21st Precinct 54-02-24 (033) The Cure

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: 21st Precinct 54-02-24 (033) The Cure

Release Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Air Date (Show): February 24, 1954

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Overview

This episode features a classic broadcast of 21st Precinct – a police procedural radio drama that authentically portrays the daily life and cases faced by New York City officers. In “The Cure,” the precinct responds to a late-night burglary call that transforms into a poignant story about human frailty, lost potential, and the ambiguous line between crime and tragedy. The episode explores themes of alcoholism, redemption, and the social responsibility of law enforcement.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Burglary Call

• At 01:35 AM, Sgt. Burns receives a call from Audrey Camden, a fashion designer reporting a burglar in her apartment at 194 East 68th Street.
  • [03:31-04:22] Audrey Camden: "There was or there is [a burglar] right now. I saw him. I came home and opened the door...I got scared and I ran out...I used this phone on the street."
• Officers Colley and Vacano respond, locate Audrey, and enter the apartment.
• They find “Pop,” an older, intoxicated man asleep, who claims he lives there.
  • [06:52] Officer: “There he is. Well, how do you like that, old timer? Come on, wake up, Pop.”

2. Initial Confusion and Apprehension

• Audrey confirms she doesn’t know the intruder and is distressed at her missing liquor.
  • [08:39] Audrey Camden: "Oh, look. Oh, my two fifths of 12 year old scotch. I got them for Christmas and I was saving them."
• The man bizarrely insists the apartment is his and produces a key that unlocks the door.
  • [10:41] Intruder (Pop): “I have the key. Proves I live here.”
  • [11:03] Officer: “That’s funny, Captain. Couldn't work better if it was made for the lock.”
  • [11:14] Captain Kennelly: “It probably was.”

3. At the Station – The True Story Emerges

• The man gives a false name “George Jones” and a vague age. He rambles about being the true resident.
  • [14:17] Officer: “Is it going to kill you to tell me?”
  • [14:37] Intruder: “Take a guess.”
  • [14:39] Officer: “I'm 50.”
• He is intoxicated, barely cooperative, and eventually collapses with a head injury. Ambulance is called.
  • [16:09] Officer: “What a flop. Let me get the phone...I think he knocked his head on the corner of the desk."

4. Hospital Interview – The Past Revealed

• At Bellevue Hospital, Captain Kennelly and Lt. King interview the now sober man, who reveals his real name: George Jetley.

  • [19:22] Captain Kennelly: “You gave the name of George Jones at the station house last night. That's not your real name, is it?”
  • [19:24] Jetley: “No...Jetley. George Jetley.”

• His story unfolds:

  • Once an editor with good jobs, Jetley lost everything to alcoholism.
  • He abandoned his family after repeated relapses and never saw them again.
  • He still carried his old apartment key for years.
  • Returning to NYC, he drunkenly used the key to enter his former home, not knowing a stranger would be living there.
  • [21:23] Jetley: "She told me to get out. She said she was tired of my going off on tears every so often, hitting the bottle all the time, staying away three or four days, losing my job all the time...She said, next time it happens...don't come home. So I didn't."
  • [23:00] Jetley: "All these years, the only thing I kept was the key...All these years, I wore the key around my neck."
  • [23:53] Captain Kennelly: “You certainly did some harm.”
  • [23:55] Jetley: “Yeah, I know. Would you tell the lady I'm sorry? I am sorry.”

• Jetley declines the chance to reunite with his family, believing he’d only bring them pain.

  • [24:03] Jetley: “No. Why should I do that?...they're probably happy. I'd only bring them trouble, that's all. Look, now, you'll do me a favor if you just leave me George Jones. Forget about George Jetley. George Jetley should be dead and buried.”

