21st Precinct 55-11-04 (109) The Special Orders

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 55-11-04 (109) The Special Orders
Date: February 28, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode presents a classic radio drama from the golden age of radio: “21st Precinct – The Special Orders” (originally aired November 4, 1955). 21st Precinct dramatizes the daily inner workings and human stories of a New York City police station. In this particular episode, Captain Frank Canelli receives the long-awaited special orders: he’s being promoted and transferred, sparking both professional and personal transitions for the precinct staff and his own family.

The episode offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the impact of police promotions, the complex feelings around such changes, and the flow of responsibility from one leader to another.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the 21st Precinct

• Opening Narration ([01:42]):
  • The show frames the precinct as both a physical and social “nerve center” for NYC policing.
  • “Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile...wouldn’t know...they lived or worked in the 21st... the security...is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.”
  • Captain Canelli introduces his command and daily routine, emphasizing paperwork, youth engagement, and patrols.
    • “160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kelly. Frank Kelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st.” ([02:06])

2. Day-to-Day Operations and Police Culture

• Telephone calls, paperwork, and public complaints reveal both the bureaucracy and everyday frustrations faced by police ([03:08]-[04:55]).
• A humorous but telling moment with a citizen disputing a parking ticket:
  • Woman upset at ticket: “It was just for two minutes, that's all.”
  • Sergeant Waters: “The sign says no parking. Doesn’t say you can park for two minutes...” ([04:25])
  • Woman: “It's getting so it's not a free country anymore.” ([04:55])

3. The Unexpected Promotion

• Rumors and anticipation about departmental promotions course through the station.
  • Sergeant Waters: “You don't think the skip is getting made, do you, Lieutenant?” ([05:25])
• Captain Canelli is formally informed by Lt. Joyce:
  • Lt. Joyce: “You’re ordered to report...for promotion to Deputy Inspector. Authority of the Chief Inspector.” ([07:47])
  • Canelli quietly: “Odd.” ([08:00])

4. Personal Impact of Professional Change

• Canelli calls his wife, Ellen, to share his promotion, leading to a touching family conversation:
  • Ellen: “Congratulations...Oh, that wonderful thing is wonderful.” ([09:15], [09:24])
  • Canelli: “I just hate losing a command, that’s all. Especially this one.” ([09:57])
  • The promotion brings a pay raise, more responsibility, but also the bittersweet loss of familiar colleagues and routines.

5. Handing Off the Precinct

• Canelli talks to his officers about the transition, expressing both pride and sadness:
  • Canelli: "If they're sorry to see me go, that's the best send off I could ask for." ([11:45])
• The show describes the process of “turning out the platoon for the night tour” and clearing out personal effects, giving a real sense of the rhythms of police life ([12:38]-[14:35]).

6. Arrival of the New Captain

• The department receives formal notification:
  • Sergeant Waters: “The following Captain, having been promoted...Francis J. Canelli from the 21st Precinct to Manhattan Westboro headquarters.” ([16:55])
  • Captain Vincent P. Cronin from the 17th Division is assigned as the new commander.
• Officers speculate on what the new leadership will bring:
  • Waters: “Well, there’ll have to be something to make up for what we're losing.” ([19:02])
  • King, after checking references: “He works hard, he earns his pay.” ([21:32])

7. Changeover and Immediate Action

• The transition between commanders occurs smoothly but reveals underlying anxiety and professionalism:
  • Cronin, to Canelli: “If you’d like to know about [certain men], I’ll be glad to tell you.”
  • Cronin: “No, sir. I'd rather you didn't tell me. I'd rather find out for myself.” ([27:28])
• New commander, new crisis: Cronin is immediately called to an armed robbery and shooting, showing the unending nature of precinct life ([27:52]-[28:39]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On leadership and loss:

  • Canelli: “I just hate losing a command, that's all. Especially this one.” ([09:57])
  • Canelli: "If they're sorry to see me go, that's the best send off I could ask for." ([11:45])

• On institutional resilience:

