New York Police Department Office of the Chief Inspector records
Collection REC0130 - RG 062. New York Police Department
Abstract
The records in the Chief Inspector's files detail a range of police activity during the 1940s-1950s, focusing on operations planning for strikes, gambling investigations, and management of juvenile delinquency and other disorders. The collection consists of subject files that include correspondence, memoranda, statistical reports, and a small amount of printed material from the 1940s-1950s.
Extent
7.5 cubic feet (14 half cubic feet boxes and 1 oversize box)
Dates
1941-1962
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. contact us to arrange access.
Additional Description
Physical Location
Materials are stored at 31 Chambers Street in Manhattan.
Custodial History
In March 1965, the New York Police Department transferred one cubic foot of records to the New York City Municipal Archives from the Chief Inspector's office. The material was accessioned in two groups: ACC-1965-036, which covered strike records, and ACC-1965-037, which had various subject folders. In November of 1965 the Municipal Archives obtained an additional six cubic feet of subject files and these were accessioned as ACC-1965-048 and ACC-1965-049. The records were mistakenly reaccessioned in 2009 as part of a survey conducted by the Municipal Archives and were assigned the accession numbers ACC-2009-026 (6 cubic feet) and ACC-2009-050 (1 cubic foot).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was transferred from the New York Police Department to the New York City Municipal Archives in 1964 and in November 1965.
Processing Information
The arrangement in the collection is minimal, boxes were processed according to the original box numbers received in accession ACC-1965-037 and ACC-1965-038. Brackets have been added to folders titles for additional clarification. The additional 1 cubic feet of materials was added to the end of the boxes. Original folders were kept except for cases when materials expanded or the folder was damaged. Some oversized material was separated.
Scope and Content Note
The collection consists of subject files that include correspondence, memorandums, statistical reports, and a small amount of printed material from the 1940s-1950s. Some of the most notable subjects are the transit strike of 1941, the fuel shortage of the mid-1940s, juvenile delinquency, and police efforts to curtail illegal gambling.
The records discuss the 1941 transit strike, which involved over 3,500 Transport Workers Union members (TWU) members. The collection includes detailed statistical reports of planned police coverage by precinct and the number of towers and other fixtures for the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) subway, trolley, bus, and elevated line stations. There is also a large, detailed plan of IRT lines. In addition to strikes involving transit, there are records of strikes involving fuel industry workers, particularly tugboat workers. The records include correspondence, reports, and statistical information about fuel consumption in schools, hospitals, transportation systems, and retail businesses that fuel shortages would impact. The records reflect the heavy impact of the tugboat strike of 1946 on the city's infrastructure and operations. It also outlines the City's planning and proposals to halt subsequent tugboat strikes.
Another topic covered is gambling. New York State was the first state to ban gambling, and off-track betting was illegal in New York until 1957. The collection includes weekly reports of gambling offenses and statistical information by type of gambling (cards, dice, pinball, etc.).
Other prominent material included in the Chief Operator's subject files are strike logs from 1948-1954. The logs list names of local unions, the number and occupation of the strikers, the name of the organization affected, and the duration of the strike. The logs provide a comprehensive view of the City's labor industry, reflecting strikes from various industries, such as garment workers, steelworkers, transit, and restaurants. There are also weekly logs of incidents or 'unusual occurrences' that include a variety of incidents such as collisions, found bodies, kidnappings, stick-ups, and other types of crime. This comprehensive coverage ensures the audience is well-informed about the City's safety and security. There are also conference notes that outline happenings where the police were involved, including departures and arrivals of various notable personalities.
Another area of significant focus is juvenile delinquency. Several folders of correspondence and various memos address the prevalence of youth gangs and crime and crime prevention initiatives. Included are school crime reports broken down by school, district, and types of offense, as well as pamphlets addressing crime prevention.
The records discuss the 1941 transit strike, which involved over 3,500 Transport Workers Union members (TWU) members. The collection includes detailed statistical reports of planned police coverage by precinct and the number of towers and other fixtures for the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) subway, trolley, bus, and elevated line stations. There is also a large, detailed plan of IRT lines. In addition to strikes involving transit, there are records of strikes involving fuel industry workers, particularly tugboat workers. The records include correspondence, reports, and statistical information about fuel consumption in schools, hospitals, transportation systems, and retail businesses that fuel shortages would impact. The records reflect the heavy impact of the tugboat strike of 1946 on the city's infrastructure and operations. It also outlines the City's planning and proposals to halt subsequent tugboat strikes.
Another topic covered is gambling. New York State was the first state to ban gambling, and off-track betting was illegal in New York until 1957. The collection includes weekly reports of gambling offenses and statistical information by type of gambling (cards, dice, pinball, etc.).
Other prominent material included in the Chief Operator's subject files are strike logs from 1948-1954. The logs list names of local unions, the number and occupation of the strikers, the name of the organization affected, and the duration of the strike. The logs provide a comprehensive view of the City's labor industry, reflecting strikes from various industries, such as garment workers, steelworkers, transit, and restaurants. There are also weekly logs of incidents or 'unusual occurrences' that include a variety of incidents such as collisions, found bodies, kidnappings, stick-ups, and other types of crime. This comprehensive coverage ensures the audience is well-informed about the City's safety and security. There are also conference notes that outline happenings where the police were involved, including departures and arrivals of various notable personalities.
Another area of significant focus is juvenile delinquency. Several folders of correspondence and various memos address the prevalence of youth gangs and crime and crime prevention initiatives. Included are school crime reports broken down by school, district, and types of offense, as well as pamphlets addressing crime prevention.
Biographical/Historical Information
TThe Office of the Chief Inspector, now known as the Chief of Department, plays a pivotal role in the Police Department. They oversee the operations of all precincts, but their responsibilities extend beyond mere supervision. The Chief Inspector coordinates special investigations and operations, designing strategic plans to reduce crime and disorder. As the highest-ranking commanding officer, the Chief Inspector reports directly to the commissioner. Notably, from 1941 to 1952, four officers held this position: Louis F. Costuma (1939-1942), John J. O'Connell (1942-1945), Martin J. Brown (1946-1948), and August W. Flath (1948-1952).
In 1939, Louis F. Costuma replaced Alexander C. Anderson, who had served in the post for thirty-nine years and retired due to illness. Costuma previously had served as Assistant Deputy Inspector for the Bureau of Manhattan.
In 1946 and again in 1948, the Commissioner and Chief Inspector shifted a record number of positions within the police department, including transfers of top personnel. They also investigated allegations of bribery and gambling rackets and made record numbers of arrests.
In 1948, August W. Flath became tied to a scandal when Harry Gross, a Brooklyn gambler, accused him of receiving money from a book-making scheme. Flath received immunity for his voluntary testimony before a Staten Island special commission.
In 1939, Louis F. Costuma replaced Alexander C. Anderson, who had served in the post for thirty-nine years and retired due to illness. Costuma previously had served as Assistant Deputy Inspector for the Bureau of Manhattan.
In 1946 and again in 1948, the Commissioner and Chief Inspector shifted a record number of positions within the police department, including transfers of top personnel. They also investigated allegations of bribery and gambling rackets and made record numbers of arrests.
In 1948, August W. Flath became tied to a scandal when Harry Gross, a Brooklyn gambler, accused him of receiving money from a book-making scheme. Flath received immunity for his voluntary testimony before a Staten Island special commission.
Arrangement
The records have been kept in their original order.
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title
- Guide to the New York Police Department Office of the Chief Inspector records, 1941-1962
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Rossy Mendez
- Date
- 2024 November
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
-
Subjects