mrs. Truro on the fourth floor come down, knocked on my door. She said she smelled gas in the hall. You know, I came upstairs and I checked. Checked immediately. Sure enough, I couldn't tell where it was coming from, though. I had the same trouble as you, so I called. Who knows what could happen in a situation like that you gotta call. Don't look like was any damage you stole, huh? Listen, Mr. Champisi, this whole thing was very lucky. Yes, very lucky. New door. The place could have been blown sky high. I want you to call the station house. When this tenant gets home, I want to send an officer over here to talk to him about going out and leaving a pot of coffee on the fire. Talk to him myself. You call the station house. Yeah, okay, I'll call. He's calling. Yes, sir. Go downstairs and tell Farrell we can let the tenants up now. It's all over. Yes, sir. He should be given a piece of somebody's mind. Where does he work? Well, I don't know. He's a salesman. I think he sells things. Yeah. What? Well, I don't know. I never asked him. He paid up two months rent in advance when he moved in, so I wasn't too curious. How long has he lived here? Oh, three, four weeks. You know, he had a phone put in. It's the only phone in the building. Besides mine, which the landlord stands good for. If a guy can afford a phone, I don't worry too much. Did you see him this morning? No. No, I don't budge out of my place. Not unless I have to. I still smell a little gas in here, Captain. Let's check that burner again. Yes, sir. Looks off to me. It is. Well, open up the oven. Yes, sir. Well, what do you know? That's a fine thing to keep in the oven. Paper. What is it, Sergeant? Policy click. Let's see that. No wonder the guy looks like a millionaire. Just some cash, Captain. Hey, is all that good? It's good. I never saw so much money in a lump. Looks like we've got a policy drop, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Well, listen, I didn't know what the guy did. Don't hold it against me that he lived here. Tenant is a tenant until he proves himself otherwise. Calling. Yes, sir. Let's see what else we can find around here, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Captain, give Sergeant Collins a hand. Yes, sir. Let's start over here. You never know about some people numbers game in my building.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why choose a sleep number? Smart bed.

[Captain Kennelly]

Can I make my sight softer?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Can I make my sight firmer? Can we sleep cooler? Sleep number does that cools up to eight times faster and lets you choose your ideal comfort on either side. Your sleep number. Setting J.D. power ranks sleep number one in customer satisfaction with mattresses purchased in store and online. And now the more you buy, the more you save on beds, faces and more limited time for J.D. power. 2025 award information. Visit J.D. power.com awards check it out at the sleep number stor sleepnumber.com today.

[Captain Kennelly]

