21st Precinct 54-01-20 (028) The Visitors

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 54-01-20 (028) The Visitors
Original Air Date: January 20, 1954
Host: Not applicable (classic radio drama)
Summary Date: February 22, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "21st Precinct" offers a dramatized, behind-the-scenes look at day-to-day police work in New York City during the 1950s. The focus is on the mundane and routine, presenting police officers as public servants handling both major crimes and the everyday troubles of their community. In “The Visitors,” Captain Kennelly and his squad investigate the theft of a Cadillac belonging to out-of-town visitors, revealing the protocols, frustrations, and human moments involved in police procedure.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

Patrol and Police Procedure (00:36–02:46)

• The episode opens in the mustering room at the 21st Precinct, with Captain Kennelly and Sergeant Waters managing a complaint about a stolen car, setting the stage for the type of calls the precinct receives.

• Captain Kennelly narrates his responsibilities as precinct commander, emphasizing both administrative duties and his hands-on involvement in the community.

  “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…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.” – Captain Kennelly (01:17)

Spotting Suspicious Activity & Arrest (02:46–08:30)

• While patrolling, Kennelly and Waters notice two men acting suspiciously in a new Cadillac with Illinois plates.

• They decide to check the car, leading to an arrest after discovering the ignition has been jumped and the men are carrying pen knives and beer can openers (typical car-theft tools).

• The exchange between the officers and the suspects (Leon and Ruby) is full of skepticism, deflection, and streetwise banter.

  “He lent you the car, but not the keys, huh?” – Captain Kennelly (05:00) “Ain’t a guy entitled to have a pen knife? Not with an 8-inch blade.” – Captain Kennelly to Leon (05:48)

• After backup arrives, the suspects and vehicle are transported to the station for further questioning.

Detention and Interrogation (08:30–12:40)

• The suspects are brought to the detective squad with their luggage.

• Discussion reveals previous criminal history; both suspects have prior arrests for similar offenses.

• Their occupation is joked about, hinting at their ongoing criminal lifestyle.

  “You know the guys that put down linoleum and tiles on the floors?...No, I’m a helper. Only I ain’t working.” – Leon (10:22)

• The officers share a mix of bemusement and professional cynicism about "users" and the realities of recurring petty criminals.

Interrogation Strategies & The Suspects’ Perspective (12:40–19:36)

• Lt. King questions Leon, using conversational pressure and the promise of leniency to encourage a confession.

• Leon recounts how he and Ruby met up, discussed their financial troubles, and impulsively decided to "make some money" by looking for targets downtown.

  “We went downtown, right to get off. I’m gonna have to ask Ruby that. I got no idea.”—Leon (15:58)

• Once they found the unlocked Cadillac with visible suitcases, theft was opportunistic rather than planned.

• The interplay reveals both a casual criminal attitude and the subtle methods detectives use to get suspects to talk.

Community Concerns: The Visitors Arrive (22:22–28:04)

• The owners of the stolen vehicle, Mr. and Mrs. Pyford from Chicago, arrive at the precinct, distressed about the theft and their lost luggage.

• Their frustration with crime in New York and skepticism about police effectiveness are voiced with comic exasperation, exemplifying “visitor anxiety.”

• Captain Kennelly manages their complaint professionally, eventually reuniting the Pyfords with both their car and luggage.

  “That’s right. [This is] the police station.” – Captain Kennelly (22:24) “You have no idea what this does to our concerns.” – Mrs. Pyford (23:37)

Resolution & Human Moments (27:26–28:11)

• The Pyfords recover all their possessions, safe and undamaged except for a small scratch on a vanity case, which is met with relief and gratitude.

  “Thank you, Captain. We’re really deeply obliged.” – Mrs. Pyford (28:05)

• The episode wraps with the precinct moving quickly to the next incident, exemplifying the endless cycle of urban policing.

