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On Catching a Serial Burglar, and more…

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mANAgINg EDITORBeth Sarafraz

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CIRCulATION DIRECTORDzengis Iljazi

wRITERsBeth SarafrazNYPD Chief Joseph FoxRobert MayFasil Khan, Life StrategistE. Molina, NJDOCCharles LevinsohnJoe SanchezY. ManisThomas G. MastersDan Lorenzo

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EDITOR’s mEssAgE

6 Beth Sarafraz

REmEmbERINg sANDy

7 Capturing a Hurricane’s Aftermath with Camera and Pen: NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Fox Shares Vision of Sandy in Photo and Poem

hEAlTh

8 Protecting Health and Wellness

lEADERshIP

10 6 Benefits of Being an Effective Law Enforcement Supervisor

ChRIsTmAs NEws

11 72nd Precinct Cops: Illegal to Park Sleigh, Reindeer on 4th Avenue Except When Bringing Santa, Toys to Kids

DAy OFF wORk

12 Favorite Decades: the 80’s

COVER sTORy

14 NYPD Detective Donnamarie Mazza on Catching a Serial Burglar, and more…

REmEmbRANCE

20 Officer James A. Nelson

EVENTs

21 The NYPD Asian Jade Society Honors Captain Ken Gorman

FEATuRE sTORy

22 NYPD Officer Joe Sanchez: Indicted, Convicted & Exonerated

AROuND NEw jERsEy

26 An interview with Matthew W. Horace

INTERVIEw

28 The Man Behind the Legend: My Interview with ‘Master Legend,’ A Real Life Superhero

ENTERTAINmENT

32 Stephanie Beatriz

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Greetings to all of our loyal readers in the law enforcement community! We also congratulate and send a very warm welcome to newly appointed NYPD Commissioner William Bratton.. We, at NY BLUE NOW MAGAZINE, have a spectacular winter issue lined up in the pages that follow. The creativity of

page designer Dari Izhaky -- as seen in her colorful, imaginative layouts -- brings each and every story to life. Thanks, Dari! We are thrilled to be the vehicle chosen to publish NYPD Chief Joseph Fox’s literary debut for his photography and poetry. Frankly, this is not only a high honor, but also a huge surprise – how many of us knew that our beloved and respected three-star chief had this kind of talent? We applaud Chief Fox for allowing us to share with our readers “Breezy Point Aftermath” (the photo) and “Perfect Order” (the poem) and hope he will submit more of his work for future issues. We’re also proud to present an interview with NYPD Detective Donnamarie Mazza “On Catching a Serial Burglar, and more…” In it, Detective Mazza explains how she was able to get a judge to sign off on a “Content Search Warrant” to the tech giant, Google, in order to see if a suspect was using Google Street Maps to case a burglary location -- something which had never been done before by the NYPD, or by any law enforcement agency in the State of New York. But that’s not the only thing that made this case different. The career criminal Detective Mazza arrested was ultimately convicted, not only for his recent crimes, but also -- for the first time in Kings County -- for crimes committed outside the statute of limitations expiration date. The Policewomen’s Endowment Association recently honored Detective Mazza for these accomplishments with an “Award of Dedication.” Thanks to the photographic magic of Detective Anthony Spencer, we are able to share with you the pictures from that elegant evening. Our publisher, Daniel Del Valle, contributed the controversial story -- “NYPD Officer Joe Sanchez: Indicted, Convicted & Exonerated” -- written by Joe Sanchez, former NYPD officer and NYS corrections officer. This is a dramatic no-holds-barred tell-all story and you will not be able to put it down. Sanchez, now retired and living in Florida, has authored two books -- one fiction, one an autobiography -- describing his law enforcement career back in the 1980s. We also introduce a writer new to our pages, Y. Manis, who turned in a unique and unusual story about his conversation with Master Legend – a real life masked superhero who “fights evil left and right” in his hometown of Winter Park, Florida. For practical, professional advice, we offer State Corrections Officer E. Molina’s article, entitled, “6 Benefits of Being an Effective Law Enforcement Supervisor.” For protecting your health and wellness on the job, with a focus on the high stress nature of law enforcement positions, Fasil Khan’s column is recommended reading. For professional advice about a career in the corporate world after retiring from law enforcement, Thomas G. Masters’ interview with Matthew W. Horace is a “must” read. In our Remembrance section, in a bittersweet tribute, we honor Port Authority Police Officer James A. Nelson. Regular contributor Dan Lorenzo, our entertainment columnist, interviews Stephanie Beatriz, who plays Detective Rosa Diaz on thehot new Fox show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Our “Day Off Work” columnist, Charles Levinsohn, takes a philosophical turn downmemory lane for this issue, in “Favorite Decades: the 80’s.” Last, but not least, we’d like to introduce you to Sunset Park’s Santa Claus, aka Police Officer James Anson, who went to deliver toys to neighborhood kids with Santa’s Helper, aka Police Officer Juan Alvarez. The pair ended up getting two summonses for an illegally parked sled with reindeer attached, which was also driven (actually flown) over the housetops going 80mph in a 30mph zone. Just kidding! But we’re not kidding when we say, belatedly, we hope you all had a wonderful, joyful holiday season.