  • Narrator: “A police precinct...is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.” ([29:27])

• On facing the unknown:

  • Cronin, declining insight on his new men: “No, sir. I'd rather you didn't tell me. I'd rather find out for myself.” ([27:28])

• With the new boss on the job:

  • Sergeant Waters: “Listen, be on your toes now. The new skipper's on a job...” ([25:05])
  • Captain Cronin [responding to a report of armed robbery]: “Well, you're off to a fast start.” ([28:06])

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Key Timestamps

• 01:42 – Show’s narration sets the context of the 21st Precinct and its daily challenges.
• 07:47 – Captain Canelli learns of his promotion.
• 09:15-09:24 – Celebration and mixed emotions with Canelli’s family.
• 11:45-12:38 – Canelli’s honest farewell to his officers and reflection on change.
• 16:55-19:00 – The official notice of transfers; arrival of new commanding officers.
• 21:32 – Word about the new captain’s reputation.
• 27:28 – Handoff conversation: Canelli offers insight, Cronin declines.
• 27:52-28:39 – Cronin is thrust into immediate action, showing continuity of duty.
• 29:27 – Narrator’s closing reflection on the ever-turning carousel of precinct life.

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Tone & Style

The episode is rich in authentic dialogue, routine, and understated drama, rendered in classic “procedural” style. It’s a blend of the personal and professional, where leadership transitions are both emotional milestones and just another part of the relentless beat of city policing. The dialogue is terse, often wry, always respectful of the weight of responsibility.

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Summary

“The Special Orders” deftly portrays the bittersweet passage of command, the intimate humanity behind the badge, and the dependable rhythms of a police house where the only constant is change. As Captain Canelli departs—his service quietly honored by colleagues and loved ones—Captain Cronin assumes his post, immediately swept into the precinct’s urgent affairs. The story encapsulates a respectful changing of the guard and the ongoing, unsung work of keeping a city safe.

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Transcript

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[Sergeant Waters]

Other captain's out on patrol. Yes, sir. Lieutenant Joyce. Lieutenant Joyce. And the Chief inspector's office. No, sir. He didn't say when he'd be back. I can put out a call for him.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

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.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, Lieutenant. I'll tell him. Yes, sir. As soon as he gets back in the house.

[Narrator]

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. The of 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 Canelli]

160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kelly. Frank Kelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was doing day duty 8am to 6pm the morning was a quiet one in the precinct and I spent a good part of it cleaning up accumulated paperwork, reading and signing reports and communications. Shortly before noon, I met with the precinct youth patrolman, Ezra D. Winkler. In regard to plans for juvenile recreation activity that we would discuss with the precinct coordinating council which is composed of community minded persons who reside or conduct their businesses in the precinct. After I had my meal, a car came by the house for me and I went out on patrol. At 3:25pm While I was still away from the house, Lt. Gorman was on duty in the muster room as desk officer. And the telephone switchboard was manned by Sergeant Waters,

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters? Yeah. Who told you that? No, lady, you have to apply to the Department of Licenses, 112 White St. Like the color W H I T E. You want the telephone number that's worth 48600? Yes, ma'. Am.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right,

[Sergeant Waters]

sergeant. Yes, sir. Show me the detective down there, huh? Yes, sir. Hello, this is Lieutenant Garland. Let me talk to Lieutenant King. All right, I'll hold on. Lieutenant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes?

[Sergeant Waters]

How about that notification the 44th? You want me to ring up there again? No, wait a while. He said I'd keep trying until they found somebody home. Okay? Yes, sir. Hello, Matt. Listen, you owe me a plot to 61. Yeah, yeah. All right.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Ma', am. Are you the one I see?

[Sergeant Waters]

Just a second, lady. Okay, Matt, Lieutenant will be with you. I'll see you. Yeah. You can talk one now. Yes, ma'. Am.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I had my car parked for just two minutes over on Lexington Avenue while I took a dress back to a store and the policeman gave me a ticket. It was just for two minutes, that's all.