5. Legal and Moral Considerations

• Captain Kennelly reflects on the ambiguous lines in law and human understanding:
  • The burglary charge won’t stand since there’s no evidence of intent to commit a felony.
  • The Captain considers that a charge of “unlawful entry” and a term in jail might actually offer George a chance at rehabilitation.
  • [24:23] Captain Kennelly (narration): "...a conviction for unlawful entry, a misdemeanor carrying an indeterminate sentence, might be the best thing for Jetley. A term in jail with its attendant medical treatment might be a step toward rehabilitation, if rehabilitation was at all possible."

6. Compassion, Forgiveness, and Closure

• Audrey Camden returns to the station, stating she doesn’t want to prosecute; she is sympathetic to Jetley’s situation.
  • [26:02] Audrey Camden: “Well, I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about him...I don’t think I care to prosecute him.”
  • [26:18] Captain Kennelly: “Don't you realize that a term in jail might be the best thing for him?”
  • [26:24] Audrey Camden: "What's the trouble with policemen? They're the same old cure for everything."
  • [26:29] Captain Kennelly: "Not for everything, Ms. Camden. The cure for him is pretty young, only 22, and we're gonna find it."
• The episode closes with word that Jetley’s son has been located and will visit him at the hospital—a glimmer of hope.
  • [26:50] Sergeant Burns: "Oh, yeah. Oh, you're located Jet Li's fern, huh? ... Son's going to visit him at Bellevue this afternoon. Yeah, well, the captain will be glad to hear that."

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “My house. My house.” — George Jetley, throughout his confused interactions ([10:41], [10:51], [12:09])
• “You'd better let me talk to him. Yes? No, it's not him, Lieutenant.” — insight into the busy, layered life of the precinct ([02:39])
• “Nobody knows me. Nobody.” — Jetley, expressing his alienation ([08:37])
• “All these years, the only thing I kept was the key…All these years, I wore the key around my neck.” — Jetley’s heartbreak and nostalgia ([23:00])
• “She didn't want me around the boy like that, you know. She said, next time it happens…don't come home. So I didn't.” — Jetley, describing his last days with his family ([21:23])
• "Not for everything, Ms. Camden. The cure for him is pretty young, only 22, and we're gonna find it." — Captain Kennelly offers hope ([26:29])

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Important Timestamps

• [03:31]: The burglary report call from Audrey Camden
• [06:52]: Officers discover the drunken “burglar” in the apartment
• [10:51]: Discovery of the man’s key matching the door
• [16:06]: The prisoner collapses at the desk—medical urgency
• [19:01-23:59]: Jetley’s confession and backstory at Bellevue Hospital
• [26:00]: Audrey decides not to prosecute; moral debate
• [26:50]: News arrives that Jetley’s son will visit him

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Tone, Style & Approach

21st Precinct maintains its documentary, matter-of-fact style, blending hard-boiled procedural realism with human warmth and subtle empathy. The dialogue is brisk, direct, and often laced with weary humor among the officers, contrasted by Jetley’s plaintive, drifting sorrow and Audrey’s shocked compassion.

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Summary Remarks

“The Cure” is a powerful reminder of the thin line separating misfortune and criminality. Through the case of George Jetley, the episode shines light on deeper social issues—alcoholism, homelessness, and family estrangement—while the police demonstrate not just duty but a measure of understanding and mercy. By the end, justice and compassion intertwine, leaving listeners with a story that's as tender as it is true-to-life.

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Perfect for:
Fans of classic radio drama, police procedurals, and anyone interested in stories of redemption, humanity, and the untold epilogues behind crime reports.

Transcript

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[Sergeant Burns]

21st briefing Sergeant Burns. Yeah, that's right. We want an ambulance up here at the station house. What's that? Oh, yeah, an injured prisoner. Well, who gave it to you? CB we got no room at the 21st Precinct.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

A call is coming true. 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 Burns]

Well, he'll have to go to Bellevue. He's a prisoner. Okay. Yeah, we'll be looking for them. 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, the 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.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st. I was working my night tour, 4pm to 8am the weather was cold and still. After a brief flurry of activity between 8 and 10pm including a two alarm fire on Second Avenue, a bad auto accident on the East River Drive and the attempted robbery of a Delicatessen on 86th Street. Things quieted down. I turned out the platoon for the 12 to 8 at midnight and went on patrol of the precinct. Things were still quiet at 1:35am Lt. Patrick Gorman was on duty as desk officer at the station house. And Sergeant Fred Burns, telephone switchboard. The stillness was broken occasionally by the hum of the switchboard or a call over the monitor of kea, the police radio.