Beth Sarafraz, Managing Editor

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remembering sandy

Perfect OrderThe hurricane just passed us, left its markDeaths and lossPain and anguishWinds and tides took so muchTook lives, homesSo much sadness, despairFor months to comeAnd yet tonight, Jupiter and our Moon, right there near each other, for each of us to seeThoughts as I look, timeless They are there regardless of the weather, the tragedies The pain we may be feelingA crisis we may be facing right nowAnd they reveal perfect orderPerfect relationshipsThey each know where the other is, at each momentThey each are where they should be just when they need to be The tranquility, peace and order we seek in our lives is thereRight there, in our solar systemIn our stars, planets and MoonIn Jupiter and our Moon tonightI seek that order, that perfect orderI wish it for all, all who are in such pain nowI wish that perfect relationship, peace, for each of usFor all I seeFor all I knowFor all I don’t knowFor all

-- Joseph Fox, October 31, 2012, 11:30 PM

Joseph Fox, a 32-year veteran of the Department, became NYPD’s Chief of Transit, a three-star bureau chief, on August 2, 2011. As such, he oversees security in the New York City subway system, which includes 468 subway stations and a force of approximately 2,600 officers. Chief of Transit Joseph Fox joined the New York City Police Department in July 1981, and began his career on patrol in the 70 Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in October 1984; Lieutenant in June 1989; Captain in January 1992; Deputy Inspector in December 1995; Inspector in December 1996; Deputy Chief in December 1997 and Assistant Chief in May 2000. He served in the 61, 62, 70 and 90 Precincts, as well as the Inspections Division, Internal Affairs Bureau, Office of the Deputy Commissioner Training, The Warrants Division, and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Strategic and Tactical Command (S.A.T. COM).

Chief Fox most recently served as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. Before that, he commanded Patrol Borough Queens South, the Office of the Chief of Internal Affairs Bureau, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Training and the 71 Precinct. He also served as the Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North S.A.T. COM and the 71 Precinct.

Chief Fox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Security Management from John Jay College. He is also a 1995 graduate of Police Management Institute at Columbia University.

In his spare time, Chief Fox pursues his passion for photography and writing.

Photo Credit: NYPD Chief Joseph Fox

Capturing a HurriCane’s aftermatH witH Camera and pen:NYPD CHIEF OF TRANSIT JOSEPH FOX SHARES VISION OF SANDY IN PHOTO AND POEM

“Breezy Point Aftermath”

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proteCting HEALTH AND WELLNESSBy Fasil Khan, Life Strategist

the high stress nature of law enforcement means that your health is affected far more rapidly

than the average person. Due to this fact, it’s imperative that you properly care for your mind, body, and emotions so you can feel better and function at your highest potential. It’s too easy to get caught up in the pace of our careers as law enforcement officers (LEO) and, because of this, so many officers are not giving the attention that is needed to protecting their personal health and wellness. Did you know that police officers live on average 15 years less than the average person, or that we are eight times more at risk of suicide? These statistics come from a five-year University of Buffalo study of law enforcement officers. With those statistics in our faces, it’s time to make some changes!