[Sergeant Waters]

The sign says no parking. Doesn't say you can park for two minutes right here.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He could have had the decency to realize, couldn't he?

[Sergeant Waters]

The sign says no parking. That's what it means.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

It was just for two minutes. That's a lot of nerve. After all, how was I going to get into the shore if I didn't park there?

[Sergeant Waters]

Lady, you parked in a restricted zone and you got a summons. There's nothing I can do about it. You want to argue? I'd suggest you appear in court and talk to the magistrate.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, what good will that do?

[Sergeant Waters]

It can do a lot more for you than I can. I can't do a thing.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I don't know.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

It's getting so it's not a free country anymore.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Thank you very much.

[Sergeant Waters]

Are welcome, Sergeant. Yes, sir. I'll feed if you want it. When Callie rings in, I want to talk to him. Yes, sir. And I want you to see it. Go ahead, take the call. Okay. When he plays Precinct Sergeant Waters? No, sir, he's not. He's out on patrol. Lieutenant Joy, Chief Inspector's office.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

I expect him in any minute. He's got to turn out the platoon of floor. Well, I. I can put out a radio call for him. All right. Yes, sir. Right away. The Chief Inspector's office. Yes, sir. Lieutenant Joyce there wants to skip it a call. You better put it out on the air. Yes, sir. Hello, CB Sergeant Waters at 21st. Would you have 681 call at 21st? Okay. A message to call the Chief Inspector's office. Erect. You don't think the skip is getting made, do you, Lieutenant? No, sir, don't. I haven't heard anything about any promotions coming up. It's not impossible for them to make promotions without you hearing about it. Well, I don't know about that.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

61's rent.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, thanks, man. Lieutenant King, did you hear anything about any promotion?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, I think I did hear something at the lineup this morning. Supposed to be making a couple of captains and about 10 lieutenants this week.

[Sergeant Waters]

Are they making any deputy inspectors? Why, it was just a message to Captain Kennelly to call the Chief Inspector's office.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, could be. How about you, Red? Where are you? In the Captain's list.

[Sergeant Waters]

What are you doing over here? Captain Kennelli?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

We were just around the corner when the call came over.

[Narrator]

Hello, Ray.

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain, a message for you to call Lt. Joyce at the Chief Inspector's office, Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, yeah, as soon as I signed the blotter. Did you hear anything about any promotions, Captain? No, Matt, I didn't hear a thing. Lieutenant Joyce.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Get him on the line for me, will you?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. Right away, Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

You want to see me, man? Take you away, Captain. What's doing, Ren?

[Sergeant Waters]

Very quiet, Captain. Well, that's good.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Inspector's office. Will you be around for a minute, man? Yes, sir, Sergeant. I'll take the call in my office.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

21st. Briefing Captain Canelli.

[Sergeant Waters]

Lieutenant Joyce on the line, Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right.

[Narrator]

Chief Inspector's office.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Lieutenant Joyce, 21st Precinct. Captain Canelli.

[Narrator]

Well, Captain, you're ordered to report to the office of the Chief Inspector at 10am tomorrow for promotion of the rank of Deputy Inspector. Authority of the Chief Inspector.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Odd.

[Narrator]

The swearing in will be held in the trial room, Captain. You care to have your family present?

[Sergeant Waters]

All right.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Thank you, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Goodbye.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah,

[Sergeant Waters]

25 Pre. Sgt.

[Narrator]

Water.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Give me a line on here, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. Hello?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Hello, Ellen.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Oh, did you call before, Frank?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, I. I heard the phone ringing

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

as I was opening the front door and it stopped by the time I got to it.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, it wasn't me, honey.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Listen, you know where I was? Katie Donaldson's daughter had a baby this morning and I went to the hospital with Katie. Oh, it's the cutest little boy you ever saw, Frank. Six pounds for heat. Isn't that wonderful?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, Ellen.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Oh, and the slip covers came this morning. Frank, you like Peter? The material looks a lot different made up than a Diddless sample.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Honey, I got made. You do?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yep.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Why didn't you say so? Or that wonderful fact. Congratulations.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The swearing in is at 10 o' clock tomorrow morning. You and the kids will be there.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Oh, that wonderful thing is wonderful.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, it sure took a long time.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

You know when you're going to be?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, no, not yet, honey.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

When will you find out?

