True Detective Stories
« Previous EntriesDead Man (Not) Walking
Friday, October 14th, 2011In the PPD, policy dictates that detectives respond to homicides, suicides, and sudden or suspicious deaths. We do not respond to deaths brought on by natural causes. Most officers with a brain know this. Tonight, I got a call that went as follows: “Hi, it’s [Smith] from the [99th] District. I’m out here with a [...]
True Detective Stories
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011Tonight has been a very bad night. At the start of my tour, I received a suicide call for one of our less-busy districts. A white male was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The scene was located at the entrance of a park, a few blocks from the man’s residence. As [...]
Overnight Thread
Monday, August 1st, 2011Although I wasn’t planning to post an overnight thread tonight, one of our jobs at work compelled me to do so. One of the police officers brought in a burglary report. It happened a day or so ago, but the doer took the time to enter the residence and root around for anything of value. [...]
Overnight Thread
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011Tonight’s thread is chock full of true detective stories, because it’s been a banner day for them. I wasn’t entirely sure that the city was pumping carbon monoxide into the patrol cars, but after today, I think the signs point to yes. What else could explain this rash of teh stupid? We start off with [...]
True Detective Stories
Saturday, April 16th, 2011Since I am still pissed about this one, I will forgo the preamble, except to say (again) that these stories are 100% true. I wish they weren’t. Last night I received a call from a patrol supervisor. The sergeant claimed that his officers received a call for a “Person With a Gun” in the district. [...]
Overnight Thread
Thursday, April 7th, 2011I am really starting to get the hang of this late-night posting stuff. I figured I’d start this one with another one of my True Detective Stories. Sadly, this actually happened at work this morning. I’m not imaginative enough to make up stories like these. A well-dressed African-American woman comes to the window, reads our [...]
True Detective Stories
Monday, February 28th, 2011One of the worst parts about my job is that we have to continually remind people that there is a difference between the television police world and the real police world. Sadly, we have to remind both police officers and the public of this fact. Note to police officers: A search warrant is necessary when [...]
Still More True Detective Stories
Thursday, January 27th, 2011In any other city, the night after a major snowstorm would be quiet as far as crime is concerned. Not so in Philadelphia, where the thugs are like mailmen. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow . . . A busy night brings out the idiots, and some of them wear a badge. Take Officer Bottoms [...]
True Detective Stories
Thursday, January 27th, 2011This is the sign that adorns the front window of our division. Professional, is it not? Anyway, it is strategically placed so that you’ll see it when you approach the window. If you are able to read, this sign should be self-explanatory, right? Eh, not so much. A woman came to the window on Tuesday [...]
True Detective Stories
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010There are a few things we do in my line of work that can cause apprehension and anxiety. For example, kicking in a door to serve a search/arrest warrant is probably our most dangerous job. Interviewing suspects is less dangerous, but since one hand is usually uncuffed, there is the possibility of danger. None of [...]
« Previous Entries