21st Precinct 55-02-09 (083) The Surety

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 55-02-09 (083) "The Surety"
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode of "Harold’s Old Time Radio" features a full-length broadcast of the classic police procedural drama, 21st Precinct, originally aired on February 9, 1955. The show immerses listeners in a night at a busy New York police precinct, narrated by Captain Frank Kennelly, highlighting the personal and professional challenges officers experience while dealing with the public. The main focus of this episode is the arrest of Charles H. Lowfield, a well-to-do businessman, for disorderly conduct following a drunken dispute, and the subsequent process of setting his bail with the help of his secretary, Sandra Ehridge. At the same time, the precinct remains alert for armed robbery suspects tied to a getaway car.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Ongoing Police Work and Setting

• [01:26] The episode opens with vivid narration by Captain Kennelly, establishing the precinct's responsibilities and the busy nature of its night tour.
• Notable events in the district: a mugging, a car wreck, and an armed robbery at a bar and grill.
• Officers remain vigilant for a suspect car: a 1952 Chevrolet hardtop, two-tone green, Pennsylvania plates.

2. Incident with Charles Lowfield

• [03:18-07:40] Patrolman Farrell and Captain Kennelly encounter a cab with an intoxicated, disorderly man (Lowfield) who had tried to accost a woman during a ride through the park.
  • Cab driver paints a comic but world-weary picture:
    “Every time I drive around a tuxedo, I could smell trouble. He’s got some load on.” — Cab Driver [03:33]
  • After some resistance and brief scuffle, Lowfield is taken into custody.

3. Booking and Bail Process

• [09:03-12:16] At the station, Lowfield, sobered by arrest, pleads his case as a respectable businessman who simply "had a few drinks."
  • Captain Kennelly remains firm:
    “You caused a lot of people a lot of trouble. We were perfectly willing to help you and see that you got home all right.” — Kennelly [09:44]
  • Bail is set at $500; Lowfield doesn’t have the cash and requests calls to his lawyer, brother, and secretary.
  • Police protocol requires that desk officers, not prisoners, make these calls.

4. Contacting Lowfield’s Associates

• [15:13-17:19] Efforts to reach Lowfield’s lawyer are unsuccessful; his brother refuses to help:
  • “I told him last time I wouldn’t do it again... He better carry bail money in a shoe or someplace.” — Edward Lowfield, the brother [16:48]
• [18:50-20:10] The secretary, Sandra Ehridge, is contacted and promises to try to raise the bail, although she’s clearly surprised and flustered:
  • "Well, I don't have that much money. Will you tell him I'll try to get hold of his attorney?" — Sandra Ehridge [19:35]
  • Ultimately, she decides to find the money herself for Lowfield’s bail.

5. Parallel Investigation: Armed Robbery Alert

• [10:18, 11:42, 17:39] The precinct diligently relays an “alarm” for the suspect Chevrolet to all officers, tying their routine work with ongoing, more serious criminal investigations.
  • Lieutenant King and Captain Kennelly coordinate to disseminate information and alert officers at shift changes.

6. Bail Payment and Human Drama

• [21:42-25:35] Sandra Ehridge arrives at the station, having raised the $500 bail by borrowing from a friend.
  • Tension arises as Lowfield, still testy, is rude about waiting and demands she hurry up with paperwork.
  • Memorable exchange as Sandra stands up for herself:
    • “Mr. Lowfield, I like you very much, but you’re not going to talk to me like this... At least I’ll have my self respect. Good night, Mr. Lowfield.” — Sandra Ehridge [25:21-25:33]
  • Lowfield, now remorseful, pleads for reconciliation, but Sandra leaves, fed up with his attitude.