[Narrator]

Tomorrow.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

You think it might be hot in Queen? Well, that would be fine if it's close to home. You wouldn't lose so much time traveling.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, it may be, Ellen. I can't tell yet. Whatever the job is, the money's a lot better. $820 more. 8,050.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

You don't sound very happy about it.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, I'm happy about the rank and the money. I. I just hate losing a command, that's all. Especially this one.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Well, don't worry, you'll get another one. Friend you have to be.

[Chandler Garcia]

No, no.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The uniforms are the same except the cap. Just new insignia.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

You don't have to lay out three or four hundred dollars for uniforms. Can I call anyone yet?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

If you want to, yeah. But don't call my brother. I'd like to tell him myself. I'll call him when I get home.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

What time is it?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, about 7 o' clock if I don't get stuck.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Don't get stuck here, please.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right, I'll try not to. Bye, honey.

[Ellen (Frank Canelli's wife)]

Bye, Detective. I love you.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, me too. You waiting to see me, Matt? Well, yeah, Captain. I thought if you had a few minutes, we could talk about some of those crystal license applications. Well, why don't you save them and talk to the new captain? Oh, you're getting made. Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Congratulations, Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Thanks, friend. All the luck in the world, Captain. Matt. Thanks.

[Sergeant Waters]

You got made, huh, Cap? Our skipper. Yeah. Congratulations.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Thanks, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

When's it affecting?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Swearing in is at 10am tomorrow. I understand they're making some captains and we'll get. Hear anything about that, Captain? No, not a word, man.

[Sergeant Waters]

Do you know what your new job's going to be?

[Narrator]

No.

[Sergeant Waters]

You don't have any idea who we're going to get around here, do you, Sergeant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I don't know a thing, except that I was instructed to report at 10am tomorrow for promotion. You want to come into my office, man?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Where are you on the captain's list tonight? Nowhere near the top. Go ahead. Sit down, man. Yes. Well, I sure hate to see you all captain. Yeah. I'm not too happy about leaving myself. The best I can hope for is to be the second man in the division. Yeah. You fight to get to the top of the list and they promote you and you're scratching around at the bottom again.

[Sergeant Waters]

There's no chance of your going back

[Captain Frank Canelli]

into the detective division, is there? No, I doubt it could be. You were a squad commander before they made you captain. Yeah, but you know all the deputy jobs in the Bureau field. Yes, sir, I know.

[Sergeant Waters]

Your wife happy?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah. Yeah, I called her. She's pretty pleased. That's good.

[Sergeant Waters]

Guess you know what job you'd like.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Where? Yeah, I know, Matt, but there's no use saying I got no chance of getting it. Well, I. I can tell you this, Captain. I know the men around this command will be pretty sorry to see you go. Think that applies to everybody, Matt? If they're sorry to see me go, that's the best send off I could ask for. When I turned out the platoon for the night tour at 4pM I told the men that it would be the last time I spoke to them as their commanding officer. After the turnout, I went into the back room where I shook hands with the men of the 8 to 4 platoon who were just coming off the job. At 6pm I changed to civilian clothes and packed my uniform into a suit box Patrolman Bailey, the station house attendant, had found in the locker room. I signed the blotter and left the station house the next morning. One morning, with my wife, my son and my two daughters I drove to police headquarters at 240 Center street in downtown Manhattan. While my family went upstairs to the trial room where the promotion ceremonies would be held I reported to the Chief Inspector's office as directed. There I saw the 17 other men, patrolmen, sergeants and lieutenants who were to be promoted. I learned that I was the only officer with the rank of captain or above to be promoted. The chief inspector, the highest ranking member of the force, spoke to us briefly in his office and then we proceeded to the trial room for the formal ceremonies which were presided over by the police commissioner. After we were sworn in by the chief clerk of the department I took my family out to lunch at one of the several fine Italian restaurants in downtown New York. Meanwhile, back at the station house, Lieutenant Gorman was in charge as desk officer and Sergeant Waters was on telephone switchboard duty.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct, Sergeant Waters. All right, you'll take your meal now, huh? Away you be. Yeah, okay. Well, Lieutenant, I guess the Skipper has that oak leaf pinned on it by now. Yeah. They could do a lot worse, you know that? An awful lot worse. I know. When are you first Precinct, Sergeant Waters? No, Lieutenant King. Nothing yet? No, sir. No, there hasn't been anything on the teletype for an hour. Yeah, I'll let you know. Yes, sir, as soon as it comes over. Lt. King, he wants to know if we heard where the skip was was transferred to and who the new boss is going to be here. What do you got there?

