21st Precinct 56-04-19 (133) The Poodle

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 56-04-19 (133) — “The Poodle”

Date: February 28, 2026
Main Theme:
This classic radio episode takes listeners inside the day-to-day workings of New York’s 21st Precinct, focusing on a citizen’s complaint against a patrol officer. The story revolves around Mrs. Edith Oakley, her beloved poodle Bon Bon, and a misunderstanding involving a police officer allegedly drinking on duty. The episode highlights procedures for police investigations, the importance of citizen oversight, and the nuances of public service.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Life at the 21st Precinct

• Opening Scenes (00:05–01:17)
  • We’re introduced to the sound and feel of a bustling precinct, with Sergeant Collins and Captain Cronan responding to various calls and discussing the responsibilities of the command staff.
  • Quote: Captain Cronan: “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...the security of their homes...is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.” (00:39)

2. The Complaint: Mrs. Oakley’s Account

• Meet Mrs. Oakley (03:07–09:11)
  • Captain Cronan visits Mrs. Edith Oakley to investigate a written complaint she sent to the police commissioner.
  • Mrs. Oakley claims she observed a police officer in uniform, badge #32489, in the back of a local delicatessen (Fairland Delicatessen) drinking beer and smoking—a violation of police conduct.
  • She provides detailed observations, including following the officer after her purchase of a roast beef sandwich for her poodle, Bon Bon.
  • Quote: Mrs. Oakley: “Not only neglecting his duty, but he was drinking.” (03:45)
  • Memorable Moment: Mrs. Oakley fusses over Bon Bon, illustrating her character and tendency toward detail: “Bon Bon...a little miniature. Oh, there she is now. Here. Bon Bon. Come on, Mama.... Poor. Dogs seem almost human, don’t they, Captain?” (05:01)
  • Mrs. Oakley’s Determination: Insists on providing details (“I made a specific note of his badge number.” – 08:07). Asks what action will be taken and expects accountability.

3. Procedural Response: The Internal Police Investigation

• Compiling Facts (09:11–13:39)
  • Captain Cronan explains the process of investigating civilian complaints, differentiating between abuse of authority and misconduct.
  • Departmental records are reviewed; Cronan and Sgt. Collins confirm Patrolman Vaccaro’s assignments and whereabouts on the evening in question.
  • The delicatessen is officially listed as Vaccaro’s meal location—no initial dereliction of duty.
  • Quote: Captain Cronan: “Complaints by a citizen...fall into two general categories...The other, alleging delinquency or misconduct, as the former is the most serious...” (09:18)

4. Patrolman Vaccaro’s Defense

• The Interview (13:41–17:58)
  • Patrolman Paul Vaccaro is called in to give his account. He confirms he ate dinner at the delicatessen; he was in the back room during his meal break, in line with the rules.
  • He insists he drank grape soda from a can, not beer, and that canned soda is a new offering at the delicatessen.
  • Memorable Moment: Captain Cronan directly confronts him with the complaint: “Supposing I told you that we have a written complaint from a civilian that you were in the back of that delicatessen last Friday night drinking a can of beer?” (16:59)
  • Vaccaro emphatically denies drinking beer or whiskey—though he occasionally drinks wine.
  • Quote: Patrolman Vaccaro: “That was a can of grape soda I was drinking. That’s the truth, Captain.” (17:53)

5. Resolution and Reflection

• Verifying Facts and Closing the Case (17:58–19:09)

  • Cronan follows up, confirming Vaccaro’s story and assures Mrs. Oakley by phone the matter was investigated and the complaint is unfounded.
  • A written report exonerates Vaccaro, illustrating the importance of due process within the police force.

• A Touch of Everyday Life in the Precinct (19:09–24:56)

  • Everyday interactions reinforce the humanity of the characters—ordering sandwiches, bantering about soda flavors, and exchanging small talk.
  • Mrs. Oakley reappears at the deli, playfully fussing over sandwich ingredients and Bon Bon’s preferences.
  • Memorable Moment: Mrs. Oakley: “Well, that was a dog. This is a poodle.” (24:48) – after being told of a dog that liked pickles.
  • The deli clerk and Vaccaro joke about customers and the idiosyncrasies of “the lady with the dogs.”