What are some of the challenges we face when it comes to protecting our health and wellness? One of the first things that may come to mind is our hectic, changing shifts. In a study done by the University of Buffalo on officers over the course of five years, it reports that about half of the officers worked the night shift, and that this shift work led to increased metabolic issues. What does that mean in plain English? It means we are more likely to be overweight, suffer from high blood pressure, and have higher blood sugar levels. It’s hard to get the needed amount of sleep on these swing shifts, eat or exercise properly, or allow our bodies to follow the natural rhythm they may have been accustomed to before our careers. Does that mean we quit? Hell no, it doesn’t! What it means is we have to make adjustments to better care for ourselves. One of the biggest things I can stress to you is be sure to get adequate rest. It allows your body time to recoup, along with your brain. You may not be able to do this all in one shot, because of personal/family needs during daylight hours, but you can always split it up. Rest doesn’t always mean sleep either! Allow your body time to relax every

day. A rested body is a healthy body. Always remember that!

Time to address the elephant in the room - our diet. Come on, let’s be honest. We are on the go, a lot. We have to be ready at a moment’s notice for anything, and sometimes it’s just too easy to go with the quickest option. “I’m hungry… there’s a drive-thru” or “I don’t have long before work to cook… TV dinner again.” One can easily see the convenience, but when you take a moment and realize how much stress a law enforcement career puts on our bodies every day, it’s sad that we are not paying attention to one of the largest things that could protect us throughout that career. How many times a week do you check your equipment to be sure it’s functional and prepared for use when needed? Why? Because your safety and the safety of your community depend on it, right? Give your diet that same check! No one says you have to become a vegan (unless, of course, you wanted to) or become a health nut - but it’s as simple as making new and better choices. One place you can start is by drinking more water and less sugary drinks. We all know the benefits of drinking water, but did you know that it can even help you build muscle? Water carries oxygen to your muscles, allowing them to work harder and become stronger. Are you a sweets craver? Try replacing at least one snack every other day with fruit or a muffin. Pick a salad instead of the burger when on the beat. Pick one habit to change per week, and keep up the momentum. Here’s a little trick to it: Your diet switch can still be enjoyable. Find healthy alternatives that you actually like! It will make following the routine a lot easier.

By far, the largest hurdle we face in protecting our health and wellness as officers are the stresses and pressures that we face, not just physically, but mentally as well. No one can pretend that a career in law enforcement is easy. The studies and the statistics prove that. We can sit around

and continually discuss the existence of the need of protecting our mental health, or we can actually take steps to protect it. Make sure you have a reboot program–some kind of routine that allows your mind to separate from the job in your off time. You can look into joining a club or a program, take up yoga or meditation, or pick up a new hobby. The most important thing you can do for your own wellness is learn to acknowledge the stress you face daily, and find ways to cope with it. Now, you are an officer all day, every day, true. But one must remember that you also have a life outside of your career as well. Find ways to enjoy yourself, and allow that stress to lighten from time to time. Be sure to have a buddy system in place for the times it does become too much (this could be a co-worker, a friend, a spouse, or anyone else that you are comfortable with). Most importantly, don’t forget the resources that we do have. If you are dealing with depression or any signs of PTSD, there is help out there, and it is not weakness to reach for it. Quite the opposite - it proves you had the inner strength to be proactive and fix a problem before it got out of hand!

We can’t change the nature of our careers, but we can change our own personal habits so that it doesn’t have the negative effects on us. Here are some pointers to keep you healthy, happy, and functioning at your highest potential possible as a law enforcement officer.

When you come home from work, take a few moments to unwind.Sit down and allow yourself a few moments of quiet time to decompress. Your body and mind need a few minutes to get back into comfort mode; allow that time.

Watch your diet! With the hectic pace of our careers, this is one area where we suffer the greatest. Make a conscious choice every day to swap something unhealthy (burger) for something healthy (a salad). Drink more

health


water, less sodas and coffees. It takes a little while to build a new habit, but I can assure you that you will see a difference physically. Get enough sleep! Sleep is one of the most important activities for your body, being necessary for your body and mind to function properly. Make sure that you allow yourself enough time to rest properly, even if it means having to make adjustments to your personal schedule. Did you know that people that don’t get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from heart disease because

of the amount of stress hormones in their bodies? We have enough to worry about from day-to-day that we cannot control. This is one area where we can completely take charge.