[Narrator]

Willie Sutton, Junior Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Step right up to the rail there.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, I do nothing. What you want? I. I do nothing.

[Narrator]

Thief, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, not thief. I. I don't stole nothing in my life. No, I saw him coming down a block trying the doors of the cars. Found one that wasn't locked.

[Narrator]

Reached inside and put this package out.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, that's mine. I had it with me all the time. Yeah? What did you ever buy in saxophone? I. I buy there all the time. It's your second home, huh? Know that I'm the owner of the car. Well, I got the registration number, Lieutenant. I left a note in the car

[Narrator]

for him to come to the station house. That we got his property.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, no, I know lie the package. He belonged to me. They wouldn't even let you inside. Saks Fifth Avenue. What's his name? Oli Lagna. He said no, he's mine. I just got from. From shopping.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

What's in the package? What did you buy? Different things. Take them up to the detective. No, no, no detective. Come on, let's go. Al, do we know who the new skipper's going to be at this house? No, not yet. Go on, Ali. I don't suppose nothing about. Well, that might. Might turn out to be a pretty good collar, Lieutenant. Yeah. Could be the boy who's been robbing us blind. There it is.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Special orders. That's it. The Skipper's on the top of the list. The following Captain, having been promoted to Deputy Inspector. Inspector is transferred and assigned as indicated to take effect at 4pm today. Francis J. Canelli from the 21st Precinct to Manhattan Westboro headquarters. Well, that's that northern West Portal headquarters. That's not bad. Better for him than a division, I think. At least he's there with a high. Bless to see him around. It could be a good job. Get it? Yes, 21st Precinct, Sergeant Waters. Oh, they're coming through right now. Lieutenant King, Manhattan, Westboro Headquarters. Yes, sir, could be. Well, that's all that's come through so far. No, sir, we don't know yet. They didn't get to the transfers yet. All right. Yes, sir. Lieutenant King, he's coming downstairs.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh.

[Sergeant Waters]

How many lieutenants did they make, Lieutenant? Six and two captains. Do you know any of them?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No.

[Sergeant Waters]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Sergeants. 8. Here's the transfers. It ought to be straight. The following transfer is hereby ordered to take effect at 4pm today. Captain Vincent P. Cronin from the 17th Division to 21st Precinct. You ever hear of him, Lieutenant? No. Vincent P. Cronin. Well, we don't know him. I suppose we'll get there, huh? I don't doubt it. Oh, here's Lieutenant King, Sal.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

What'd you get?

[Sergeant Waters]

Red Vincent. Pete Cronin, 17th Division. You know him, huh?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No.

[Sergeant Waters]

You ever hear of him?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No.

[Sergeant Waters]

Excuse me. Well, there'll have to be something to make up for what we're losing.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah. See the promotions, huh?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. No, Captain Kennelly isn't here. And accepted.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He.

[Sergeant Waters]

Inspector Kennelly.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

We move up a couple of notches on the list, right?