7. Police as Observers and Enforcers of Order

• [26:10] Captain Kennelly offers a closing reflection on the precinct’s constant activity—“a flesh and blood merry-go-round”—and the unpredictability of both police work and human nature.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Cab Driver on Trouble with Passengers:
  “Every time I drive around a tuxedo, I could smell trouble.” [03:33]
• Captain Kennelly on Responsibility:
  “You caused a lot of people a lot of trouble. We were perfectly willing to help you and see that you got home all right.” [09:44]
• Lowfield’s Brother on Bailing Him Out:
  “You can keep holding that drunken buff... He better carry bail money in a shoe or someplace. I’ve had enough.” — Edward Lowfield [16:42]
• Sandra Ehridge Asserts Herself:
  “I work for you, but I don’t have to listen to your abuse... At least I'll have my self respect. Good night, Mr. Lowfield.” [25:21-25:33]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:26] — Captain Kennelly’s narration and overview of precinct activities and responsibilities.
• [03:18-07:40] — The cab incident, arrest, and initial booking of Charles H. Lowfield.
• [09:03-12:16] — Lowfield's attempt to avoid jail and the setting of bail.
• [15:13-17:19] — Unsuccessful calls to lawyer and brother.
• [18:50-20:10] — Secretary Sandra Ehridge is contacted and offers hope for bail.
• [21:42-25:35] — Sandra’s arrival with bail money and dramatic confrontation.
• [26:10] — Episode closes with Kennelly’s contemplative outro on the perpetual hum of precinct life.

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Tone and Style

True to the radio drama format, the dialogue is a mix of procedural realism and lively character interaction. The police are depicted as professional but human, juggling civic duty with personal exasperation; civilians, meanwhile, reveal vulnerability and social nuance beneath their surface roles. The episode balances a wry tone (in exchanges between officers and the cab driver) with moments of genuine tension, drama, and even subtle class commentary.

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Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode encapsulates a single, eventful shift at a mid-century New York precinct: a drunken businessman’s arrest snowballs into both comedic and tense human drama as the police wrestle to both enforce order and navigate the quirks of those in their custody. Paralleling this, the pursuit of serious criminals continues in the background, underlining the unpredictability and hustle of a city precinct “merry-go-round.” Ultimately, the episode paints a captivating portrait of police work—routine and remarkable by turns—through authentic voices and timeless dilemmas.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

20 place. Precious.

[C]

Sergeant Waters?

[B]

Yeah. All right. I've got an alarm for you. Okay. A 1952 Chevrolet hardtop, painted two tone greens. Pennsylvania registration unknown. You are, by transcription 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. All right, Let me know if you see it on your post. The car was driven by suspects in an armed robbery. Okay.

[C]

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. Briefing the 21st.

[B]

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 before midnight. It had been a busy night in the precinct. There had been a mugging, a bad wreck on Fifth Avenue and an armed robbery at a bar and grill on Lexington. After I turned out the platoon for the late tour at 12, things quieted down. I went out on patrol in sector car number three with Patrolman Farrell as operator. After touring the northern end of the precinct to inspect patrol conditions at 1:10am I instructed Patrolman Farrell to head downtown on 5th. Traffic on the avenue was very light and according to my standing instructions for all cars at night we proceeded at a very slow rate of speed in order to observe the benches between the sidewalk and the Central park wall. After we crossed 84th street, the traffic lights turned red and patrolman Powell drew the car to a stop. The guy can explain all he wants to about high pressure fronts and low pressure fronts. All I know, Captain, is it gets pretty cold. Yep. If they just say tomorrow it's gonna rain or the sun. Sun is going to shine, all right. But you got to be a bachelor of science nowadays to understand one of these weather reports. What's that cab driver doing over there?

[C]

Looks like he's got trouble with a passenger.

[B]

Yeah, Go on through. Let's have a look. That's it.

[C]

All right.

[B]

What's the trouble, Max? I passed out dead drunk in a car. All right, Val, let's give him a hand. I don't know why I always draw this kind of guy. Every time I drive around a tuxedo, I could smell trouble. He's got some load on.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Where were you taking him? Where? I asked him, where.

[D]

Uptown.

[B]

He said, drive uptown and he let me know.

[C]

Where'd you pick him up?

[B]

52nd street there. Come on. Had some babe with him.

[D]

Come on.

[B]

Come on. Must have come out of one of the clubs. I got in the car and he said, drive around the park. She says, no, I want to go home. She said. Guy says he wants to talk to her. So she says, okay, drive around the park a few minutes. He's out like a liar.

[C]

You're telling me. So?

[B]

So I come in the park and I drive around like he says. Well, he's getting a little bit free with the hands. But this babe knows how to take care of herself. He thrusts, she parries. You know what I mean? Then. Then I see I better step in because I don't want no trouble in my car. So I went back and I tell

[C]

him, look, let me.

[B]

I tell him, I don't care what you do at home, but in my car, if a lady don't want to let you kiss her, you don't kiss her. He said I should drive the car and mind my own business. I told him, if it wasn't my business, whose business was it? Where'd she go? She had sense enough to cut loose at the first opportunity. Which is more than I can say for myself. See what you can do with him, pal.