You just never know. On discovery that the flat in which there had been a gas leak was occupied by a person in apparent violation of the gambling laws, I instructed Sergeant Collins to notify the desk officer at the 21st, who in turn would notify the office of the Division Commander so that plain clothes men responsible for the enforcement of gambling laws would be sent to the scene to investigate. As this notification was being made, a more thorough search of the premises was conducted by patrolmen Coley and Farrell under my supervision and in the presence of the civilian witness, Philip Champisi, the superintendent of the building. In a closet were found two electric calculating machines and tally sheets in addition to the policy slits and the cash. 8820, 35, 45, 6, 7, 8 9. 51, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Like a gold mine. $2,857, Captain. All right, Cody, enter the amount in your memorandum book. Hey, now here's an opportunity. Let's all go to Belmont. We could still make the daily double. You want to sign my book, Captain? Yeah. Hey, what's all the production? Are you afraid this Harrods guy might say you shortchanged it? Well, we just don't want to give him anything to say. Sal. Yes, sir. You got all that stuff together? Yes, sir. We'll need a bushel basket for all these policy slip captains. Boy, this guy was running some bank. Mr. Champisi. Yes? What. What happens to all the money? Oh, it gets turned over to the property clerk until the court determines who's the rightful owner. Well, listen, could you give me some consideration? You know, if I didn't put into court, you never would have found it. When did you say this Mr. Harrods moved in here quite a nowhere? Three, four weeks ago. And he told you he was a salesman? Yeah, that's right. He didn't tell you anything else? What do you mean he didn't tell you what he sold? Well, listen, I didn't know anything about him. What can I do? Now, listen, Captain. Are the plainclothesman on the way, Sergeant? Yes, sir. But one of the tenants told me he saw the girlfriend of the fellow who has this flat standing outside in the crowd. Oh, yeah, yeah, I forgot to tell you about his girlfriend. Is she still there? She was when I came up. I told Farrell to keep an eye on her. Take charge here, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Come on, Mr. Champ. Is he. Yeah. Man, what a day you live to be a hundred and never see so much excitement, huh? How about a smoke, Jeff? Give me that. Oh, I'm sorry. The gas. Excuse me, I. I forgot, Kevin. Well, you better remember, or you'll never get anywhere near a hundred. Come on, let's get downstairs. Although the flat in which the gas leak had occurred was obviously a policy drop, there was no conclusive evidence that would lead to a conviction of either Harrods or any of his associates, despite the large amount of cash discovered. The calculating machines, the policy slips and the tally sheets. Both the policy slips and the tally sheets were from previous day's play. And it's a good idea to have evidence showing the play was made on the day of the arrest. It was my thought to keep the girlfriend of Harrods under surveillance until the plainclothesman arrived. Then, as they thought best, they could question her, take her to the station house, or attempt to follow her in order to connect him directly with the evidence. On the way downstairs, I told the super of the building that I wanted to stand outside on the stoop and talk to him, apparently in connection with the accident. I warned him not to look in the direction of the girl, nor point to her. All right, I'll do just like you say. Count on it, Captain. I hope I can. Sal. Yes, sir. Don't look in her direction. But which girl is it? See the gray Plymouth coupe plot to the curb there? Yeah, she's standing right next to it, Captain. The blonde, about 25 years old, five' four, has on a beige coat. Yeah, that's her, all right. I seen her go up to visit him time and time again. I asked her not to look over there. I didn't look. I just glimpsed. Just talk to me. What do you want me to talk about? Weather. That'll do. Well, looks like it's gonna turn into a nice day after all, huh? You know, when I woke up today, looked out the window, I had my doubts. Listen, Captain, what happens to the $2850? Does he get that back? I told you, he does. If he can prove it's lawfully his. Oh. Who is it you're waiting for? Detectives. Plain clothesman? What's the difference? Plainclothesman, detectives. I always thought they were the same. No. Plainclothesmen are assigned to enforce gambling and vice laws. Oh, detectives investigate all other serious. You know, I never knew that. A lot of people don't. Oh, you'd be surprised. You'd be very surprised. Have you seen her here very often, Mr. Champ? Easy on occasion. On Several occasions. When? Daytime or at night? Both. But my wife, she knows everything goes on around here. My wife says she's here all the time. Day, night, afternoon. She's turning to go, captain. Yeah, I see her. Any sign of the playing postman? No, sir. What are you gonna do? This is getting to be a situation. Stay here, pal. Yes, you, too. Excuse me, please. Pardon me, Miss. Miss. Wait a minute.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Me?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah. What's your name, miss? Who are you? I'm a police officer.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

What do you want to know my name for?

[Captain Kennelly]

I want to know Gloria.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Gloria Nathan.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who's your friend in that building?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

What building?

[Captain Kennelly]

618, East 75th.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

I don't think I have to tell you that.

[Captain Kennelly]

It's Al Harrods, isn't it?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No, it isn't.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, who is it, then?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Nobody.

[Captain Kennelly]

Why were you standing outside there?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Well, I was just curious. I'm entitled to be curious when there's excitement going on.

[Captain Kennelly]

It's Al Harrods, isn't it? He's your friend.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No.

[Captain Kennelly]

You came by to see him this morning. When you were walking down the street toward the place. You saw the police there. You were worried. You found out the gas leak was in his place.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Listen, I don't know any Al Harrods. I told you that. I was just standing there because I was curious, that's all.

[Captain Kennelly]

Look, Gloria, you don't want to get into trouble, do you?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

I won't get in trouble.

[Captain Kennelly]

You will if you keep telling me one lie after another.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

What can you do to me? You can't do anything to me.

[Captain Kennelly]

Would you mind walking back to the building with me?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Of course I'd mind.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, let's walk back anyway.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

I haven't done anything. I don't see why you're picking on me just because I was too curious.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, there's a few things we want to get straightened out.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

If you want to get something straightened out, that's no business of mine. What's it got to do with me.

[Captain Kennelly]

Mr. Champy?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Person is entitled to be killing you call me.

[Captain Kennelly]

Captain. Yes? Is this young woman a friend of Al Haran's? Yeah, he's a friend of his. I seen him go up there. That's a lie plenty of times.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

I never even heard of any Al Har.

[Captain Kennelly]

The planes. Clothes, miss.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Captain, this is getting to be ridiculous.

[Captain Kennelly]

You're telling him. Hello, Captain. Thomas. How have you been? Fine. Understand you struck gold outside.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Look, all this is well and good, but what do you want with me? I've got a right to know.