  “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.” – Captain Kennelly (28:56)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Modern Policing:
  "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.” – Captain Kennelly (28:56)

• On Professional Cynicism (regarding career criminals):
  “Between us, I guess we could get in almost any lot. ... Well, we'll give you a new challenge, Ruby ... Sing Sing? You try the locks up there?” – Detective to Ruby (19:48)

• On Victims' Perspective:
  "Chicago. Captain, it's absurd the way criminals are allowed to run around on the streets of New York to steal our car from practically under our nose." – Mr. Pyford (23:01)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:36–02:46: Introduction, precinct life, Capt. Kennelly’s narration
• 02:46–08:30: Patrol and arrest of car thieves
• 08:30–12:40: Suspect processing, introduction to Detective Squad
• 12:40–19:36: In-depth interrogation of suspects, confessions
• 22:22–28:04: The arrival of the car owners, resolution of the case
• 28:56–29:15: Closing narration reflecting on the ongoing nature of police work

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Episode Takeaways

• The episode provides an authentic, slice-of-life portrayal of city policing—balancing realism, dry humor, and the resilience of both police and public.
• The focus isn’t on high drama but on process, personality, and repetition, making the precinct and its inhabitants feel vivid and real.
• Throughout, classic New York attitude and character shine, from the suspects' wisecracks to the frustrated out-of-towners and the officers’ patient professionalism.

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For new listeners: This episode is an excellent representation of the "21st Precinct" series—part procedural, part character study, always grounded in the routine reality of mid-century police work.

Transcript

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[Captain Kennelly]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. Where was the car parked? 60 place. And what?

[Sergeant Waters]

Were the doors locked?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah. What kind of a car is it? You're in the muster 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.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right.

[Captain Kennelly]

You come into the station house. We'll have to take a report from you. That's right. It's between Lexington and third. As soon as you can.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. All right. 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.

[Captain Kennelly]

The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly, Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was working my night tour 4pm to 8am at 6, after I had turned out, the platoon interviewed an applicant for a tow truck license and cleaned up considerable paperwork. I instructed Sergeant Waters on TS to have sector car number one come by the station house and take me on patrol of the precinct. Patrol of the precinct by the commanding officer, in addition to responding to emergency radio calls as they occur, generally involves a personal check of conditions concerning which complaints from the public have been received in connection with the investigation of such a complaint. I instructed Patrolman Coley, the operator of sector car number one, to drive to 88th street and Madison Avenue. At 7:20pm we were in the car proceeding uptown on park avenue in the 70s. The weather was cold and extremely windy,

[Sergeant Waters]

so when the landlord came to collect

[Captain Kennelly]

the rent, I happened to be home. I invited him to come in the living room and sit down.

[Sergeant Waters]

He said, you're almost two weeks late

[Captain Kennelly]

with the rent, Mr. Cohey.

[Sergeant Waters]

I said, I know it. I said, I wrote you a letter and told you we wouldn't pay the rent till you sent somebody to fix the refrigerator.

[Captain Kennelly]

He said I was stalling him, trying

[Sergeant Waters]

to pull my badge, that I was a cop on him.

[Captain Kennelly]

He was gonna write the commissioner and

[Sergeant Waters]

make a complaint against me. How do you like that, Captain? What did you say? I told him, right. Anybody wanted to write Bill wasn't gonna get the rent until the refrigerator was fixed.

[Captain Kennelly]

I don't know what these guys think

[Sergeant Waters]

they can get away with.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, some of them try.

[Sergeant Waters]

Coney. Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

After the light changes, take a left into the 77. Blew up Madison the rest of the way.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. What do you think of those two guys in the Cadillac there?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Look so good to me.

[Captain Kennelly]

They sure are making an effort to act calm, aren't they?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

When the light changes, take off behind them. We get a look at the registration

[Sergeant Waters]

plates for two guys that didn't own

[Captain Kennelly]

a new Cadillac that Fenton. All right, there's the lights. Let them go ahead. Okay.

[Sergeant Waters]

An Illinois car. I don't remember any Illinois Cadillac in your line. Let's talk to them.

[Captain Kennelly]

Colleague.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes.

[Captain Kennelly]

Watch out they don't try to pull away from you.

[Sergeant Waters]

They could too.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, give him the horn. Pull over there. All right, go for it.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, they're not.

[Captain Kennelly]

It's okay. Mark them off on their shop.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'll take the driver. Yes, sir. You take the other side. Watch him now. Yes. What's the trouble, officer? That's what we want to find out. Let's see the registration and your operator's license. Oh, I forgot to take them. They're unaddressed. We made every light, didn't we? Yeah, every light.

[Sergeant Waters]

You keep your hands up there where I can see them.

[Captain Kennelly]

Is this your car? Well, as a matter of fact, no.

[Sergeant Waters]

Who's this?

[Captain Kennelly]

A friend of ours.