• Epilogue: Life Goes On at the 21st Precinct (24:56–25:38)

  • Captain Cronan narrates the continuing, cyclical nature of police work: “A police precinct in the city of New York is the flesh and blood merry-go-round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.” (25:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mrs. Oakley’s Persistence:
  • “As long as I’m a taxpayer, I’m going to want to do something about it. Do you agree?” — Mrs. Oakley (03:45)
• Dog Personified:
  • “Dogs seem almost human, don’t they, Captain?” — Mrs. Oakley (05:31)
• Procedural Clarity:
  • “Complaints by a citizen against a member of the police force fall into two general categories...” — Captain Cronan (09:18)
• Direct Challenge:
  • “Supposing I told you that we have a written complaint from a civilian that you were...drinking a can of beer?” — Captain Cronan (16:59)
• Vaccaro’s Defense:
  • “That was a can of grape soda I was drinking. That’s the truth, Captain.” — Patrolman Vaccaro (17:53)
• The Doggy Difference:
  • “Well, that was a dog. This is a poodle.” — Mrs. Oakley (24:48)
• The Precinct’s Reality:
  • “A police precinct...is the flesh and blood merry-go-round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.” — Captain Cronan (25:13)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Captain Cronan introduces the 21st Precinct and staff | | 03:07 | Captain Cronan interviews Mrs. Oakley | | 05:37 | Details of Friday night’s events clarified | | 09:18 | Captain Cronan explains civilian complaint procedures | | 13:41 | Patrolman Vaccaro is interviewed | | 16:59 | Cronan confronts Vaccaro with the accusation | | 19:09 | Cronan concludes the investigation and exonerates Vaccaro | | 21:29 | Lighthearted deli exchange with Mrs. Oakley reappearing | | 24:56 | Captain Cronan's epilogue—Precinct life continues |

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Tone & Takeaways

• Language & Tone: Straightforward, procedural dialogue with moments of warmth, humor, and human detail (especially around Mrs. Oakley and her poodle).
• Themes: The importance of careful investigation, public accountability, everyday life in public service, and the role of personality in community interactions.

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Final Thoughts

For history and procedural drama enthusiasts, this episode presents a well-paced, character-driven story with insight into both the lives of New York police in the 1950s and the sometimes-comic, sometimes-serious interactions between everyday citizens and law enforcement. At its heart is a small misunderstanding, thoroughly investigated, with a charming glimpse of neighborhood life and human quirks.

Transcript

[Sergeant Collins]

When he. First Precinct, Sergeant Collins. What do you mean, he was robbed? Was he held up? The fellow was talking to the phone.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

I can't hear you.

[Sergeant Collins]

What was he doing on the stoop? Was he drunk? What's his name?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What?

[Sergeant Collins]

How do you sell them?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You are by transcription in the muster room of 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 Collins]

All right. Tell them to stay there. I'll send the officers right over there. Where is that? The southwest corner. All right, they'll be right there. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the City of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct. The 21st.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. Men. My name is Cronan, Vincent P. Cronan. I'm Captain in command of the 21st Precinct. I was doing day duty 8am to 6pm after I turned out the platoon, I went into my office where I read and signed reports and communications until nearly 9 o' clock when Sergeant Collins rang into my office to inform me that sector car number three had come by the house to take me on patrol. Occasionally, the commanding officer of a precinct has unpleasant duties to perform. One of these is the investigation of complaints by civilians alleging delinquency or misconduct on the part of a member of his command. In connection with such a complaint, I instructed my operator, Patrolman Farrell, to drive to 521 East 66th Street, a new 16 story apartment building overlooking the East River. I got out of the car and crossed the sidewalk. The doorman admitted me and I headed across the lobby to the elevator.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Going up? Yes, please.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Mrs. Edith Oakley. What apartment is that?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

14 days.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yep.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Nice weather, right, Captain? Yeah.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, it's about time.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You know Mrs. Oakley?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yeah, I know it's you.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Is she a young woman?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yeah. Maybe she thinks she is, but I don't. There's young and there's young. You know what I mean, Kevin?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah, I know.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

She's like in her 50s. What's the trouble, cat? You got a Problem with.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

No, no, no problem.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

That's good guess. I don't advise you to tangle with that one.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