[C]

That's it.

[B]

I'll try. All right. Where did she go? Well, we were in the pot. First thing I figured I gotta do is get out of there. I came out of 72nd street, and when I get there, the light is red. So he grabs her again. She dodges him. She sees the car, a stop. She opens the door and gets out. This Guy's really been to the well, Jeff. Yeah, well, that's okay with me if she wants to beat it. And the guy don't seem to mind too much anyway. He walks across the avenue and there's another hat there. She flags him and away they go. You know what I mean? I turn the fella and I say, well, where do you want? And he says, uptown. I tell him uptown is a big place. He says, drive up Fifth to let me know. So I turn up there and the first thing you know, I don't hear another word out of him. So I turn around and I take a look at. He's out like a light. I think there's a spark of life left in him. I gotta draw this kind of guy every time I get a guy with a tuxedo. I know. Come on, mister. The party's over. All right. Come on. Come on, sit up. I appreciate you help. I didn't know what I was gonna do with him. All right, all right. Let's see. You tell you the truth, I was going to drive the station house. You don't know that. Ask him where he lives. Foul.

[C]

Yes, sir. Where do you live, mister?

[B]

Moving out of federal Fifth Amendment, Captain. We just want to see that you get home. That's.

[D]

I don't want to go home.

[B]

Do you mean.

[C]

See what I mean?

[B]

Come on. Come on.

[C]

Where do you live?

[B]

I want to go for a nightcap. You had your nightcap. Get him out here. Foul.

[C]

That's the thing.

[B]

Come on, mister. Put your hands off. Come on. Come on. Get out of the car. Let's go. Get out of there. Take your hands off. Look, we wasted enough time with you, mister. Now get out. Come on. No. Okay, pal.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Come on, now. Let's go. Put your hands up. Come on. Let me alone. Stand up there. Go on, stand up.

[D]

Hey, princess, watch him. I'm See you. Watch him.

[B]

Get him up again. Come on.

[D]

Come on.

[B]

Get over there. Let me go.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Just stay still. Who you think you are? Hold him.

[D]

Let me go. I didn't do anything.

[B]

Cut it out. What do you mean, cut it out?

[D]

All right,

[B]

all right.

[D]

Good fellas are.

[B]

I'm okay. You only think you are. I'm sorry. Believe me, I'm sorry. I had a few drinks. You know how it is. Come on, be nice guys, will you? Why don't you be a nice guy instead of swinging at us? Well, I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry I hit you. Did I do any damage? I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry.

[C]

That's Gordon.

[B]

Stay.

[C]

Sorry, mister.

[B]

I had a couple of drinks.

[C]

You know how it is.

[B]

Driver, get his hat out of the car, will you? Yes. Come on, huh? I'll be all right. I promise you. I know you'll be all right. He put it on his head. Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot. Look, fellas, I'm okay. I know I was a little nasty. I'm sorry, huh? Just let me go home. I'll go right to bed. I promise you, I'll go right to bed. I just live over on Park Avenue at 695. That's close. Yeah, well, the station house is closer. The realization that he had been arrested took all the fight out of the man and most of the drunkenness. He identified himself as Charles H. Lowfield, age 33, 695 Park Avenue. Before we put him into the car, he paid the cab driver $2 20. $0.20 fare that was on the clock. Farrell took the name and address of the driver and entered them into his memorandum book in case he was needed as a witness. We put Lowfield into the car and drove to the station house. There we walked up the front steps with him and into the muster room where Lieutenant Gorman was on the job as desk officer and Sergeant Waters, on telephone switchboard duty as patrolman Farrell, took the prisoner in front of the desk to book him on charges of violation of section 722, penal law, disorderly conduct. I headed around behind the desk to sign the blotter. All right.

[C]

Have we. Mr. Lawson?

[B]

This isn't really necessary, is it, Captain?

[C]

Have you got a second?

[B]

Yep. Lieutenant King is upstairs. He asked that I ring up there when you get in. Okay. Soon as I sign the blommet.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

At 21st Precinct. Sergeant Morden.

[C]

Oh, Captain. Brad.

[B]

Just step right up in the depth position. Okay. Wait until he gets to me. I'm willing to go home and go to bed.

[C]

What have you got, Paul?