[Sergeant Waters]

Right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Ruby. Right. A friend lent us. He lent you the car, but not the keys, huh? Well, you see what. Put your hands on the steering wheel. Right. I'll keep them there. I'll keep them. And I got a jumper on the ignition. Captain, Are those your suitcases in the back? Not of his. Who said they were mine? I didn't. Come on out this way. Out of the car. Come on, both of you.

[Sergeant Waters]

Now, keep your hands where we can see him.

[Captain Kennelly]

You lean up against the car there. Yeah, right there. Yeah. Come on around.

[Sergeant Waters]

Coley. Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, you right next to him. I for one, would like to know what this is all about. So would I. Lean up there. I'm leaning. I'm leaning.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay, Captain, I got him covered.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, you first. Hold still. I got nothing. What are you worried about? I'm telling you, nothing.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh.

[Captain Kennelly]

What do you call this? A pen knife?

[Sergeant Waters]

That's what it is.

[Captain Kennelly]

Ain't a guy in title have a pen knife? Not with an 8 inch blade. Well, I use it to pale apples. I like apples. All right, just keep quiet. How you hold still. Look, I was doing nothing. He asked me if I'd like to take a ride. I asked quiet. I got two witnesses to prove he asked me. His cousin, Scar, he said. What cousin? All right, I got no cousin. What's your name? Me? You? Leon. Gamma.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where do you live? 361 Charles Street.

[Captain Kennelly]

In Manhattan? Yeah, in Manhattan. How old are you?

[Sergeant Waters]

22.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where'd you steal the car? Belongs to his cousin. I thought you said it belonged to your friend. His cousin is my friend. I got no cousin. What's your name? Protea. Ruben Protea.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where do you live?

[Captain Kennelly]

289 East 109th Street. Not my cousin. I got no cousin. Then who is the man? What man? Okay. What man? That's enough. All right? Enough. Keep your eye on them, Coley.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'll ring in for some help. Just stay like that.

[Sergeant Waters]

Don't move.

[Captain Kennelly]

675, 681 to Central. Okay. At 79th street and Park Avenue, northeast corner. We require assistance in handling two prisoners in the stolen car.

[Sergeant Waters]

K.

[Captain Kennelly]

Okay, Colley. They're sending another car over. I did nothing. Nothing. Don't say my cousin. I got no cousin. Go for a ride.

[Sergeant Waters]

Get some air.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's all I was invited to do. Well, you've got another invitation now, mister. To a party. You're giving it within two minutes. Sector car number four, Patrolman Gerald Ryan, Operator. And patrolman Daniel Ziegler. Recorder arrived at the scene. A more thorough search of the prisoner's persons was conducted. No additional weapons were found. We also made a search of the 1953 Cadillac sedan. The ignition had been jumped to enable the thieves to start the car without a key. Although the favorite tool of car thieves, a beer can opener, was found on

[Sergeant Waters]

the floor of the car.

[Captain Kennelly]

There were no marks on any doors or windows indicating that the car had been broken into. In the back seat were two large suitcases and two smaller ones. The glove compartment was locked. So was the luggage compartment. Sergeant Fred Burns arrived on the scene with his car and operator sector car number four was instructed to resume patrol. Both prisoners were loaded into the space behind the front seat of sector car number one and were driven to the station house in the custody of Patrolman Coley and myself. Sergeant Burns followed, driving the Cadillac, which he parked in the passageway next to the station. The two prisoners carrying the luggage that was in the car were taken directly upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad by Patrolman Coley and myself.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go on. Move along.

[Captain Kennelly]

We're moving, we're moving. Stuff is heavy that way. Go ahead. Why I gotta listen to you?

[Sergeant Waters]

I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

Listen to me What?

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay.

[Captain Kennelly]

Every time I listen to you, I wind up in a jam. Every time. Inside. Right up Park Avenue. He said there's lots of Cadillacs on Park Avenue. Well, ain't that Park Avenue's lousy with Cadillac.

[Sergeant Waters]

Over there to the desk.

[Captain Kennelly]

So why did this one have to stick out like a covered wagon?

[Sergeant Waters]

Where do I put the bag? Hold on over for a minute.

[Captain Kennelly]

You catching Novak? Yeah. What you got there? The brinks Bandit. Hello, Captain Novak.

[Sergeant Waters]

We jumped him on 79th and park driving a Cadillac.