14Y.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

That's the third door on your left.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Okay, thanks.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Mrs. Oakley?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes, that's right.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

How do you do? I'm Captain Cronin, the 21st. Pleasing.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes, of course. Would you come in?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yep.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I was just about to write a follow up. Should we go in here? Perhaps excuse the apartment because it's Fanny's day off. Oh, I'll take your hat.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Oh, it's okay.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

All right. I thought there'd be somebody here. The very next day you wrote to

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

the police commissioner, Mrs. Oakway. Your letter was forwarded to the chief Inspector and then down through channels to me.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I understand that. I certainly expected more prompt action than this. Won't you sit down?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

After all, that policeman was neglecting his duty and heaven knows what else. And when I see something like that, as long as I'm a taxpayer, I'm going to want to do something about it. Do you agree?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Well, if he was neglecting his duty, something will be done about it.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Hope I can depend on that. Not only neglecting his duty, but he was drinking.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You can depend on it. Mrs. Oakway, your letter to the police commissioner was dated the 14th. You said that last night you observed the officer in the back room of this delicatessen with a jacket unbuttoned, smoking a cigarette and drinking from a can of beer.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

That's right.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

This was Friday night, the 16th you're talking about.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, if I wrote the letter on the 14th and said it was last night, it must have been Friday night, the 13th I was talking about. Don't you think?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

I just want to make sure I

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

don't see what's so important about that anyway. Exactly when it happened.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

It's very important.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

It was Friday night, and I wrote the letter Saturday morning. As soon as I got up, I went downstairs and I mailed it. I went downstairs immediately.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You saw me? Just exactly what you did and what you saw, Mrs. Osling.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

It's all in the letter.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yes, well, I'd kind of like to hear a little more detail.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

I don't see why, but I would. All right, if you'd like to. You see, my husband was away on business, so I was here all alone. Well, that is, except for Bon Bon, my poodle. Bon Bon. Oh, a little miniature. Oh, there she is now. Here. Bon Bon. Come on, Mama. Come on. Come on, dad. Come on, dad. Oh, come on up now. Come on. Oh, that's a good girl. He's very shy. When I have company, captains, she hides in the kitchen until I call her. Don't you, blonde? Bon, darling, don't you? Oh, poor. Those seem almost human, don't they, Captain?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Well, not quite, Mrs. Ogwen.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Oh, she is. She's just a little high strung, aren't you, dear?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What time was it when you took the dog out for a walk Friday night, Ms. Oakland?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I'd say it was about 8:30.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

About 8:30.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

As a matter of fact, it was almost exactly 8:30. I had just finished talking to a friend of mine on the telephone. She was going to theater, and she said, oh, my goodness, it's almost 8:30. I better hang up if I want to make the curtain. I can give you her name if you want it. She's a very good friend.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

No, no, that's quite all right. You took the dog downstairs and you walked directly over to York Avenue. Is that right?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Directly over to York Avenue.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Would you say it was about 20 minutes to 9 when you got there?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Approximately.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

And what did you do on York Avenue?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I passed this delicatessen that was open. The Fairland Delicatessen, they call it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah, yeah, I know the place.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

And I said to myself, wouldn't Bon Bon enjoy a nice roast beef sandwich when we got home?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You don't?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes, she loves roast beef sandwiches. Of course, I don't let them put mustard on it. Or lettuce.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

No.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

So I went into the Delta Tester, and I was the only customer. The man asked me what I wanted, and I told him one roast beef sandwich on rye to take out. Bonbon will only eat rye bread. Isn't that right, dear? Yes. Well, he was making the sandwich, and I just stepped back there to look over what else he had. Now, there is this little table in the back, and I saw the policeman in there sitting down at the table and his jacket unbuttoned, almost off. I mean, it wasn't a way to be presentable. He was sitting down there and he was smoking a cigarette and he was drinking beer from a can. Now, was that right when that man was supposed to be out protecting the public? He's got no right in the back of a delicatessen drinking beer from a can.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You sure he was a policeman, Mrs. O'? Quay? Not a doorman or, you know, somebody else in uniform?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Oh, he was a policeman, all right. I can recognize a police uniform. The police cap and. And the man had a gun. He had it strapped right to his belt there. Anybody could tell he was a policeman.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Would you know the man Again, if