Enjoy yourself! Don’t forget that there is a whole world outside of our careers. Go out and enjoy it. Find something that you do that makes you happy, and commit to spending at least 30 minutes every couple of days doing it. It could be reading, playing

sports, going to a movie… anything. Just remember that you deserve to enjoy life as much as anyone else!

Stay safe out there, brothers and sisters, and take care of yourselves because no one else can! Be sure to listen in for our next episode of “The Law and Order of Life Radio Show” on www.ddvradio.com on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

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leadership

Being a supervisor may mean you have to get officers to reach a minimum standard. This could easily be far from a subordinate’s full potential but, in this case, it doesn’t matter because the supervisor may only want to reach a certain level; the

minimum standard. The minimum standard is doing the least amount of work necessary to reach a goal and avoid getting into trouble.

A funny thing about most people is that we are willing to put in far more effort to avoid negative experiences than we would to pursue positive ones. This is an important aspect every supervisor should understand. Do you want everyone to just meet the minimum requirements, or do you want everyone to exceed them? Of course, you want everyone to exceed them because that will reflect on your unit’s production, reputation and overall effectiveness as a department.

In order to foster an environment that produces high standards, you, as the supervisor, need to be an effective leader. People work harder for good, effective leaders and, thus, produce more. If you just want to be an average supervisor you’ll require a minimum standard from your officers. But then you will be missing out on added benefits that effective leadership provides. (Of course, just demanding more production won’t do it. Log onto www.Leadlikeahero.com to learn how to become an effective leader.) Learning how to be an effective leader, and not just a minimum driving supervisor, you will receive added benefits that you would otherwise not experience.

Here are 6 examples: IF YOu ARE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER…

1 …your officers will trust you even if they don’t fully understand why. If they see you as an effective leader who does

everything a great leader should, they will still follow you even if they don’t completely understand your plans or intentions. This is important in times of an emergency (a

common law enforcement concern) because you may not have enough time or capabilities to explain the details. A phrase from an officer would sound like, “This plan doesn’t make much sense, but since it’s coming from her… it must be right.”

2…your officers will back you up. Effective leaders put in any extra effort that a subordinate requires, like

staying after the shift to help a subordinate with something, for example. Then when an assignment comes along that seems overwhelming or impossible, your subordinates will get behind you and put in the extra effort to get it done. If you’re just an average supervisor, people may work harder, but only to avoid getting in trouble or fired. But that’s not what effective leaders want; they want people to want to work hard for them.

3…your officers will give you honest feedback, criticism and advice. This means they are comfortable with the

work environment you created. They don’t fear retribution or unnecessary discipline. They know you’ll take the feedback and apply any necessary changes, and at the end of the day, you’ll thank them for their input. Otherwise, if you’re just an average supervisor, they’ll only tell you what you want to hear and be “yes men” (or women). That doesn’t do anyone any good.

4 …your officers will stop you when you’re about to screw something up. Leaders are human and they make mistakes too.

If your officers see you as an effective leader, they will tell you when you are about to make a mistake. For example, a supervisor who is distracted by a phone call and grabs the wrong file for an important meeting will get interrupted and corrected, if he is an effective leader. If not, the subordinates may let him go into the meeting to watch him fail.

5 …your officers will make decisions in your absence. Effective leaders em-power their subordinates to make de-

cisions with-out fear of backlash. As long as your subordinates’ decisions are properly cal-culated, well-intended and follow policy, then you must support it, even if it ends up being incorrect. We all know that not all policies provide enough information, and we have to make de-cisions based off circumstances and common sense. Otherwise, if you insist on making all the decisions, opportunities will be missed and your officers will feel underused, under-utilized and morale will suffer.

6…your officers will continue to work hard in your absence just as they would in your presence. We all know a

supervisor who, when he or she walks into a room, finds everyone trying to look busy and productive, straightening out their uniforms and work space, or just leaving the area entirely. Okay, those supervisors are effective when they are around, but the moment they leave the area, it’s back to playing solitaire, joking around or going back on Facebook. An effective leader gets the officers to be productive at all times because the officers respect, trust and value their supervisor.