[Sergeant Burns]

21st briefing Sergeant Burns.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Could you connect me with the detectives, please?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yes, sir. Just a second. Sergeant Nelson, what time is Jacobi due to ring in? I see it's 40. Lieutenant. When he does, ask him what the delay is on that notification from the 92nd. Yes, sir, I will. 12. 8. Getting me down, Lieutenant. When do you swing? After this tour. Thank goodness, Mr. Kobe, I hope. You'd better let me talk to him. Yes? No, it's not him, Lieutenant. Good call for the detectives. They're finished. Oh, okay. What time did the skipper say he'd get back to the house? He didn't say. How about a cup of coffee, Lieutenant? There's some hut back there. Oh, no. No, thanks. I've got a lot of stuff to write up here. And I've got to file all the cards. That's Jacoby. You still want to talk to him? Yeah. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Burns.

[Audrey Camden]

Is this the police?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, that's right.

[Audrey Camden]

Is this a burglar? In my apartment?

[Sergeant Burns]

There was or there is right now.

[Audrey Camden]

There is right now. I saw him. I came home and opened the door.

[Sergeant Burns]

Lady, wait a minute.

[Audrey Camden]

There he was.

[Sergeant Burns]

Do you live in the apartment all alone?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes, all alone. I got scared and I ran out. I couldn't find any place open, so I used this phone on the street. It says to call police.

[Sergeant Burns]

Did you get a good look at the man?

[Audrey Camden]

No, I didn't wait to get a good look. I was scared.

[Sergeant Burns]

You sure it's not someone you know?

[Audrey Camden]

I'm sure. I'm positive.

[Sergeant Burns]

Is he still in the building?

[Audrey Camden]

I think so. I think he's still up in the apartment.

[Sergeant Burns]

All right. I'll send the officers right over there. What's the address of your apartment?

[Audrey Camden]

194 East.

[Sergeant Burns]

Are you talking to the police? Call box on the street right there?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes, that's right.

[Sergeant Burns]

All right, lady, you just stay right there. Wait for the officers.

[Audrey Camden]

Will I be here soon?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, right away. If you see the man come out of the building, remember which way he went. See if he's got a car.

[Audrey Camden]

All right.

[Sergeant Burns]

Officers will be there right away. What have you got, Sergeant? A lady with burglars, Lieutenant. Communications Bureau.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Patrolman donahue.

[Sergeant Burns]

This is Sergeant Burns, the 21st. Will you send a car to 194 East 68?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

A woman rang in on the call

[Sergeant Burns]

box and said there was a prowler in her apartment.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

She's waiting on the street at the call box.

[Sergeant Burns]

Okay, right away. One vehicle. How many does she need? Car 681. Car. Car 681. At 70th and 2nd Avenue, Detective sergeant. And give it to them, too. Yes, sir, but they'll hate me for it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

As soon as the call was received by sector car number three. Patrolman Paul Vacano, operator. And Patrolman William Coley, Recorder they started on the three block run to 194East 68th Street. Following instructions in the manual of procedure. They did not sound the siren in order to approach the city quietly and apprehend the criminal, if any.

[Sergeant Burns]

I don't see it, Coley.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Maybe she's standing around the corner.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, maybe.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, there she is.

[Sergeant Burns]

You're the one that called the police?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes, that was me.

[Sergeant Burns]

You see the one?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Burns]

Which building is it?

[Audrey Camden]

That one across the street.