[Captain Kennelly]

Sure, you've got A right to know. We're going to take you to the station house. One of the plain clothes men went upstairs to take charge of the premises while the other accompanied the young woman, Gloria Navin and I to the station house. A policewoman was sent for to make a search of the suspect. In the meantime, Patrolman Coley and Sergeant Burns returned to the station house with the money found in the flat. This was turned over to the desk officer and entered in the blotter. In about a half hour, the policewoman arrived and made a search of the clothing and purse of the suspect. Nearly 1,000 policy slips and about $400 in cash was found on her person. While the policewoman sat nearby, Gloria was cracking in my office. Well, now, look, you know what's gonna happen to you, don't you?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No, I don't know what.

[Captain Kennelly]

As soon as we get through talking to you, I'm gonna take you out there to the desk and book you in. Then you're gonna ride down to court and talk to the judge.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

They won't keep me. I've got the number of a Barnsman. All I have to do is call them.

[Captain Kennelly]

That only lets you out until the trial. What good's a Barnsman gonna do you after he's sentenced? You're headed straight for the house of detention. You ever been in there?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No. No, I haven't.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, I didn't know. It's why I asked you. You know you can get a year out of his. Gloria.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No, he wouldn't be that tough. And never that tough in these kind of cases.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's the captain.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

It'd be a suspended sentence or a fine. Maybe you know that.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I don't know. The judge is going to say to me. He's going to say that you cooperate, officer. And what can I say? All I can do is tell him the truth. All I can say is, judge, she wasn't a bit of help. Her boyfriend had this policy dropped. But there wasn't a bit of conclusive evidence up there. She had all the incriminating evidence in her possession. She wouldn't help us at all. I've seen people stand up there. They think who you hurt in making a little book or writing a few numbers, tickets. I think the most they'll get out of it is a slap on the wrist. Then wham. They get it right between the eyes. It doesn't make any difference what you think or what I think about it. Gambling is a violation of the law. The way things are, pressure's on the judges, too. They Let somebody off easy in a gambling case. They'd be criticized. They've been handing out some jolts down there. Isn't that right, Captain? Well, so I hear.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

He wouldn't give me a year.

[Captain Kennelly]

You want to take the chance? It's up to you. All I can tell him is that you want a bit of help.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Supposing I want some help? I wouldn't want to do a year. It's not worth it.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, like I said, all I can do is tell him the truth. But it stands to reason you'd get a lot more consideration if I could tell him, for instance, that you helped us knock over a big policy bank.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

He'd kill me. He'd just kill me.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, Al.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

He beats me up for no reason at all. What would he do to me if I gave him a reason?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, it wasn't your fault that he was stupid enough to go away and leave the fire burning out of the coffee.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No, but he's not gonna look at it that way. You don't know where. Al, I'd like to help you, but you know how it is.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, that's too bad. I'd like to help you too. Shame we can't do anything for each other. Let's book her in, Captain. No sense wasting any more time. Come on, Gloria. This way.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

You wouldn't be that tough on me, the judge?

[Captain Kennelly]

I can't tell you what's on a judge's mind this way. No sense making any prediction. It all depends.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Nothing to do but take my sauce.

[Captain Kennelly]

Stand right up to the desk man. I want to book her in, Sergeant. What's the name? M A V A N. Glorian. How old are you, Glorian?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

24.

[Captain Kennelly]

Address?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

321 Lewiston Avenue in Manhattan. In Manhattan?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Listen, the only thing I'm worried about is what he'd do to me. Oh.

[Captain Kennelly]

I mean, he couldn't do anything to you if you never saw him again. But if you're that crazy about him, what's the use of talking?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

He said I'm crazy about him.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where were you born, in the Bronx?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Listen, I'm not gonna do a year for him. That'd be crazy, wouldn't it?

[Captain Kennelly]

That's what I've been trying to impress on you. Who's gonna look out for you if you don't look out for yourself? Any prior arrests and convictions? One arrest, no convictions.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

All right. What do you want to know? Am I a friend of Al Harrick? Yes. Do I work for him too? Yes. What else?

[Captain Kennelly]

Is there any way he could have known about what happened at his place today.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Only if I called him and told him that was the only way.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where was he?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

You know, around. Making his collections and meeting his runners. He couldn't have known. There's nowhere.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where is he now?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

I don't know where he is now, but I know where he'll be at 2 o'.

[Captain Kennelly]

Clock. When?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

He'll be at a bar and Grill in Yorkville. 736 East 85th. He meets a couple of his collectors there every day. They turn over their play and the collections to him.

[Captain Kennelly]

In the bar?

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

No. He parks his car. They all got keys to the trunk. He just sits in there while they drop the play and money in the trunk of his car. When he comes out, it's all ready to drive away. He just sets a mandarin fear. Is that what you wanted to know? I told you, you gonna save me that year.