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

you saw him, absolutely, positively no question about it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

How close would he you to.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

I was standing at the counter there, and he was sitting at the table in the back room. I. I could see him right through the door.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

How far would you estimate that to be?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No farther than from here to where that Ottoman is over there.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

About what, 12, 15ft in the south?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

In your letter to the commissioner, you reported his shield number. 32489?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes, that's right.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You were able to read the number on his shield or Captiv ice from 12 or 15ft away?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No, I wasn't able to. And that's why I waited outside.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Outside the store?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes. I was really annoyed about this whole thing. So when the man finished making my sandwich and I paid for it, I went outside and I stayed on the sidewalk there. I waited 10 or 15 minutes until that policeman came out. And finally, when he did come out of the store, I said, I am going to get the number on his badge. So I saw him come out of the store and I walked right up to him and I asked him which way it was. The Sutton Place. While he was telling me, I made a specific note of his badge number.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You sure it was 32489?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Absolutely, I'm positive of it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

When you spoke to him, did you notice anything unusual about his appearance? You know, his speech, his manner?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Do you mean was he drunk?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yes.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I'm not an expert on such things. I just made a note of his shield number. Is that what you call it? Shield number. Badge number one.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Shield number? Yeah. I saw the.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, wrote it down in my little notebook that I carry in my pocketbook. And then I said, come on, Bon Bon, let's go. Come on, Bon Bon. We came home and we came upstairs. I was so upset about the whole thing. I was so mad, I almost called someone right there. And then I decided, what good would it do to call? So I wrote a letter. Now, what I want to know is, what are you going to do about this? Are you going to take some action?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

I'm making an investigation, Mrs. Oakway. If the results warrant action, there'll be action taken.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

I only hope you will. Because after all.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You don't have to hope I will, Mrs. Oakway. You can depend on it. Complaints by a citizen against a member of the police force fall into two general categories. One, alleging abuse of authority or the unnecessary use of force. The other, alleging delinquency or misconduct, as the former is the most serious type of complaint. A special civilian complaint review board comprising three deputy Commissioners of the department as charge of investigating and hearing the complaints. If the facts are warrant, the board recommends that the member of the force stand departmental trial. In more serious cases, the evidence may be turned over to the district attorney of the county and criminal proceedings instituted complaints alleging delinquency or misconduct such as the matter at hand. I refer to the chief inspector who assigns a superior officer of the department to make an investigation. I'm receiving the communication from Mrs. Oakley through channels with instructions to make an investigation. I determined that shield number 32489 was assigned to Patrolman Paul Vaccaro. The charge that he had left his post and neglected his duty was easy to prove or disprove because of the extensive departmental records kept on the movement of members of the force. The second charge, indulging in intoxicants while in uniform, presented more of a problem. At 10:45am I returned from patrol, walked into the muster office, and behind the desk, Lieutenant Snider was desk officer, and Sergeant Collins was on telephone switchboard.

[Sergeant Collins]

Hello, Captain. Sergeant, 21st facing Sergeant Collins.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Hello, Skipper. Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Collins]

What's the problem?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Quite sure, Captain. Huh? Excuse me.

[Sergeant Collins]

Well, lady, if the landlord's going to make repairs on the building, there's any to complain about.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Okay, Lieutenant. Yes, sir.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Are you doing the hammering?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Oh, I'll be in my office. Okay.

[Sergeant Collins]

Kevin, what time did they start hammering this morning? In a second, captain. Well, lady, 8:30 is a reasonable hour to start working. There's no reason for a standard officer over there. Why don't you call the landlord and register your complaint with him? No, there's nothing we can do about it. Okay. You're welcome. He's upset because the landlord sent a carpenter in to fix the stairs. She can't stand the pounding. What are you going to do?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yep. Sergeant, have you got the telephone switchboard record for the 4 to 12 on Friday the 13th, Andy?

[Sergeant Collins]

Yes, sir. Right here. The 4 to 12?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yep.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What post was the Carol assigned us?

[Sergeant Collins]

Post number eight, captain.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What time do you take his mail? 8:15 to 9:12. Where? Go ahead, take your.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir. 21st place in council, sergeant.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Column.