[Sergeant Burns]

How do you know it was a burglar?

[Audrey Camden]

Well, I. I had this date and I. I came home, I. I went upstairs and opened the door and he was in the apartment.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Uh huh.

[Sergeant Burns]

Didn't he jump when you opened the door?

[Audrey Camden]

I don't think he heard me open the door.

[Sergeant Burns]

Did you see anyone come out of the building?

[Audrey Camden]

No, not at all.

[Sergeant Burns]

The street door locked?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes.

[Sergeant Burns]

Give me your key, miss.

[Audrey Camden]

Oh, yes. Here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Which apartment is it?

[Audrey Camden]

2A. The second floor, right at the top of the stairs.

[Sergeant Burns]

Does this key fit the door upstairs too?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes.

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh. You better wait down here in the hall.

[Audrey Camden]

All right.

[Sergeant Burns]

Right here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. Cody? Yeah.

[Sergeant Burns]

Let's go get set. She may be right. I'm set. Hey, the door is standing open. Yeah. Yeah. She must have left it there.

[Audrey Camden]

Way.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Kick it.

[Sergeant Burns]

There he is. Well, how do you like that, old timer? Come on, wake up, Pop. Well, how did he get up from the Bowery? Come on, Pop, on your feet. Camera idea. Sit up there. Come on, sit up. Let me alone. I've been through all the ladies liquor. Sit up. I don't want to sit up. I can't call him still. I want to see what's on him. Now sit up. Let me alone, will you? Will you let alone nothing? We'd better get her up here, Paul. Yeah. All right, pop, sit up, will you? Turn it out. I'm not alone.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't give me a bad son.

[Sergeant Burns]

You can sit up, miss.

[Audrey Camden]

Was he in there?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, he was in there. We got him. You better come up.

[Audrey Camden]

Is it all right?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, yeah, it's all right.

[Audrey Camden]

Who is he? How'd he get in?

[Sergeant Burns]

We haven't had time to find that out yet.

[Audrey Camden]

Are you trying to steal something?

[Sergeant Burns]

Just your liquor. It looks like my liquor. Oh, before we go in, let me get your name.

[Audrey Camden]

Camden. Audrey camden.

[Sergeant Burns]

Is that Miss or Mrs. Miss?

[Audrey Camden]

It was the strangest sensation opening the door and seeing him.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, I'll bet. C, O, N, P, D, E, N, A, C, A. You live here alone?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes, that's right. It's my apartment. You see, I had a date tonight. A business date. Really? I'm a fashion designer. This is a client.

[Sergeant Burns]

All right, let's go in.

[Audrey Camden]

We went to a nightclub and he just took me in the downstairs.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, now, come on.

[Audrey Camden]

That poor old man.

[Sergeant Burns]

He's your burglar.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Ms. Candle, get in here.

[Sergeant Burns]

Should I know? I don't know. I got in the dog. Were you looking for a drink? I don't know. Toby, this is Ms. Camden.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You know this man, Ms. Camden?

[Audrey Camden]

No. How would I know him?

[Sergeant Burns]

Nobody knows me. Nobody.

[Audrey Camden]

Oh, look. Oh, my two fifths of 12 year old scotch. I got them for Christmas and I was saving them.

[Sergeant Burns]

He would rather have had canned heat, Ms. Campbell. What's your name, mister? I had a name. I did. Honestly. What is it? I had one. All right, now, come on, let's have some answers. Yes, Your show. What's your name?

[Audrey Camden]

You don't have to talk to him like that, do you?

[Sergeant Burns]

How else would you talk to him, lady?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Suppose he would have hit you over the head when you came in? He might have if he hadn't found a whiskey first.

[Sergeant Burns]

How'd you get in, Pop? I live here.

[Audrey Camden]

You do now I do.

[Sergeant Burns]

I've always lived here. Right here. I'd better ring in for G. Yeah, go ahead. This is my home. Can I use your phone, Ms. Camden,

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

to call the station?