[Captain Kennelly]

Like I said, I'll tell him the truth.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Okay? He'll get out on bond and he'll beat me up. He'll just beat the living daylights out of me.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. If you're worried about that, we'll see that you get protection. He won't lay a hand on you.

[Sergeant Collins / Gloria Navin / Philip Champisi]

Listen, please, worry about your own job. If Al wants to beat me up, that's between me and him.

[Captain Kennelly]

We took Gloria back into my office and she supplied us with all the information she was able to furnish. It was decided that Thomas partner remain at the flat in the event Al Harrods returned there unexpectedly. At 2. 45, I accompanied Thomas to the vicinity of the Bar and grill on East 85th Street. Gloria could give us only a hazy description of his car and we were unable to spot it. Parked on the street a little after 3 o', clock, we walked into the Bar and Grill. Gloria had described Al Harrod as a short and rather heavyset man. She said he would probably be wearing a plaid sports shirt, a type for which he had a passion. There's a fella in a plaid shirt back there in a booth. Al Harrods. Did she say that's the name he used to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Al.

[Captain Kennelly]

Board captain. I've been wondering where he was the last couple of months. You. You know him, huh? Real well. Oh, hello, Al. Oh, hi. Stand up, Al. Listen, I'm clean. Come on, stand up. All right. That's the way, I guess you are. Clean. You could have taken my word for it. You know, I was just thinking about you the other day, Al. Were you? I sure was. This is Captain Kennelly. Hello. How are You. You don't mind if we sit down, do you? No, no, no. Help yourself. Thanks. Funny room, Captain. Did he say you're a cop, too? That's fine. What have you been doing with yourself lately, Al? I haven't seen you around. Well, you know, that last 90 days on Rikers island cured me. And I said to myself, Al, it don't pay hang up. That's no hotel in the mountains over there on Rikers Island. You know, dump the racket. How you getting along? Fine. Just fine. Live around here? No, I'm. I'm over Jersey now. What are you doing here? You still working out of this division? That's right. You too, Captain. He's commander of the 21st Police Officer. No kidding, Captain. This Al, is an example of how a good boy can turn out to be an honest citizen. You stick him a couple of times and he learns the racket doesn't pay. You live in New Jersey? That's nice. You working? Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm breaking my back every day working for my wife's brother over there. He's got a poultry business. You don't say him. Yeah, up the crack of dawn every day. What are you doing in the big city? Oh, just came over to see a fellow friend of mine. Do you want something, Captain? I'll get the girl over. No. No, thanks. So I cured you, Hal. Yes, sir. I'm walking that tightrope now. I'm on a square and I love it. Didn't I tell you you wouldn't believe me? Well, I Believe you now, Mr. Thomas. I'll never forget you. Won't you, Al? No, sir. You know, I've been a long time in this job alone. There's not many guys you run into who can make you feel that you accomplished something. You make me feel that way, Al, and I appreciate it. I appreciate it too, Mr. Thomas. Captain, this guy's made my day. You wouldn't kid me, Al. What? Would I lie to you, Mr. Thomas? No, Al, I don't believe you would. Ah, not me, brother. I learned that's for the bread. Well, I gotta go. Nice to see you, Al. Yeah. Uh, just a second, Al. We're goin, too. Oh, Captain, if I know this guy, I'll bet you he's hustling policy slips across the river in Jersey. I'm telling you, I'm out of it. Since I finished that bit on Rikers Island, I'm out of it. After you, Captain. Thanks. I mean, maybe I play the numbers once in a while. Well, that's not so bad. But Bookham. Not me, brother. I had my stomach full of that. That's for the birds. Well, here's my car. Yeah, it sure is for the birds, Al. And you're a volk too, with a 20 foot wingspread. Yeah. All right, open up the trunk of your car. I don't know what's going on. Go on, open it up. Al, we hit your place on 75th Street. We got you $2,800 in cash and a go kart full of policy slips. Put the key in. What are you stringing me along for? 20. 20 foot wing spread. You were stringing yourself along, Al. You could be frank. Well, look. Another gold mine, Captain. Mental cruelty. Let me think. I conned you out of it. All right, close it up. Be careful, Thomas. Watch that he doesn't fly away. He's a bird. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Collins. Was this 3361. How was he shot? How many hold up men? Just one. 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 Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Featured in tonight's cast were Mendel Kramer, Bill Quinn, Bill Lipton, Joan Loring, Bill Zuckert, John Sylvester and Jack Orison. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Captain Kennelly]

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