[Sergeant Waters]

I've got to move faster than that.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He'll be coming back here, won't he? Inspector Canelli.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, yeah. He's got an office full of personal belongings. Have you decided what kind of a guy this new skipper is?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I've got a good friend, a squad commander out there in that division in Brooklyn. Maybe he knows him.

[Sergeant Waters]

I could ring him up.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Sure, Matt. Why not?

[Sergeant Waters]

Give Lieutenant King a liner, Sergeant. Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Right away.

[Sergeant Waters]

I don't know how much good it'll do us to know, but I'm anxious to find out.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

So am I.

[Sergeant Waters]

Must have been a playing clothes work in that division, huh? He must have been.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hello, Lieutenant Ziegler there.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Lieutenant King, 24th Squad. All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

I was in the academy with a Cronin, I think, but I think it was Paul Cronin. Hello, Danny.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Matt King all right? It's fine. It's pretty quiet. How are things out there? Yeah, that's good. Listen, Danny, the precinct commander here got made a deputy inspector today. Yeah, that's right. Frank Canelli. We're getting a Captain from the 17th Division, Vincent Cronin. Yeah, I know. You do? That's why I called. The boys around here are kind of anxious to know what to expect, huh?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Huh? Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

[Sergeant Waters]

Maybe it would have been better to be surprised.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Maybe. Say what?

[Sergeant Waters]

Why? How Is he working with the detectives?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I see. Well, thanks, Danny.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, she's fine, Martha.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Good. Let's get together and cut up some scores. Okay. I'll see you. Danny,

[Sergeant Waters]

wait a minute. I'll be right back.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He's not on plain clothes duty. He's been a fly captain out there.

[Sergeant Waters]

There? What'd you say he was, Lieutenant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Been a fly captain in the division out there.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Sergeant Waters]

Did he say what kind of a guy he was?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He works hard, he earns his pay.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's good.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

And so will you. After I finished lunch with my family, I drove them home to my residence in Ozone Park, Queens. I went into the house and got a suitcase out of the closet to bring into New York in order to pay, pack my personal effects at the station house and take them to my new command. A precinct commander's night tours call for him to be on the job for 16 hours and his office becomes a second home. When he's transferred, an accumulation of extra uniforms, toilet articles and other personal effects must be packed and moved.

[Sergeant Waters]

I was about to go out the

[Captain Frank Canelli]

door when some neighbors dropped in to congratulate me. And consequently, it was not until after 2pm that I was able to start for New York.

[Chandler Garcia]

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[Captain Frank Canelli]

While I was driving in, a tall, well built man in civilian clothes walked in the front door of the station house and headed for the desk.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes sir, can I help you? I'm Captain Cronin. Oh, hello, Captain. Lieutenant Gorman.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I'll come around.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sign the blotter.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's all right.

[Narrator]

I'll use my own pen.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, let me know. What time do these special orders come through, Lieutenant? About 12:15, Captain. I gave Stay Hill that complaint, Lieutenant.

[Narrator]

Okay, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Throwing Sergeant Waters, Captain. Glad to know you, Sergeant. I want someone to help me get some things out of my car, Lieutenant. Yes, sir. Foul's in the back room. All right. Get them, will you? Okay, Lieutenant.

[Narrator]

Director Kennelli still has most of his

[Sergeant Waters]

things in your office, Captain. Will he be in this afternoon? Yes, sir, we expect him.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

I believe he's on his way. Who are the other lieutenants attached to this command? There's John Bryan, Gerald E. Pope, and Harry Snyder. Snyder was Snyder. A sergeant in the 83rd justice, and I think I know him. Captain, this is the trawman Farrell. Captain Cronin. Farrell. Good to meet you, Captain. My car's parked out front.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Foul blue 52 Dodge, two door.

[Sergeant Waters]

The tan suitcase, A cardboard box in the back seat. Would you bring him in here?

[Narrator]

I'll get the rest later. Sure, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, well, wait a minute. I'll go with you. Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

We'll be right back.