[Audrey Camden]

Yes, right over there.

[Sergeant Burns]

Call mine. Fine. Thanks. I can come in my own house, drink my own whiskey. Can I? 21st Precinct.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Sergeant Burn.

[Sergeant Burns]

This is Coley, Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What you got there? Well, there was a prowler in the place. All right, we got him.

[Sergeant Burns]

Any trouble?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He was asleep in the chair.

[Sergeant Burns]

Sergeant, He's a rummy. How'd he get in?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's what we're trying to find out. If we can ever get him down

[Sergeant Burns]

to earth enough to talk sense. All right, come on in here with

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

him when you get through there. Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh, yeah, Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The Captain heard the call in the air. He rang in here to ask what it was. I told him we hadn't heard you. He's probably on his way there.

[Sergeant Burns]

Okay, Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I have another call, Coley. Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Burns]

Bye now. Come on, Pop. Sit up straight there and talk to me. My house. My house.

[Audrey Camden]

Maybe you need some coffee.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He needs a lot more than coffee.

[Sergeant Burns]

Come on, Pop. How did you get in here? I lived here. Is my house the captain. Paul, look how. Captain Coney.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Captain.

[Sergeant Burns]

What do we got? This is Ms. Camden.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Captain Kennelly. Hello, Ms. Camden.

[Sergeant Burns]

Sit up, Papa.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He came home and found him in the place.

[Sergeant Burns]

Look, you'll pass out again.

[Audrey Camden]

I don't know who he is or how he got in.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He found a liquor and did away with two bottles of prize Guy.

[Audrey Camden]

A Christmas gift.

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh, my goodness.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How'd you get in here, mister?

[Sergeant Burns]

My house. I live here. It's mine. Look, Pop, we played around long enough. How'd you get in? What are you doing here? I live here. Come off it, will you? I do. I got the key. Proves I live here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Stay out of that pocket.

[Sergeant Burns]

I'm getting the key. Yeah. Give me that. I live here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. Let's drive in the door. The car.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yes, sir. You go on with my key. All right. Now sit. I want my key.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't worry about your teeth. Go ahead, try it.

[Sergeant Burns]

The car. Yes, sir. Well, that's funny, Captain. Couldn't work better if it was made for the lock.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It probably was.

[Sergeant Burns]

Vacarol.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's funnier still. The derelict who was caught unlawfully inside the apartment of the fashion designer, Ms. Audrey Camden, was taken to the station house by Patrolman Colley and Vacaro, the victim, Ms. Camden, was told that it might be necessary to appear in court at a later date as complaining witness.

[Sergeant Burns]

She agreed.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

As I resumed my other duties, the arresting officers escorted their prisoner, slightly recovered, but still rather unwieldy, into the front door of the Station House at 2:23am

[Sergeant Burns]

all right, Pop, Go in. I'm going. Watch him. Hey, steady there. Go on up to the desk.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who you got there?

[Sergeant Burns]

Willie Sutton? Yes, Sergeant. You want to buy an interest in my commendation?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There he is, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Burns]

Better take him upstairs and let the detective talk him, Cully.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He's not in much of a talking mood, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Burns]

What are you doing, huh? Stand on your own tooth? Better take him out anyway. Okay, Lieutenant. Who's Mike McCullough?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You co edge.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yes, sir. Okay, get my hand upstairs. McCalla. Yes, sir. All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

And come back down and report to the captain.

[Sergeant Burns]

He has to ride up to the 23rd. Yes, sir. All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on, Clapper.

[Sergeant Burns]

No, I don't want to go over. That's where you think, Sergeant Brown.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, now, steady, Steady.