[B]

It's oddly conducted. I apologize for you. Didn't I. I told you I was sorry.

[C]

What's the name?

[B]

Charles H. Lowfield. L O W F I E L D. Captain, I appeal to your better nature. I'm a responsible businessman. I know that I acted not exactly as I should, but there's no reason to arrest me. I had a few drinks. That doesn't make me a criminal, does it? No, you're not a criminal, Mr. Lowfield. But you caused a lot of people a lot of trouble. We were perfectly willing to help you and see that you got home all right. Well, I Told you. I told you I was sorry about what happened. You refused our help. You clawed at us. You hit this officer two or three times with your fist. I told you, I had a few drinks. If that's your explanation, Mr. Lowfield, it's lost on me. Captain, please. I'll be in my office. Red.

[C]

Yes, sir. What's the age?

[B]

33. Get Lieutenant King for me, Sergeant.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

This 95 Park Avenue, 21st Precinct. Captain Canali. Lieutenant King's coming to the fall, Captain. Okay, Here he is. 21st Detective Squad. Lieutenant King. Captain Canelli. Mad I have, Captain. The Chief of Detective's office rang up

[C]

here a little while ago.

[B]

I got a call from Philadelphia in regard to a stick up down there and a line on one of the men supposed to been involved. According to them, this fella has a girl someplace in the Upper east side. And they think he might have driven up to New York. That's all. Could you make an announcement at the 8 o' clock turnout about looking for the car parked on the street? Yeah, man, sure. It's a 1952 Chevrolet hardtop, painted two shades of green. Pennsylvania registration plate. Have you got the number? No, not yet, Captain. Philadelphia's trying to run it down. Okay. Do you think it would do any good to give it to the men on this door as they ring in?

[C]

All right, Captain, sure.

[B]

That might help. Okay, Matt, we'll get it out to them. Thanks. Right.

[C]

All right, Mr. Lowfield, you'll have a hearing. And this is my first quarter center.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

About finished, pile? Yes, Captain.

[B]

What do I do until then?

[C]

A bail is $500.

[B]

I don't have that much cash. You saw how much money I had. About $60.

[C]

You have anyone who can go? You, Bill.

[B]

Where do I post it? Here?

[C]

Yeah, that's right. We'll take it here.

[B]

Well, how do I get in touch with anyone?

[C]

We'll make three telephone calls for you.

[B]

Can I make them myself?

[C]

No, we'll make them for you. Who would you want us to call?

[B]

Well, I've got money for telephone calls. Why can't I make the calls?

[C]

Because the rules say you can't. What do you want us to call?

[B]

Well, you can call my lawyer, Captain. He's holding me on $500 bail. Now, I don't know whether I can get anyone up here with that much money at this time of night. If I can, I'll have to spend the night in jail. I'm sorry, Mr. Lowfield, that's the law. Excuse me.

[C]

What's Your lawyer's name? Mr. Lowfield.

[B]

Sergeant.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

As the men ring in, I want you to give him an alarm on a car.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

A 1952 Chevrolet, hard top, two tone green, Pennsylvania plate.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

We don't have the registration number yet, but if they see a car answering this description, that'll ring in immediately. These are armed robbery suspects.

[C]

Okay, Captain.

[B]

And you refer any information to the detectives.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Call my secretary.

[C]

Your secretary? Yes. What's the name? Andrew Aaron. You know her phone number?

[B]

Well, no, I don't, but it's in the book. Greenwich Village on 9th street or 10th Street?

[C]

It's the only founder, Erridge.

[B]

It's E, R, I, D, G, E.

[C]

Okay, I'll look it up if I have to. But we'll probably be able to reach a lawyer or your brother. I'm sure you will.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

All right, Mr. Lowfield. Back this way, huh?

[B]

Listen, do you have to lock me up while I'm waiting? Can't I wait here?

[C]

You better go on back with the officer.

[B]

Well, I don't care to be locked up with a bunch of criminals. I'm not a criminal.

[C]

You won't be locked up with any criminals. You're the only one back there tonight. You've got the place all to yourself.

[B]

Well, I think I'm entitled to wait here. I'm not gonna go back there. Mr. Lowfield. We had a lot of trouble with you earlier over what you would do and what you wouldn't do. Now, you better go on back there with the officer and let's not have any more trouble. I think it's a crime to lock up a decent citizen over something like this. It's a plain crime. Come on, Mr. Lofield. Well, it's just a plain crime, that's all. You haven't heard the end of this. Not yet you haven't.

