Join hosts Beans and Gaz for a thrilling and unfiltered journey back into the heart of New York's gritty, demanding, and unforgettable 1970s. For this episode, we are once again immensely privileged to welcome back the legendary Ret Lt Cmdr Vernon J. Geberth to share more jaw-dropping stories from his decades-long, decorated career in law enforcement.

This time, the conversation shifts to Lt. Cmdr. Geberth's formative and intense years working within the Narcotics division. Geberth pulls back the curtain on what it was truly like to patrol and work the streets of Harlem during this volatile era—a time marked by both cultural revolution and stark, unrelenting street crime.

Prepare to be captivated as Geberth recounts the seismic event of the 1977 New York City Blackout. He provides a visceral, first-hand account of the chaos, the widespread riots, and the explosive surge in crime that gripped the city and specifically his precinct. We hear about the harrowing demands placed on officers, the impossible decisions made in the moment, and the pure grit required to maintain order when the lights—and the social fabric—went out.

Beyond the streets, Geberth dives into the frustrating, yet all-too-common, reality of dealing with incompetence from above. He details the bureaucratic hurdles, the ill-informed directives, and the political pressures that often hampered effective police work. Yet, as always with Vernon J. Geberth, this is a story of ultimate triumph. Hear how he and his team navigated the internal politics, relied on their street-level intelligence, and ultimately succeeded in their vital mission, proving that dedication and smart policing can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

This is more than a true-crime story—it's an essential history lesson from a man who lived and shaped it. You won't want to miss a second of this incredible conversation.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics Covered: 1970s Harlem, NYC Narcotics Division, 1977 Blackout, Riots and Crime Wave, Police Bureaucracy, Law Enforcement History.

Pick up Vernon's book "The Godfather of Homicide" on Amazon

THE GODFATHER OF HOMICIDE: VERNON J. GEBERTH A COP'S COP eBook : Cardillo, Vince: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

tallboyradio.com