[Sergeant Collins]

Yeah, all right, 17.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Where'd you take his meal, sergeant?

[Sergeant Collins]

861 York Avenue.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Are you familiar with the place?

[Sergeant Collins]

What is it?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Over there.

[Sergeant Collins]

Oh, yes, sir, I know it. It's a delicatessen. A fair line. Delicate.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

All right. Well, watch Vaccaro working. He's not swinging.

[Sergeant Collins]

Oh, no, sir. He's still on the floor to 12 cabin.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

We got some trouble again. Oh, Vaccaro might have some Trouble? I put a note on the board from the semi sergeant.

[Sergeant Collins]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

As soon as he comes into the house. The telephone switchboard record shows the hourly rings of patrolman on posts into the staking house, their meal periods and where they can be located during their meal period. Patrolman Vaccaro had not left his post without permission. I showed him the records. He was in the back room of the delicatessen where he had reported he would be during his regular meal period. Consequently, part of the complaint Against him by Mrs. Edith Oakway had proved unfounded. But she had also charged that she had observed him drinking beer from a can. It is contrary to the rules of the department for a member of the force while in uniform to use intoxicants of any type, whether on his meal period or not. That portion of her complaint remained to be investigated. The rest of the morning was quiet in the precinct and I completed some paperwork. At 12:30, a car came by the house to take me to a luncheon meeting of the Lenox Hill Kiwanis Club where I spoke to the members in answer to their questions concerning the police and community relations. After the meeting, I went out on patrol of the precinct once more and returned to the station house at 3:30pm the men who would work the 4 to 12 tour were coming into the house and heading for the locker room to change in the uniform. After I signed the plotter and started toward my office, I saw Patrolman Vocaro, already in uniform, come out of the back room and approach me.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Call Captain.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yes. Not on the board.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

You wanted to see me, Captain?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah, that's right. P. Come on into my office.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Okay, go ahead.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Just a second, Carol. I'll make a note of something. That still fl my mind. Yes, Bo. Did you work for the 12 last Friday the 13th?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Get out your memorandum book. Turn the pages. Covering that tour.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yeah.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Any government?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Friday, April 13, 4 to 12 tour.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What time is your meal period?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

8:15. I rang back in at 9:12.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Where were you during your meal period?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

At 861 York Ave. Cabin.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What is it over there?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

It's Delca Tessa. The Fairland Delta.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Eat that fragrance, Sir, I do when

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

I'm working the post at night. Not myself's open on the post during the day. There's a couple of other places I can eat. But on the 4 to 12 this is just about it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

That's it's not a delicatessen and a restaurant too, is it?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No, sir, it's not. There's no tables out in front, but he makes Sandwiches to go. And he has a table in the back. He lets me and the other men that work the post, some doormen, people in the neighborhood he knows, eat in back there, you know, have their sandwich.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Friday night you have a sandwich in the back room.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Yes, sir.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

What else do you have mixed pretty good? Coleslaw. I had some of that and pickle, I think, and some of those cupcakes that come in a package.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You have anything else?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No, sir. That's about all I ate, as I remember.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Excuse me. Tim.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

What do you place for you think. Captain Coleman.

[Lieutenant King]

Sergeant Collins on ts. Captain, Lieutenant King is ringing downstairs for you.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

All right, Very much. Please thank Captain Cron.

[Lieutenant King]

Lieutenant King. Captain.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Lieutenant King]

Captain, we're going to make a stab tonight at curing that siege of drunks being rolled.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Oh, good. Mad, I tell you what we're going to do.

[Lieutenant King]

There's four men coming up here from the pickpocket squad.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant King]

A couple of them are going to plant themselves as drunks on stoops and park benches and so forth. We'll have detectives watching them to see if anybody approaches and attempts to roll them. What I'd like is for you to make an announcement at the turnout about what we're going to do so your men won't be running any of the detectives into the station house as vagrants or. Or, well, maybe spoiling a collar.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Nice. Sure. Be glad of mine.

[Lieutenant King]

What I'll do, I'll come down later and give you the exact location where these plants will be. And if it's all right with you, I'll talk to the men on post there and to the men in sector cars.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Sure, fine with me.