[Sergeant Burns]

You go for your meal now, huh? Come on, Pop. Come on. I'm letting you just walk. We let you along. You threw the door that way. Oh, I didn't do nothing. I was in my own house. You're living in the dream world, Pop. You should stick to Bay Rum. That scotch is poisoned. Go on up the stairs. I live there. Upstairs. Go ahead. Well, you live here. Now get going, will you? I bought the furniture. I paid the rent and the telephone and the lights for everything. Yeah, for everything except the scotch. Scotch too. The scotch too. Upstairs. Scotch too, will you, Pop? Scotch and rhymes and what, no beer? Beer too. You're living, Pop. Come on, Pop, you can do better than that. Go ahead. Just right to that door. Detectives, join me. First Squad Detective. Is that all? I'm going. You're there. Inside. Go on. 21st Squad. Detective. Kenny, over there. Antidote.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

And that's.

[Sergeant Burns]

Come on.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, he's not here either. They're out on a plant. I'm here all alone.

[Sergeant Burns]

I'm catching.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Sit down, pup.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah. Nowhere, isn't it? Yeah. Oh, yeah. All right. I'll see what I can do. Yeah. Is this for me? With my compliments. Is this the whipper snapper who breaks into ladies apartments and drinks her whiskey? It's my apartment. You stick with your story, Pop. It sounds good to me. Well, goodbye, one and all. I just hope he's got nothing too stinky. Leave it open. The cow. Okay. All right. What's your name?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Pop, tell the man your name. We've been having that trouble with him all night.

[Sergeant Burns]

Look, mister, I really don't care what your name is. Not personally, but I gotta make out

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

what we call a 61.

[Sergeant Burns]

Now, the first thing I gotta do is put that down.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Your name.

[Sergeant Burns]

Is it going to kill you to tell me? George Jones. Couldn't you have thought of a better one than that? George Jones. George Jones. How old are you, George?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Take a guess.

[Sergeant Burns]

I'm 50.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Burns]

Now we're moving. Sit up, Pop. Where do you live, if any? 194 East 68th Street. Well, let's stop playing, Pop.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where do you hang out?

[Sergeant Burns]

Down to barley. What place? 194 East 68th Street. All right. No known address. Got an occupation? Unimportant. That's nice work. Now, what were you doing in the ladies apartment? My apartment? Come on, Pop. I'm carrying a pocket full of squeals.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I got no time to waste.

[Sergeant Burns]

Excuse me, gentlemen. 21st Squad. Detective Kinney. No, he's not here. Who's calling? Oh, no, sir, Inspector, not tonight. Lieutenant King's due at 8 in the morning.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I'll leave a message for him.

[Sergeant Burns]

Why do inspectors sound exactly like people? Beats me. So, what were you doing in your apartment? I just went home.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, we're not gonna get any place with him tonight. Coley, book him in.

[Sergeant Burns]

We'll try him again in the morning before you go to court. Okay, I just went home. Look, he had a key that fit the door.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

If you want to put that down.

[Sergeant Burns]

Is that the key? Yeah, that's it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now. Did it come to fit the door?

[Sergeant Burns]

Give me my key. I want my key. Give me that. Mine, brother.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What a flop. Let me get the phone up. I think he knocked his head on the corner of the desk. Yeah.

[Sergeant Burns]

Pop. Pop.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He's out.

[Sergeant Burns]

Good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's the question whether it's from the

[Sergeant Burns]

whiskey or the fall.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The both, I guess.

[Sergeant Burns]

Pop.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I ought to call downstairs and have him ring for an ambulance. Yeah. Come on.

[Sergeant Burns]

Nothing. You better call.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He doesn't look so good to me.