[Sergeant Waters]

Listen. Well, what do you think I should honor what I think? He looks tough to me. Well, that was the word, wasn't it? So don't be surprised. I'm not surprised, Lieutenant. I'm just curious.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Take the call.

[Sergeant Waters]

Guess it. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. All right. 11. Oh, listen, be on your toes now. The new skipper's on a job. All right, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Bring upstairs to the detective. Tell Lieutenant King. Yes, sir. This is Sergeant Waters on T.S. let me talk to Lieutenant King. Oh, he is?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

When you get a chance, will you tell him the new skipper's in the house? All right. Yeah. Lt. King is talking to a suspect. Goldman. Says he'll tell him as soon as he gets a chance. Okay. Sergeant, would you give us a hand? Get the door to the office. Oh, yes, sir. Oh, I can take that, Captain. That's all right. Just open the door. Yes, sir. Go ahead, Poirot.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Just set it down any place. Yes, sir. I won't put anything away until Inspector Canelli gets his things cleaned out. Open a window, will you, Sergeant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, sure, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Thanks, Val. That's all. You're welcome, Captain. Glad to have met you. Yeah. Inspector Canelli has the only key to his desk in the closet.

[Narrator]

All right. Oh, there he is.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hello, Sergeant. Hello, Captain. Oh, I'm sorry, Inspector.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

That's all right. I'm not accustomed to it myself.

[Sergeant Waters]

Deputy Inspector Kennelly, Captain Cronin, Roman. Glad to meet you, Inspector. Well, I better get back on the board. Go ahead and close the door, sergeant. Yes?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to clean my things out before you got here.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's all right.

[Narrator]

Don't worry about it, Inspector.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Been a pretty busy day for both of us.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's a pretty nice office.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, it's comfortable and big enough. Sit down, colonel. Yes, sir. You'll find this a pretty busy shop. So I heard, for the most part. We've got a good bunch of men in this command. They work hard. They're interested in the job.

[Sergeant Waters]

That's good.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

There are a few I've had to watch. If you'd like to know about them, I'll be glad to tell you.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, sir. I'd rather you didn't tell me. I'd rather find out for myself.

[Narrator]

Sure. That's usually the best way.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Go ahead, captain. Take it your command now. Yes, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct. Captain Cronin.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Sergeant Ward is on CS Captain. Yes, DB call with a report of

[Sergeant Waters]

an armed robbery and shooting.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Deputy Fraser, Lexington.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right. Have a car come by the house for me. I'll roll.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Armed robbery, shooting. 71st and Lexington.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, you're off to a fast start.

[Sergeant Waters]

I guess I am.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, I'll leave the keys to the closet on the desk with Lieutenant Gorman.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. Is that all you've got on that sergeant? It's all CB Hat. Your car's on the way, captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Anything more on that slipping person, Lex?

[Sergeant Waters]

Nothing, lieutenant.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

That's a better job, captain. Yeah, I know. This is Captain Cronin, Lieutenant. Lieutenant King, the squad commander.

[Sergeant Waters]

Lieutenant.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Aye. I'll be out the car in a minute one. We'll get together later, eh, captain?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, sure. Oh, well, if you're going over there,

[Narrator]

I'll ride with you.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay? Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Glad to have you.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll ride with the detective sergeant.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Cancel our car.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

You got a roll on that, Inspector?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, I. I don't think so. I'll. I'll just go and get my stuff together.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

But, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Let me know what there is to it.

[Sergeant Waters]

When he first preaching. Sergeant Waters?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. Who is it? His wife. Hitting her with what? Oh, yeah.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll send the officers right over there. Do you live in a building there too? 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.

[Narrator]

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 Benevolence association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department. City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Janelli. James Gregory as Captain Cronin, Ken lynch as Lieutenant King, Harold Stone as Sergeant Waters. Featured in tonight's cast were Ralph Camargo, Santos Ortega, Frank Mouth and Ethel Everett. Written and produced by Stanley Nist. Art Hannah Speaking.

[Chandler Garcia]

It.