[Captain Kennelly]

Not there. I wouldn't expect it to. Well, it's a free country, ain't it? I could own a Cadillac. Yeah, you could. But if I were you, I'd buy

[Sergeant Waters]

a pair of shoes first. But where'd you steal the car?

[Captain Kennelly]

Look at me. Look at him. I was just along for the ride. You were driving. So that makes who along for the ride? Me.

[Sergeant Waters]

That too.

[Captain Kennelly]

When do you want the suitcases, cap? Hold on to them.

[Sergeant Waters]

Look, what is this? Grand Central Station?

[Captain Kennelly]

Hold on to it. All right. All right. You don't have to take offense just because I made a remark. Why is Lt. King no like in his office?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

You.

[Sergeant Waters]

What's your name?

[Captain Kennelly]

May. I'll be in there with him. Front.

[Sergeant Waters]

See you, Ruben. Frontier.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where do you live?

[Captain Kennelly]

Captain Kennelly. Hello, Matt.

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain. Leave the door open, would you?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah, sure.

[Sergeant Waters]

Get off the heat in here, it gets ice cold. Leave it on. Burns up that radiator knows no middle ground. What do we got out there?

[Captain Kennelly]

I was on patrol with Coley. We dumped a couple of thieves in the Cadillac.

[Sergeant Waters]

Good work happened.

[Captain Kennelly]

Car's got Illinois plates.

[Sergeant Waters]

There were some suitcases in the back seats.

[Captain Kennelly]

The car's not in the alarms or in the automobile.

[Sergeant Waters]

They say where they got it, Cap?

[Captain Kennelly]

They didn't say anything yet.

[Sergeant Waters]

Matt will have a look at them. Sure.

[Captain Kennelly]

You know, they look like a couple

[Sergeant Waters]

of users to me. Matt, one big surprise.

[Captain Kennelly]

You don't need A job? To have an occupation.

[Sergeant Waters]

Do you? That's true. That's very true.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. What's your occupation? You know the guys that put down linoleum and tiles on the floors?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes. Is that what you do?

[Captain Kennelly]

No, I'm a helper. The linoleum, Larry says. Hey, Leon, get this.

[Sergeant Waters]

Get that. So I get it for him. That's my occupation. Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

Only I ain't working.

[Sergeant Waters]

What do you call stealing Cadillacs?

[Captain Kennelly]

What's this? A new ingredient is bananas. Lieutenant King. Hey, we'll be a lieutenant and a captain both. That's better than last time, huh? Yeah. We're getting up in the work.

[Sergeant Waters]

When was last time?

[Captain Kennelly]

When?

[Sergeant Waters]

I don't know. Three, four weeks ago. Before Christmas. Before Christmas, huh, Ruby?

[Captain Kennelly]

After Thanksgiving. Oh, I'll kill him.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where was I found?

[Captain Kennelly]

In my neighborhood, in the Village. All we had then was detectives. Now a lieutenant and a captain. Boy, this is living. Yeah, living. Hard to tell you.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where was it? The precinct? Yeah, I think so.

[Captain Kennelly]

Is that right, Ruby? I. I don't know. The police stations all look alike.

[Sergeant Waters]

Why'd you get picked up?

[Captain Kennelly]

For stealing out of cars. They caught us with a Keith that we took out of a car down there.

[Sergeant Waters]

What happened to the case?

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, we're right on bail. $2,000 bail. A thousand for him, a thousand for me.

[Sergeant Waters]

You're out thieving again.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, listen, the bargain cost us $50 a piece.

[Sergeant Waters]

We gotta pay for them some way, don't we?

[Captain Kennelly]

We gotta live, don't we? We gotta live. High. High on a hard. That's us.

[Sergeant Waters]

Right, Ruby?

[Captain Kennelly]

Right high on a hard.

[Sergeant Waters]

Stick around, boys. We'll show you how to come down a notch. You are listening to 21st Precinct. A factual account of the way police work in the world's largest

[Captain Kennelly]

of the

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Squad, under the supervision of Lt.