[D]

It's a plain climb, brother.

[C]

Give me a bunch of thieves any day.

[B]

Who did he ask you to call then?

[C]

His lawyer brother and his secretary, in that order.

[B]

He's not married, huh? I've got a lot for you.

[C]

What's his business? Investment.

[B]

52 Chevrolet.

[C]

Gave you a hard time over there, I understand.

[B]

Yeah, he was full of fights.

[C]

A couple of hours in back there might cool him off.

[B]

Connecting with an armed robbery. 695 Park. That's a good address. Yes, sir, it sure is.

[C]

Man ought to know how to behave himself.

[B]

Not necessarily, Red. That can take a lot more than a good address. As soon as the prisoner had been lodged in the cell, Patrolman Farrell returned to the muster room. And with him I left the station

[C]

house to resume patrol.

[B]

With certain exceptions defined by law. Desk officers of the Police Department of the City of New York are required to take bail from or in behalf of any person arrested for a misdemeanor or an offense in compliance. At 1:40am Lt. Gorman began to make

[C]

the first of the three telephone calls

[B]

requested by Mr. Lowfield.

[C]

Give me a line on here, Sergeant.

[B]

Yes, sir. What time are you taking your meal, Lieutenant?

[C]

About 2:30. I guess this lawyer is a sound sleeper.

[B]

Well, I guess he put up with his clients all day. He has to be. Where does he live?

[C]

I don't know. It's an El Dorado number. Not too far from here, I guess. No, ain't today yet.

[B]

Almost a quarter to two.

[C]

Should be home. Maybe.

[B]

Smart and shuts off his phone. Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised.

[C]

Well, we're not going to raise him. I'll leave the lineup.

[B]

I'll try the brother. Yes. Put Barrel on Reserve at 5am if

[C]

he has to go to court.

[B]

Yes, sir. We could take my through all his posts and put them in a car.

[C]

Yeah, that'll be all right. Mr. Edward Lopeu?

[B]

Yes, who is this?

[C]

Is Lieutenant Garment at the 21st Precinct, Mr. Lofield. Got my brother there? Yes, that's right, Mr. Lope. We're holding him in $500 bail. Well, I'll tell you what you can do. You can keep holding that drunken buff. All right, Mr. Lowfield. He thinks I'm getting dressed at 2:00 in the morning cause I'm a cold

[B]

to bail him out.

[C]

He's out of his mind. Okay.

[B]

I told him last time I wouldn't do it again.

[C]

He's gonna keep getting himself into these jams. He better carry bail money in a shoe or someplace.

[B]

I've had enough.

[C]

You don't have to yell at me, Mr. Lowfield. I'm only calling because he asked me to.

[B]

Yes, yes, you're right.

[C]

I just felt like screaming at someone. That's okay. I don't blame you guys. Got a good business. He makes a lot of money.

[B]

Trouble is he thinks life is one great big party.

[C]

Why didn't you tell him it's no party for me? Let him spend the night in jail. All right. Now give me your message. I wish you would. Okay, Mr. Lowfield, I'm sorry to bother you.

[B]

It's all right. Goodbye.

[C]

Goodbye. His brother says let him rock.

[B]

Are you going to make another call? I've got to look up the number. Yes.

[C]

Says the night in jail will do Him.

[B]

Good. He can get an argument from the one that's in.

[C]

Yeah, I guess he could.

[B]

21st Pre Sergeant Waters. Okay. Oh, listen, I've got an alarm for you. 1952 Chevrolet hardtop, two tone green, Pennsylvania registration unknown. Yeah, Pennsylvania.

[C]

This is Sandra Evans.

[B]

Yeah, that's right. If you see the car parked on your post, ring in here. It's wanted in connection with an armed robbery.

[C]

Okay. Who's Sam Eddie?

[B]

The secretary.

[C]

Yeah, Give me a line on here. Sergeant, the answer.

[B]

You think they come up here?

[C]

How should I know?

[D]

Hello?

[C]

Is this Ms. Sandra Eric?

[D]

Yes. Who's this? Carlin.

[C]

This is Lt. Garment at the 21st Precinct.

[D]

The police?

[B]

That's right.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

What's the matter?

[C]

Ms. Eric, we're holding a man here by the name of Charles H. Lowfield.

[D]

Oh, my goodness.