If you still insist on becoming just an average supervisor, that’s fine. You can still enjoy a good experience and continue to grow professionally in your career, but understand there are added benefits to effective leadership that will most certainly help you in your quest for greatness. And you’ll never hear from a department that suffers from great leadership; only from the poor ones.

Molina is a State Corrections Officer with the NJDOC and has a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Molina is a military reservist and officer with the Army National Guard. He is a blogger @ http://www.leadlikeahero.com.

6 BenefitsOF BEING AN EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT SuPERVISOR

By E. Molina, NJDOC


72nd preCinCt Cops:ILLEGAL TO PARK SLEIGH, REINDEER ON 4TH AVENuE EXCEPT WHEN BRINGING SANTA, TOYS TO KIDSBy Beth Sarafraz

[Special from Sunset Park, Brooklyn] It happened on December 23 -- two full days before Christmas -- that at least 50 over-excited kids, giggling, twirling in circles and hopping up and

down, waited for Santa Claus inside St. Andrew’s Community Daycare, at 4917 4th

Avenue. A 72nd Precinct Community Affairs cop, Officer Juan Alvarez, was expected to deliver the Big Guy in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, which, according to the plan cooked up back at the precinct, would glide down from the rooftops and park – illegally – on the street. Alvarez knew he could be hit with a blizzard of parking violations summonses for that, not to mention the moving violations -- for flying over the speed limit, shaking a string of bells instead of using signal lights, permitting uninsured reindeer to pull an unregistered sled with an unlicensed operator in a weird red suit and pompom hat holding the reins. While aware he’d have to take a pension loan to pay for all those tickets he would surely get if the wrong summons guys (such as Police Officers Liberti or Santana) were coming down the street, Alvarez didn’t seem too worried. Nor did he seem concerned about all the Command Disciplines he’d be racking up or the headaches he’d be giving Union Delegate Officer Rob Andersen trying to save his job if some Grinch-type individual would write him up for breaking practically every rule in the book. Santa Claus, aka Highway Safety Officer James Anson, seemed to “forget” that yelling “Ho, Ho, Ho!” at the top of his lungs would most probably earn him a noise complaint logged onto the 311 system back at the precinct, but even worse than that, yelling it into a cell phone while driving

would result in a very expensive ticket, if anyone in a uniform was watching. Plus, he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt! Hopefully, his boss in the Highway Safety Unit, Sergeant “St. Nick” Peragine, would hold back any over-zealous guys from patrolling on this section of 4th Avenue for at least a half hour, so Santa, aka Anson, and his NYPD helper, aka Alvarez, who should have been wearing an antler headband, could complete their really big really excellent Christmas deed.

Anson wore it well -- the red suit, the 15 sizes too big black belt wrapped around and around his waist, the white hair framing his face and flowing down from his beard. The kids of St. Andrew’s were absolutely awestruck at the sight of this man from the North Country, who looked back at them with kindly, twinkling eyes. Indeed, he had a kind of force field around him that drew in this audience -- whose average age was five – namely, huge boxes full of toys: soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, Hess trucks, knitting and pottery kits, Berenstain Bears Learn to Share Games, and more -- generously donated by the Toys for Tots Program. The teachers gave the kids a signal to begin singing a simple traditional Christmas song, “Feliz Navidad,” written by Jose Feliciano in 1970, and sung many times, many ways (by adults), but never rendered with the power of little kids belting it out at the top of their lungs:

“Feliz Navidad, prospero ano y felicidad!”

“Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness!”“I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

from the bottom of my heart!”

As Alvarez snapped millions of pictures with his iPhone, Police Officer James Anson, aka Santa Claus, sat down and began distributing the presents to the sweet, shy, yet very curious kids who took turns peppering him with questions: “How’d you get here so fast from the North Pole?” “With my sled,” said Santa. “Where’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?” “He only comes in bad weather,” said Santa. (Luckily, it was a balmy 50-degrees outside.) “Why are you wearing a wedding ring?” “It’s from Mrs. Claus. I’m married,” said Santa, thinking this was quickly becoming almost as nerve-wracking as getting called on at an NYPD Traffic Stat meeting. “Ho, ho, ho!” he exclaimed to the kids, after the last present was given out. “And now Santa’s gotta go!” Alvarez was already outside, running for the sleigh. “Hey Santa,” he called out to Anson, “I’m just praying we didn’t get a ticket.”