[Lieutenant King]

Okay. I'll be downstairs before 4:00'.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Clock. Yeah, okay, mad, I'll see you. All right. Oh, now, Lucaro, what did you say you had to eat at the Del.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, I remember, Captain. I had a. And some coleslaw and a package of those cupcakes.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Is that all? Didn't have any coffee.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No, it's not a restaurant, Captain. He doesn't have any coffee going over there.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Don't you have anything to drink?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir, I have some soda.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

One bottle and two bottles.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

One, Captain. But it wasn't a bottle.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Now, what was it?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

A fellow that runs the place, the night man, Joe, he asked me if I ever tried any of the soda that comes in can. No, I hadn't. It was kind of good and he suggested it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

He suggested grapes and. You had a can of grape soda?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Wasn't A can of beer.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

It was a can of soda. You've seen them. They just come out. The soda popped in the can.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, that's what I had.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Well, Carol, supposing I told you that we have a written complaint from a civilian that you were in the back of that delicatessen last Friday night drinking

[Sergeant Collins]

a can of beer?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Me?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

There was a letter to the police commissioner of that.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

That's not so, Captain. I told you what I had. I had a can of grape soy. You can check with a night man over the delicatessen. His name is Joe. He'll tell you what I had.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Well, I can tell you that the complainant reports that you were drinking a can of beer.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Captain, it might have looked like I was drinking a can of beer. But that's not beer. That's Sore Puppet that comes in a can. Now, I don't drink beer. Ever?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

No, sir.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No, sir.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You drink whiskey?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No, sir, I don't.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

You never take a drink?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, I drink wine occasionally. Always on the table. When I was a kid. So occasionally I take a drink of wine. But I never have any whiskey and I never have any beer.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

It's pretty easy to check.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, you can check, Captain. I want you to check. I never drink whiskey and I never drink beer. I don't care for it.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

All right, John.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

I don't care what kind of a letter the commissioner got. That was a can of grape soda I was drinking. That's the truth, Captain.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

I'm glad it's the truth, Macaron, because now you'd sure be in a jam if it wasn't. After I turned out the platoon, I went in my Office and telephoned Mrs. Edith Oakway, from whom the complaint about Patrolman Vaquero had been received. I informed her that I had made an investigation of the matter and had found the patron of the Carroll was in the delicatessen during his regular meal period. And what appeared to her to be a can of beer was actually a can of soda pop. I then called the clerical patrolman into my office and dictated the report of my investigation in which I stated the complaint was unfounded. I instructed the clerical man to repair to prepare the report for my signature to be forwarded to the Chief Inspector direct. I remained at the station house until 6pm when I signed the blotter to go off duty. Lt. Garman, the desk officer during the 4 to 12, was then in charge of the 64 men patrolling the precinct. Among these, of course, was patrolman of the Carroll. At 8:15, he walked to a call box on York Avenue intending to ring into the station house.

[Lieutenant King]

21st. Bracing, Sergeant.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Column, box 14. Patroma Vaccaro.

[Lieutenant King]

All right, you go on your meal now, huh?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, I can.

[Lieutenant King]

Where to be?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

861 York Avenue.

[Lieutenant King]

Okay.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Hey, officer. Excuse me. Yes? How do I get to the subway? Which subway? Where you going?

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

The one that takes me to Astoria.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Oh, BNC Fixture street in Lexington Avenue.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

I was going the wrong way. Yeah, you were. Where is that?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

At my four blanks. Well, this is York first, second, third, and then Lexington down at 61st Street. You can get the crosstown bus there.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Ah, no, that's all right. I'll walk.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Nice night.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Yeah, sure is.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Well, this is where I go. Well, I'm much obliged.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

So I.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Oh, hello, Mr. Lecope.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Hi, Joan.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

I'll be with you in a second just as soon as I finish cutting this up. All right, take your time.