[Captain Kennelly]

King, began to make a case of grand larceny, automobile against the two suspects, Leon Gamer and Reuben Protea. As required by law, the suspects were fingerprinted by Detective Novak. The locked suitcases found on the rear seat of the automobile were moved into Lt. King's office. The 6th Detective Squad in Greenwich Village was telephoned for information concerning their arrest in that precinct and the charge of grand larceny already pending against them. Although it was obvious the car had been stolen, no report of the theft was in the alarm, nor had one been received by the Communications bureau. As frequently happens, it appeared that stolen property had been recovered before the owner was even aware it was missing. While the arresting officer, Patrolman Coley, kept one suspect under guard in the Squad office. The other Leon Gamer was questioned by Lt. King in his office in the presence of myself and Detective Novak.

[Sergeant Waters]

Pretty suitcase, isn't it, Leon? Personally, I don't like the color, but it's pretty. Yeah, and heavy.

[Captain Kennelly]

You're telling me.

[Sergeant Waters]

I had to lug it up the stairs. It's heavy. There must be a lot of good stuff in there. Maybe telephone, books, suits, ties, shirts. Maybe even jewelry or money.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah, maybe.

[Sergeant Waters]

Why don't you try to open it? Or any of the others? Oh, now, I asked you, would that be honest? Look, Leon, save your comedy routine for the tombs. We're trying to get someplace here. I want to find out who that stuff belongs to.

[Captain Kennelly]

I knew I'd tell you. You think I got to be personally acquainted with somebody before I touch their car?

[Sergeant Waters]

My point is, you couldn't have been far from where you lifted the car before you were jumped by the officer. No, not too far. I don't guess because if it was

[Captain Kennelly]

more than a mile away, you'd have

[Sergeant Waters]

had the catches on that bag pried open to see what was inside. Look, I don't know exactly where it was. I don't carry a map around in my head.

[Captain Kennelly]

We pulled up together for that light on 77th and Park. How long before that was it? Not long. Was it below 72nd Street?

[Sergeant Waters]

72nd Street? Yeah, it could be. Then you drove at least six blocks on Park Avenue.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, more.

[Sergeant Waters]

Much more. A little farther downtown than 72nd Street. You got the car? Look, Lieutenant, you want me to be honest with you? I want you to make the effort.

[Captain Kennelly]

You want the whole story? What happened?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes. I got nothing to hide. I'm hooked.

[Captain Kennelly]

You'll have the patience.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll give you the best of my recollection. All right, give it to us.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'll get it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Luton. Okay. Okay, Leon. The best of your recollection.

[Captain Kennelly]

21st Squad, Detective Novak.

[Sergeant Waters]

Let's have it.

[Captain Kennelly]

I can't compensate with somebody on the phone.

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain Canelli, Sergeant Waters on TS for you.

[Captain Kennelly]

Okay. Can you wait a second?

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, thanks, Novak. Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Captain Canelli, Sergeant Waters on TS Captain. Yes, Sergeant. Yes, that's called the 17th line up here. Yeah, a motorcycle patrolman skidded on a patch of ice coming off the east

[Sergeant Waters]

river Drive to 53rd Street. Well, if you heard that they took him to Bellevue. Possible fractured legs.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, bring the desk officer back and tell him I'm on my way. And have a car come by the house for me.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Cop hurt in the 17th night. I've got Division tonight. I'll have to go investigate it pretty bad. I'm Broken leg.

[Sergeant Waters]

They think I once broke a leg jumping over a fence when I was a kid. We don't want your life history, Leon. Just what happened tonight.

[Captain Kennelly]

Look, if he's gonna go, let him go.

[Sergeant Waters]

I can't concentrate with the interruptions. The captain has to wait for a car to come in and get him. You don't worry about what we do. You worry about yourself. We'll give you plenty on your mind. Now, what happened?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I met Ruby. Well, I'll tell you if you give me the chance. Met him in a bar and Grill on 110th Street.

[Sergeant Waters]

We were sitting there having a couple of beers, and he said, how much door you got? I said, why? Well, he said his brother wanted some

[Captain Kennelly]

of the money back.

[Sergeant Waters]

The 50 bucks he borrowed from his brother to pay the Barnsman. I said, don't look at me.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'm living from hand to mouth, too. I didn't pay back the money.

[Sergeant Waters]

I borrowed to pay the bondsman. And we got to talking about how the trial is set next month. That even if we cop a plea, we're sure to get no less than two years apiece out of it. We got a lawyer to pay, and we still owe for the bail. And here we are with not $5 between us. Not even enough for a good jolt, huh?

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, look, don't get me wrong.