Photo Credit: P.O. Juan Alvarez

christmas news


day off work

I do not consider the 1980’s to be my favorite decade other than the fact that I was in my 30’s, which was a

good age to be. One break about being born in 1950 has been that only minimal math skills have been required to identify my age for any given year. It makes it a lot easier when I try to remember what I liked and hated from over thirty years ago.

I recall the 80’s to be a kind of vapid time in terms of culture and attitude. The music sucked, fashion styles were idiotic, the movies were weak, and the TV shows were stupid. I admit that is an overly bitter and simplistic assessment.

On the world stage, there was a tremendous amount of conflict -- including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, an eight year war between Iran and Iraq, a murderous civil uprising in El Salvador, and a spike in terrorist attacks in Lebanon and Israel. Somehow, the U.S. managed to find a way to inject itself into all of these affairs (usually in a covert manner). All of these actions would have huge unintended consequences in the future. Ironically, we are now the ones stuck in Afghanistan. We also ended up invading Iraq. Our action inadvertently strengthened Iran, which is now on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon. Lebanon remains fractured and Israel is still deadlocked in its negotiations with the Palestinians. I admit that I have no idea what’s going on in El Salvador.

Unnatural disasters during this period caused unspeakable trauma to local populations as well as the environment. Among them was the spilling of 500,000 barrels of crude oil into the pristine waters of Alaska by the Exxon Valdez, as well as the catastrophic meltdown of a nuclear reactor in Chernobyl.

The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated within 73 seconds of its launch, killing the entire crew and setting back the entire

space program permanently. In 1987, the stock market lost 22% of its value in one day in the crash known as Black Monday. Prominent assassinations of peace-seeking individuals included Anwar Sadat, Indira Gandhi, and John Lennon. There was also a failed attempt on Ronald Reagan’s life.

This was the era of Ronald Reagan — a B-grade movie actor, virulent anti-Communist, governor of California, and iconic two term U.S. President.

First elected in 1980, Reagan began The War on Drugs at a time when cocaine had become the recreational drug of choice. Violent South American drug cartels were reaping vast fortunes supplying the voracious appetites of American consumers. Murder, addiction, and greed ultimately outlasted ramped-up border security, increased jail time, and secret military interventions.

Reagan also took a hard line with the Russians, positioning missiles in Western Europe and increasing defense spending to its highest levels in decades. His negotiations with Mikhail Gorbachev led to some stunning diplomatic victories, including a nuclear arms treaty, the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of the Cold War.

His economic philosophy known as “trickle-down economics” generally bolstered the rich over the poor. In his first term, he improved the languishing economy he inherited from the unpopular Jimmy Carter by lowering taxes, reducing unemployment and increasing growth. By the end of his second term, an economic slowdown combined with unregulated stock speculation and rampant insider trading. The convictions of Michael Milken and Ivan Boesky were just the tip of the iceberg leading to The Crash of ’87.

Culture was at a low water mark in the 80’s. This was evidenced by a slew of idiotic

films known as the brat pack movies — The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Young Guns, Mannequin, and the endlessly annoying St. Elmo’s Fire. These films essentially became graveyards for the careers of most of the actors in them. Has anybody heard anything lately from Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, or Andrew McCarthy? They didn’t exactly evolve into mature character actors.

Other empty entertainment vehicles such as The Terminator, Top Gun, Die Hard, Crocodile Dundee, Look Who’s Talking, and Dirty Dancing dominated movie screens. The musical scene was headlined by pop icons Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Whitney Houston, with dubious contributions by Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, and other forgettable head-bangers and first generation rappers.

Television produced a steady stream of sludge including The A-Team, Miami Vice, Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, Melrose Place, Who’s the Boss?, Punky Brewster, Joanie Loves Chachi, and the all-time poster child of obnoxious celebrity — Roseanne. Exactly the kind of moronic drivel that I tend to hate.