[C]

He asked us to call you.

[D]

What's the matter with him? He's not hurt, is he?

[C]

No, he's not hurt. He's being held on a charge of disorderly conduct.

[D]

Mr. No farce.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

He says you're his secretary.

[D]

Yes, I am.

[C]

He's being held in $500 bail.

[D]

What does that mean?

[C]

It means someone has to put it up for him or he'll have to stay in jail until court opens.

[D]

In jail, Mr. Lowfield?

[C]

That's right.

[D]

Well, I don't have that much money. Will you tell him I'll try to get hold of his attorney?

[C]

I called his attorney. There's no answer.

[D]

Oh, yes, that's right. He went away for the weekend. I'll call Mr. Mofield's brother.

[C]

I already spoke to his brother. He can't make it.

[D]

He can't?

[C]

He says he can't.

[D]

Oh, well, I don't know whether I can do anything. You tell Mr. Mofield about Ty. I'll see if I can get an idea. It'll take me a little while to get dressed and try to get the money. But you tell Mr. Lowfield I'll be there. Tell him now, don't forget. No, tell him I'll try to go someplace.

[C]

All right, I will.

[D]

Tell him not to worry now.

[C]

I'll tell him.

[B]

Thanks.

[D]

Thank you very much. Bye.

[C]

You're welcome.

[B]

Is secretary cunning with that?

[C]

Yeah. Well, it proves it.

[B]

If a guy's got a good secretary, he's better off than with a family or a lawyer.

[C]

Yeah, maybe if he's in jail.

[B]

Because of the delay involved in making the arrest, taking the prisoner to the station house and booking him, I remained out on patrol somewhat later than usual with Patrolman Farrell. I Toured the precinct from one end to the other, from Fifth Avenue to the river, in order to observe conditions that had been brought to my attention and to check on the efficiency of the men on the job. It was a little before 4am when the car pulled up in front of the station house. As we stopped, I saw the front door open and Lieutenant Matt King, commander of the 21st Detective Squad, come down the steps to the sidewalk. I see. Inside, Pharoh. Yes, sir. Matt. Hello, Captain. Hey, don't you ever go home, Matt?

[C]

That's where I'm headed now.

[B]

Hello, Lieutenant. Pal. Oh, we're giving an alarm on the Pennsylvania car to everybody on post.

[C]

All right.

[B]

And I'll call the attention of the men to it at the 8 o' clock turnoff. Fine. These are a couple of good boys. I made them in three jobs down in Philadelphia.

[C]

Yeah, they shot up a loan company office there yesterday.

[D]

This is the 21st Precinct, isn't it?

[C]

Yes, it is.

[D]

Oh, good.

[B]

Oh, good night, Captain. Good night, ma'.

[C]

Am.

[D]

Well, I've got the money.

[B]

What money is that?

[D]

$500. Thank you. The bail money from Mr. Locust.

[B]

Oh, well, you see the desk lieutenant over there? Yes, that's right. I got a message for you, Captain. That's right. All right, as soon as I sign

[D]

the blotter, I've got the $500 for bail for Mr. Lowfield.

[C]

All right. Hello, Captain.

[D]

And I'm telling you it wasn't very easy to get it. I had to go see a friend of mine. She runs a dress shop and I know she's open made and she brings

[B]

the receipts home with her, you know,

[D]

I'll say a long time to convince her to give it to me.

[C]

Well, as long as you got it

[D]

now, I won't lose this money. I'll get it all back.

[C]

You'll get it back when Mr. Lowfield shows up in court.

[D]

You sure now? Because I had an awful time getting it.

[B]

Yes, you can get it back down at the court.

[D]

That's good. It's not that I don't trust Mr. Lowfield. It's just that I thought maybe there were some charges that would have to be paid or something like that. I'm not worried about Mr. Lowfield at all. Oh, where is he anyway? Can I see him?

[C]

I just rung for the attendant in Braywell.

[D]

Oh, you want the money.

[C]

Now, you hold on a little while. I've got a lot of papers to make out.

[D]

All right.

[C]

Bring Lopi out to the desk. He's surety.

[B]

It's here what did he do?

[D]

Mr. Lowfield? I mean.

[C]

He got nasty and started swinging at a couple of police officers.

[D]

Mr. Lo?

[C]

Yes.

[D]

Oh, Mr. Lowfield wouldn't do a thing like that.