[Sergeant Waters]

I don't mess around with that stuff. Just chippy once in a while. I got no big habit. I got $5 between you.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah, well, I don't know who mentioned

[Sergeant Waters]

it first, me or Ruby, but one of us said, let's go downtown, see

[Captain Kennelly]

if we can make some money.

[Sergeant Waters]

So we finished the beer and got on the Madison Avenue bus. We went downtown, right to get off. I'm gonna have to ask Ruby that. I got no idea.

[Captain Kennelly]

He said, come on. I got off.

[Sergeant Waters]

We walked around a little bit. I don't know. We saw this Caddy parked there. I looked in and there were these

[Captain Kennelly]

suitcases in the back.

[Sergeant Waters]

And we walked by. He said, a sink. The button isn't down on the back door. So we walked to the corner, turned

[Captain Kennelly]

around and come back just like we own a car.

[Sergeant Waters]

We walked up, opened the door and got in. I was behind the driver's seat.

[Captain Kennelly]

One, two, three.

[Sergeant Waters]

Ruby was on the floor and had the ignition jump like a flash. You know, he's quick, that kid.

[Captain Kennelly]

He's got a real talent.

[Sergeant Waters]

He said, go. I went, and that's that.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I'll see you, ma'.

[Sergeant Waters]

Am. Okay, captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

So Long, captain. All right, don't go away mad. I'll check with you on that.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, looks like you'll have to go to court in the morning, Cooley.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes.

[Captain Kennelly]

And what's that for?

[Sergeant Waters]

Ruts?

[Captain Kennelly]

Can't you keep quiet for two seconds while I try? Don't say I don't try.

[Sergeant Waters]

Had a dentist appointment, but that won't be hard to cancel.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. I'll leave instructions with the desk officer that you to go on reserve after

[Sergeant Waters]

you get those two books in. Yes, sir. Thanks, captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

It was a good color. Hey, what gets in there? What's he telling them? You'll get your turn, Ruby. Well, see you later.

[Sergeant Waters]

Golly. Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Good boy.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

You know, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a cop.

[Sergeant Waters]

At least he got to know a few.

[Captain Kennelly]

There was this cop over there on my block, a regular guy. I wanted to be like him and I got to hate him.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

He took me in, grabbed me by the collar. Took me in. And for what? For nothing.

[Sergeant Waters]

For stealing.

[Captain Kennelly]

So I decided not to be a cop.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, he had a pretty good reason.

[Captain Kennelly]

What's he telling him in there? How much could there be to say? You think I could talk that Leon boy, chew your arm off? I got nothing against cops. I even like you. Thanks. Oh, but that's nothing.

[Sergeant Waters]

Don't be too glad.

[Captain Kennelly]

I like everybody, even Leon. If anybody could like Leon. He ain't very particular about his friends. What's he telling him, do you think?

[Sergeant Waters]

All about the deal, I guess.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, he can leave something for me to say. I'll go in there and stand like a dope. They'll know everything I gotta tell him. Oh, here he come. All right. Go there and sit down, Leon. Over where? Over here. With him? That's right. Come on, Ruby. What you tell him? Get going, Ruby.

[Sergeant Waters]

My life history, A to Z.

[Captain Kennelly]

What you tell him about me? Come on. Yeah, all right. Just don't make me out a liar to him. How could I tell him? I don't know what you said inside.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sit down over here. Yeah,

[Captain Kennelly]

right here. Yeah, I want a lawyer.

[Sergeant Waters]

You can have a million lawyers.

[Captain Kennelly]

I can't afford a million. All I want is one.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, we'll call whatever lawyer you want. Tell him to be in Felony Court at 10am tomorrow.

[Captain Kennelly]

Felony Court? That's downtown.

[Sergeant Waters]

100 Center Street, Criminal Courts Building.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, talk to me. After I talk to my lawyer. Right now, I got nothing to say.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, Leon had plenty to say. Well, that's his business. I don't care. Sure thinks a Lot of you.

[Captain Kennelly]

I can't say vice versa.

[Sergeant Waters]

Thinks you're the most talented boy he knows. Doesn't think anybody can snap a lock on a car, get in and jump the ignition as fast as you.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did he say that?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's nice of him, you know, Said

[Sergeant Waters]

he can't think of a thief he'd rather work with.

[Captain Kennelly]

I didn't think Leon had a compliment in his body.

[Sergeant Waters]

12 seconds is your record.