[Sergeant Collins]

I'll see what looks good.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Everything looks good. The policy of the house. How's it taking? Brand new. Delicious. I had it myself. Yeah, that looks good. There's some delicious stuffing in there on rye with a little stuffing on the side. Yeah, yeah, good. Go ahead, finish what you're doing. It's just for a customer that calls. He'll be in here for it at 9 o'. Clock. I thought I'd get it ready. Now. Isn't that a beautiful bird? What do you want, white meat or dark? A little of each. Oh, a little coleslaw besides the stuffing on the side? Yeah, a little. And what about the drink? Oh, you like the soda in the can? I thought I did, but I doubt. What's the matter? It's good stuff. It's the latest thing. Give me some root beer and in a bottle. Okay. Now a second thought. You better not make it root beer. You got any cream soda? What do you mean if I got any cream soda? If I didn't have cream soda, I'd have to close the door.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Uh.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Oh, the lady with the dogs that don't like lettuce on the sandwich. Madam, you'll have to carry the dog or keep it out. I can tell her a sight.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Going to be me.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

It's going to be me.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

A rose beef sandwich on by. No letters, very rare.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma'.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Am.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

As soon as I finish the other r here.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Oh, good evening.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Good evening.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Say hello to the nice policeman. Bonbon. Did you see her? Did you see her nod?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma', am, I saw it. You want some pickle, Mr. Vero? Yeah, sure, Joe. Yellow, sour? Either one.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Are you in this neighborhood all the time. Time, Officer?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma'. Am. This is my post.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, that's nice. It's very nice to have a bright looking, upstanding young man protecting us.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Thank you. What was it you wanted to drink, Mr. Vo Cream Soda. Yeah, that's right.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Coming up.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Did you ever try that soda in turn?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma', am, I tried it.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

I think it's very good, don't you?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Oh, it's very good. Yes, but I. I prefer the bottle.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

So do I. It's hard to get used to soda and cans. Bun, will you stop squirming? Now, you stop it. Oh, she gets very restless. Don't know what's the matter with her lately. Stop it now.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yeah, Mr. Vacaro. All set. How much is that, Joe? 55, 75, 85. I'll call it square. All right. Out of a dollar. Thank you. And call again. Yep. Why don't you go in the back room, make yourself comfortable. Okay.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Do you policemen get regular lunch hours?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma', am, that's right.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, I didn't know that. It's always nice to learn something new.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, it is. If you want some dessert, holla, I will. Yeah, that's roast beef on my lady. No lettuce?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No lettuce, but a little butter.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Okay.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Unless you prefer something else tonight. Bonbon. Would you rather have turkey? Turkey looks very good, doesn't it, sweetie? Did she have the roast beef?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma'. Am. Very rare.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

She like it very rare.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma'.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Am.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

A little butter? Just a little salt and pepper.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No, no. Absolutely not.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

You want me to trim the sandwich? Does she like the crust?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No. Never mind.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yes, ma'.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

Am.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Will there be anything else?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No, that's all.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

No pickles?

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

No, thank you.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

I once knew a dog that loved pickles. Couldn't keep his head out of the barrel.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, that was a dog. This is a poodle.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Oh, excuse me, lady. I didn't know there was a difference. 55 cents.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

You're sure that's fresh roasted?

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Fresh as it comes.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

All right.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

You are 55. Right.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Well, good night. And say good night to that nice policeman.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Yeah, I will. Good night.

[Mrs. Edith Oakley]

Bon bon wave. Good night to the man, sweetie.

[Patrolman Paul Vaccaro]

Call again. He's fresh. Boy, is that upon a character, Mr. Vaquero. Yeah, she's harsh. What do you want from us? She likes a dog. Yeah, it'd be all right if we only liked him. He's nuts about. Hey, how's the turkey? Good, huh? Didn't I say so? Yeah, fine. I'm telling you, that one could cause trouble. A dame like that is a troublemaker. Don't worry about her. He's harmless. Absolutely harmless.

[Captain Vincent P. Cronan]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Collins. Yeah. Where's this. Yeah? Yeah. They're meeting up a man. Who is? Which corner is it? Downtown corner, east side. On the east side, I was told. How many of them did you say it was? And so it goes all right. Around the clock, through the week, every day, every year, a police precinct in the city of New York is the flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.

[Sergeant Collins]

21st Precinct transcribed a factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. James Gregory in the role of Captain Cronin. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Alan Hewitt, Ted de Courcia, amze Strickland, James McCallion and Lewis Charles. 21st Precinct is written, produced and directed by Stanley Nist. Dan Cubberly speaking.