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[Captain Frank Kennelly]

An ambulance was called and the prisoner was removed to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of a head injury and acute alcoholism. According to Article 24 of the manual of Procedure, in any unusual occurrence concerning a prisoner, including such an injury, it is contingent upon the commanding officer of the precinct to make a complete and thorough investigation. In response to a radio call, I returned to the station house from the 23rd Precinct where I was making an inspection as senior officer on night duty in the division. By the time I finished my interview with Detective Kinney, Patrolman Coley had returned from Bellevue, where he had accompanied the prisoner and the ambulance. I talked to him. The incident appeared unavoidable. I instructed the desk officer to check Bellevue every hour to inquire about the condition of the prisoner. It wasn't until 7:30am that the desk doctor said he would allow questioning. After I turned out the platoon for the 8 to 4 tour, I rode down to Bellevue with Lt. Matt King, commanding officer of the 21st Detective Squad. We drove into the hospital grounds at 26th street and 1st Avenue and went by special elevator directly to the prison ward on the second floor of I building. We identified ourselves to the Department of Correction guard and he opened the steel door and admitted Lt. King and me to the ward. Thanks. That's right.

[Sergeant Burns]

That's him there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. Thanks.

[Sergeant Burns]

Okay. He's been washed bed and he's a new man. Almost.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Thank you.

[Sergeant Burns]

Pleasure.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, how do you feel this morning?

[Sergeant Burns]

All right. Not bad.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm Captain Kennelly. This is Lieutenant King.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You gave the name of George Jones at the station house last night. That's not your real name, is it?

[Sergeant Burns]

No.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What is?

[Sergeant Burns]

Jetley. George Jetley.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where do you live?

[Sergeant Burns]

No place. No place in particular.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Do you remember what occurred in the

[Sergeant Burns]

detective squad office upstairs? Not too well.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You remember how you got hurt?

[Sergeant Burns]

I remember. I wanted my key. I wanted to get it. I fell. I think I fell and hit myself.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where were the officers when you fell?

[Sergeant Burns]

They were right there. They tried to help me, but I fell anyway. I think that's what happened. I had a lot to drink.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why did you break into that woman's apartment last night?

[Sergeant Burns]

I didn't break into any place.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, that's where you were found.

[Sergeant Burns]

I didn't break in there. Used my key.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where'd you get the key?

[Sergeant Burns]

It's mine. How'd you know it fit that particular door? I knew. How? Oh, I used to live there a long time ago.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

In that apartment?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, right there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

When?

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh, a long time ago. Before the war. Way before the war. 1935, 36.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on, George.

[Sergeant Burns]

You didn't live there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why'd you steal the key?

[Sergeant Burns]

I didn't steal it. It's mine. I used to live there. Didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to see if she was still there. Who? My wife. My boy. I got a son. He's 22 now. 22?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did you expect to find him there?

[Sergeant Burns]

I didn't know what to expect. You see, I. I was away. I didn't know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Have you ever looked for them?

[Sergeant Burns]

No. I was away.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Away where?

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh, California, Minnesota, Chicago. Every place.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What made you think they'd still be there?

[Sergeant Burns]

I didn't think. I just hoped.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You lived there in 1935? 36?

[Sergeant Burns]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What have you been doing since?

[Sergeant Burns]

Bumming around. Just bumming around.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

And you haven't been in touch with your family?

[Sergeant Burns]

No. You see, she told me to get out. She said she was tired of my going off on tears every so often, hitting the bottle all the time, staying away three or four days, losing my job all the time. I Had good jobs, very good jobs. Doing what? I was an editor, book editor. I was good publishers. Always used to say, george, you're a crackerjack. Just lay off the bottle. That's all. Just lay off. My wife, she said the same thing. She didn't want me around the boy like that, you know. She said, next time it happens. And I got like that, I didn't have to bother to come home. Well, and then I was all right, all right for a long time. First thing, I realized, I was in Philadelphia, in a hotel. She said, if it ever happened again, don't come home. So I didn't.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Didn't you come back to New York at all?

[Sergeant Burns]

No. She didn't want me. I didn't think there was any use. So I just started bumming around.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All these years.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah. All these years, the only thing I kept was the key. You know, you get drunk and guys lore you for whatever you got in your pockets. They didn't steal my key, though. I got $2 and I bought a little silver chain. Wore it around my neck. All these years, I wore the key around my neck.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

When did you get back in the yard?