[Captain Kennelly]

Nah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Break open the door, jump the ignition, start the car in 12 seconds.

[Captain Kennelly]

Nah, not 12. I could maybe 15. Not 12.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's what he said.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, you know, Leon ain't no slouch either, you know.

[Sergeant Waters]

I know.

[Captain Kennelly]

Of course, I handled that Caddy tonight. But I seen him turn some fast tricks too. Between us, I guess we could get

[Sergeant Waters]

in almost any lot. Any lot. Well, we'll give you a new challenge. Ruby. Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

What time?

[Sergeant Waters]

Sing Sing? You try the locks up there?

[Captain Kennelly]

By 8:45, no alarm had come through on the Cadillac sedan with Illinois license plate place Lt. King had been in touch with both the auto squad and the correspondence bureau of the central office.

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[Captain Kennelly]

It was agreed that if the owner were not heard from within another hour, a telegram would be sent to the Illinois State Highway Patrol at Springfield with a request that the name of the owner be ascertained and a check made at the residence. Meanwhile, I was at the 17th Precinct station house on East 51st Street. There I entered in the blotter the results of my investigation of the injury to the motorcycle patrolman. I'd been to Bellevue Hospital and got a statement from both the officer and the doctor attending him. I'd seen the sector man and the sergeant who responded to the original call concerning the accident. In cases involving injury to a police officer in the line of duty, the manual of procedure requires a complete and immediate investigation of the facts by the commanding officer of the precinct or a captain on night duty in the division. Because of the possibility of sick leave with full pay and eventual disability retirement of the man. I returned to the 21st at 9:05pm the car pulled up in front of the station house and as I got out, I instructed the operator to pick up his partner and resume patrol. I crossed the sidewalk and started up the steps of the station house. Excuse me. Yes?

[Sergeant Waters]

This is the police station, isn't it?

[Captain Kennelly]

That's right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, go ahead, Alicia.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Nothing is safe anymore.

[Captain Kennelly]

Nothing.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Thank you very much.

[Captain Kennelly]

What's the trouble, sir? Go ahead.

[Sergeant Waters]

Thank you.

[Captain Kennelly]

I want to talk to the person in charge here. Well, I'm the captain in command of the precinct. Well, I do.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'm sorry. I didn't see your insignia in the dark, didn't you?

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Oh, what an old smelly building. Edward, are the police stations in Chicago this old?

[Captain Kennelly]

How would I know? Captain, our car has been stolen.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, has it?

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

He just told you it had.

[Captain Kennelly]

What kind of car?

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

A Cadillac sedan.

[Captain Kennelly]

You said you were from Chicago.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, that's right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Chicago. Captain, it's absurd the way criminals are allowed to run around on the streets of New York to steal our car from practically under our nose.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's no way to treat visitors, is it?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, sir, I. I don't think thieves stop to find out if their victim

[Sergeant Waters]

is a New Yorker or a visitor.

[Captain Kennelly]

They're art to steal, not discriminate. I don't believe you told me what your name was.

[Sergeant Waters]

Privert.

[Captain Kennelly]

Edward J.

[Sergeant Waters]

Private.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'm Captain Kennelly.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'm Mrs. Private.

[Captain Kennelly]

How do you do, Mrs. Well, if you're in charge, sir, how can we get some action? Our luggage was in the car.

[Sergeant Waters]

You know we were leaving for Florida tonight.

[Captain Kennelly]

Driving to Philadelphia tonight, starting out the first thing from there in the morning for Palm Beach.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

You have no idea what this does to our concerns.

[Captain Kennelly]

No idea I can imagine. Mrs. Pin, would you excuse me just a second? We're not going to get the runaround, are we? No, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

I've got to go over to the

[Captain Kennelly]

desk and sign the blotter. You just wait here. I'll be right back. Hello, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sergeant, Couple of messages for you.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, I'll sign the blotter. Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st. Preaching.

[Captain Kennelly]

Sergeant Waters, sir. What was that Mr. I didn't hear you. The bartender. What were you speaking to the phone? Oh, he wouldn't sell you anymore, huh? No, there's nothing we can do to him. We ought to pin a medal on him. Well, you better not worry about drinking anymore tonight. Better go on home and go to sleep. Yeah, go out home and go to sleep. I'm sure you will. You got those messages, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. I saw those people hook you.

[Captain Kennelly]

They came in the door, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

You want me to help you out with them?