[B]

Wouldn't he?

[D]

Well, he may be a hard man in business, but he's a gentleman.

[B]

She thought.

[D]

It's been a gentleman with me.

[B]

Well, he wasn't with me. I'm one of the policemen he was swinging at.

[D]

Oh, my goodness.

[C]

Your correct name is Sandra Ehrich. E R I D G E. Yes, I'm sure. What's your address?

[D]

225 West 10th Street.

[C]

What's your permanent address? You're a householder within the county of neon.

[D]

Yes, I live here. I have an apartment. Message me.

[C]

Do you have some identification, Miss Eric? Or is it Miss.

[D]

It's Miss Aridge. You mean like a driver's license?

[C]

Yes, that'll do.

[D]

I think I have it with me. Although I did take care of her.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Excuse me.

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

I'm terribly sorry, Captain. I'm sure Mr. Lowfield is too. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't think of doing a thing like that. He's the kindest and most gentleman I've out ever known.

[B]

Well, maybe he is under normal circumstances. All right, Step right up to the Mr.

[D]

Lotion. I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry.

[B]

You should be.

[C]

Where were you?

[B]

And how long have been sitting back there in that cell?

[D]

Well, I got here as fast as I could. I had an awful time.

[B]

Well, look at me. Do you think I had a good time? You know how crummy it is back then, Mr. Lowfield.

[D]

I had to get dressed and find the money. I. I didn't know where to look. I had to impose upon a friend.

[B]

What about me? I've been sitting back there. All right, Mr. Lowfield. Sitting back there for four hours.

[D]

I did the best I could.

[C]

Miss Eric. You'll have to sign this and take an oath on it.

[D]

What is it?

[B]

Just sign it.

[C]

Don't ask what it is.

[D]

I've got a right to know what it is if I'm signing it.

[C]

It's a form, a statement that you're the owner of the currency that's offered for security.

[D]

Oh, well, I'd like to read it.

[B]

Sandra, now stop being an efficient secretary and don't waste time reading it.

[C]

Just sign it.

[B]

Just sign it so I can get out of here.

[D]

Mr. Lowfield, I like you very much, but you're not going to talk to me like this.

[C]

Well, you work for me, don't you?

[D]

I work for you, but I don't have to listen to your abuse.

[B]

Just sign the paper, Sandra.

[D]

And sign it. No, just a second.

[C]

Buying it.

[B]

It's only a matter of four.

[D]

I don't. The money doesn't belong to me. I borrowed it.

[B]

They're not worried that you borrowed it. They just want to make sure it isn't stolen. I sign the paper.

[D]

No, I won't look, Sandra. You look, Mr. Lowfield. I was good enough to get up out of bed at two o' clock in the morning and go chasing around waking up my friends trying to raise this money. I. I don't expect you to be grateful, but I. I do expect you to be at least courteous.

[B]

It's impossible for me to be courteous under these circumstances.

[D]

Then it's impossible for me to be. Be loyal. Good night, Mr. Lo.

[B]

Sandra, I'm sorry. Sign the paper, Sandra.

[D]

I may not have a job in the morning, but at least I'll have my self respect. Good night, Mr. Lowfield.

[B]

Sandra.

[D]

Good night.

[B]

Good night, Sandra. All right, Mr. Lowfield. You're not going anywhere. Just stay here.

[D]

Sandra.

[C]

All right, pal, you better take him back.

[B]

Please, someone go after her. Tell her I'm sorry. You've been sorry for everything all night. Mr. Lowfield.

[D]

Please. I can't stand another minute back there.

[B]

That's what's got me so upset. Now, please, Captain, send someone to get her. I can't do that, Mr.

[C]

Lo.

[B]

I just want to get out of here.

[D]

I've got to get out.

[B]

You've got to give me a chance. You had your chance, Mr. Lowfield. You just walk out the door. 21st, facing Sergeant Waters. A shooting? Where? At the museum or near the museum. I was doing the shooting. Well, are there any police officers there? Where is it exactly now? On the street around the steps. Where? Talk into the phone, will you? All right, I'll send the office. Right. 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.

[C]

21st Precinct transcribed 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 as Lieutenant King, Harold Stone of Sergeant Waters. Featured in tonight's cast were Elaine Ross, Bob Reddick, Mason Adams, Bill Quinn, Santa Sotega. Written and directed by Stanley Ness. Gaylord Avery speaking.