[Sergeant Burns]

Oh, a couple of days ago. I don't know. Decided to come up town and just walk by to see what the place looked like. Just walk by. But I didn't have the courage. Had a couple of dollars for some dishwashing I did. So I bought some wine just to get courage. I guess it gave me too much courage. I used my key and got into the downstairs door and I went upstairs. I was going to open the door and walk in and say, here I am. She wasn't there and the whole place was different. Not my furniture or anything. So I just found the whiskey and sat down and drank it. I didn't mean to do any harm.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You certainly did some harm.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah, I know. Would you tell the lady I'm sorry? I am sorry. You know I am.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I guess I do. You want to find your family?

[Sergeant Burns]

No. Why should I do that? Why should I break in on their lives now? I. I want to. Yeah, they're probably happy. I'd only bring them trouble, that's all. Look, now, you'll do me a favor if you just leave me George Jones. Forget about George Jetley. George Jetley should be dead and buried.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He not only should be, he is. After the interview was completed, Lt. King and I returned to the station house, where, before I went off duty, I was obliged to prepare a 49 reporting the facts and circumstances involved in the injury of the Prisoner. On the way uptown, Lieutenant King and I talked about the case. We agreed that the charge of burglary against George Detley would not stand up in court. Burglary involves unlawful entry with intent to commit a felony. In this instance, the intent was lacking. From 42nd street almost to the station house, we rode in silence. I don't know what Matt King was thinking about, but I had George Jetley on my mind. The dregs of humanity are being washed up constantly. It's not hard to be sympathetic when you think that it might happen to anyone, even yourself. Just before we arrived at the station house, we started talking again. We agreed that a conviction for unlawful entry, a misdemeanor carrying an indeterminate sentence, might be the best thing for Jetley. A term in jail with its attendant medical treatment might be a step toward rehabilitation, if rehabilitation was at all possible. As we walked up the stairs and into the muster room, I suggested to Lt. King that he request the Missing Persons Bureau to make a discreet inquiry concerning the wife and son of the man. There was a good possibility they'd welcome a reunion. Well, I've got to get upstairs, Captain. Yeah, I'll see you, Matt. I'll let you know what Missing Person says about his family.

[Sergeant Burns]

All right. 21st Precinct, Sergeant Burns.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, hello, Captain. Sergeant. All right, 27. That lady is waiting for you, Captain.

[Audrey Camden]

Here's Captain Canali, aren't you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes.

[Audrey Camden]

You were up to my apartment last night when that man built up.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I was there, Miss Gambler.

[Audrey Camden]

Well, I couldn't sleep last night thinking about him. It was my apartment. I don't think I care to prosecute him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The detectives are working on it, Ms. Campben. You ought to talk to them.

[Audrey Camden]

I just don't want to prosecute. I couldn't go through that, sending him to jail.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't you realize that a term in jail might be the best thing for him?

[Audrey Camden]

I think jail would be good for anyone.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It might be good for him.

[Audrey Camden]

You think so?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes.

[Audrey Camden]

What's the trouble with policemen? They're the same old cure for everything.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Not for everything, Ms. Camden. The cure for him is pretty young, only 22, and we're gonna find it.

[Sergeant Burns]

21st Precinct, Sergeant Burns.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, Captain Kennelly isn't here. Detective Hu with Missing Persons.

[Sergeant Burns]

Yeah?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, yeah. Oh, you're located Jet Li's fern, huh?

[Sergeant Burns]

That's all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'll tell the captain. Son's going to visit him at Bellevue this afternoon. Yeah, well, the captain will be glad to hear that. Yeah, okay, I'll get the message 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 miracle round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.

[Sergeant Burns]

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. Ken lynch is Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Gene Gillespie, Bill Smith, Santa Sotega, Wendell Holmes, Bill Quinn, Frank Moth and John Sylvester. Written and directed by Stanley Knitting. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.

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