[Captain Kennelly]

No, no, thanks, Sergeant. This one I want to handle myself.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. Mrs. We'll go upstairs to the detectives.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right.

[Captain Kennelly]

This way, please. A lot of good the car's gone for.

[Sergeant Waters]

Good.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

It's gone. I know it's gone. And all my clothes with it. Fine place for D.C. people to come.

[Captain Kennelly]

New York. Did you lock your car when you left it? Why, of course we locked it. Through here, please.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Thank you.

[Captain Kennelly]

You know, even if it was locked, four suitcases on the back. Pretty attractive to Steve. It was a sedan, you say? Four doors. You might have lost three upstairs, Steve, I'm positive I locked all four doors. I always do.

[Sergeant Waters]

Uh huh.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where was the car parked? On 61st street, near Park Avenue. After I finished some business, we checked

[Sergeant Waters]

out of the hotel.

[Captain Kennelly]

We were going to this restaurant, Lescardot. Do you know it, Captain? I've been in there.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes.

[Captain Kennelly]

That way.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Frank, the most absurd thing in the world. Just absurd. You'll never get anything back. Anything.

[Sergeant Waters]

Right here.

[Captain Kennelly]

Thank you, Mr. Pyford.

[Sergeant Waters]

No protection.

[Captain Kennelly]

There's no police protection at all. Well, if that's a complaint, Mr. Fryford, you're talking to the wrong man. I'm responsible for the police protection here. You should complain about me, not to me. Maybe I will.

[Sergeant Waters]

Over here, please.

[Captain Kennelly]

Hey, Leon, here comes the Captain Bright again. Hi, Cap.

[Sergeant Waters]

Just sit there and be quiet.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Those men. Criminal.

[Captain Kennelly]

They're suspects. Mrs. Piper. Oh, Novak. Is Lieutenant King in? Yes, sir, he is. Thanks. Captain Kennelly?

[Sergeant Waters]

Inside. Sweeney.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Yes.

[Captain Kennelly]

This is Lieutenant King. Mr. Mrs. Edward Pryford of Chicago, Illinois.

[Sergeant Waters]

Paul.

[Captain Kennelly]

How do you do, Mrs. Pipford? Lieutenant, Mr. And Mrs. Pyford are looking for some fast action. That car has been stolen and some luggage, I think. I don't know what we can expect,

[Sergeant Waters]

but I want to. You have the registration for your car, Mr. Pyford, don't you believe that I own it? Oh, yes, I believe it. Just like to see your registration. Gets to be a question of who gets investigated, the victims or the thieves.

[Captain Kennelly]

Now, there you are.

[Sergeant Waters]

Thank you. Do you Mind looking on that table behind you?

[Captain Kennelly]

What is that?

[Sergeant Waters]

Your luggage, Edward?

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

It is.

[Captain Kennelly]

Have you got the car, too?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, we've got it, Edward.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Some of it's missing.

[Captain Kennelly]

There was more. The trunk.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

In the trunk of a three more bag.

[Captain Kennelly]

What about that?

[Sergeant Waters]

You've got your keys to the trunk in your pocket. We haven't touched it. The other bags are still in the luggage compartment. The car is not damaged, is it?

[Captain Kennelly]

No, not a scratch.

[Sergeant Waters]

Was that the thieves those two boys outside installing? Does everything look all right, Alicia?

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

Yes, I think so.

[Captain Kennelly]

I think so.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

This vanity case has a little scratch on it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, does it?

[Captain Kennelly]

Sorry.

[Mr./Mrs. Pyford]

But it might have been there.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, I. I suppose that covers everything.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, quite everything, Mr. Franklin.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, you might say.

[Captain Kennelly]

Thank you.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you, Captain. We're really deeply obliged.

[Captain Kennelly]

You're welcome, Mr. Cryman. 25 briefing, Sergeant Waters. What do you mean, robbed? Lady held up.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, boy. When did this happen?

[Captain Kennelly]

During the night? Yeah. Yes, ma'. Am. The front door. Huh? What's the address there? Did you say 1405 or 1409? A canny saw. Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

What are they saying?

[Captain Kennelly]

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.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct of 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. Ken lynch is Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Ethel Everett, John Sylvester, Bill Lipton, Mandel Kramer, John Martin, Wendell Holmes and Harold Stone. Written and directed by Stanley Neff. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.

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