Now that I have sufficiently bashed the entire decade for everything from global chaos to a nauseating array of TV options, I will pivot to the items that I think merit some positive mention.

Amidst the aforementioned onslaught of shoddy entertainment, there were some movies, TV shows, and musical groups that I actually liked.

Raging Bull, Scarface, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Chariots of Fire, and The Untouchables are all iconic films from the 80’s which have stood the test of time. Goofy comedies such as Caddyshack, Airplane, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and The Money Pit are all still hilarious.

favorite deCades: the 80’s By Charles Levinsohn


TV shows which have endured through syndication include Cheers, Dallas, Baywatch, Night Court, and Married…with Children. Other series have sort of gotten lost in the shuffle, but were of high quality nonetheless— L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, Wiseguy, and Dynasty are just a few of the forgotten.

I also admittedly enjoyed the golden age of music videos on the newly introduced MTV and VH1. Even though a lot of the songs sucked, the combination of rudimentary production values, along with the titillating decadence of the music scene, worked and has never been recaptured.

There were some great moments in sports during this decade: the San Francisco 49’ers won four Superbowls, the L.A. Lakers won five NBA titles, the N.Y. Mets amazingly beat the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series, and the U.S. Hockey Team won the 1980 Winter Games with “The Miracle on Ice.”

In spite of my general disdain for the 80’s, my own personal life was probably the most productive it’s ever been. I was free, single, healthy, and owned my own construction business. I worked my way up from laborer,

carpenter, and construction superintendent to becoming the owner of a carpentry contracting business. I had a dozen guys working for me, many of whom were drug users, alcoholics, and ex-convicts. Somehow they all had construction ability, and we managed to get the work done at a surprisingly high level. I apparently possessed the proper leadership skills to guide this motley crew of degenerates. Many of them couldn’t drive due to DUI convictions, so I would pick them up in the morning in my van hoping they were sober enough to work. If they didn’t show, I would fire them and then I’d hire them back a few days later. I did fear for my life one time when I was forced to fire an ex-con who had once been tried for murder. He was a former Golden Gloves boxer who could knock out a guy with one punch. I must’ve caught him on a good day, because after I fired him, he just turned and walked away. I exhaled a huge sigh of relief, but wondered if he would drive to my house that night in a drunken rage and kill me.

The decade ended and I remember celebrating my 40th birthday in 1990 at a family party. It was all basically downhill after that. I soon experienced the recession of the early 90’s, a career change out of

construction and into sales, a misguided relocation to Las Vegas to become a professional gambler, a complete lack of understanding of the women I was involved with, and the inevitable recognition that it’s just not as cool being 45 as it was being 35. And now I’m almost 65! Like everyone else, I have no idea where the time went.

Even with all the shit I hated about the 80’s, I would bring it back in a heartbeat just to be in my 30’s again and have my whole life ahead of me. But time machines only exist in Hollywood screenplays and in the fantasy world of daydream believers like me. When I think about the 80’s, it feels like another lifetime — like it never really happened. I keep jogging my memory to bring it back into focus. I want to try and keep it connected in some way to the present. There were things of value back then that I don’t want to forget.

I guess some people just age gracefully, while others fight it every step of the way.

Charles Levinsohn working on the platform, hauling fish in Israel in 1980. He can be reached at [email protected]

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INTRODuCTION:

on a cold November night, a week before Thanksgiving, the elegant Russo’s on the Bay restaurant

hosted the Policewomen’s Endowment Association’s 91st Annual Awards Dinner. As one of the honorees for 2013, in an exquisite formal black gown and red-soled black stiletto high heels (a la Angelina Jolie at the Oscars), 72nd Precinct Detective Donnamarie Mazza was called up to the front of the room where PEA President Sergeant Nora Ahmed presented her with an “Award of Dedication.” This was formal acknowledgment of Detective Mazza’s work in arresting serial burglar Edwin Maisonave, whose crime spree dated back to 2005 and ranged across three boroughs. Assigned the case in August 2012, after the burglary of B&B Express Services at 904 4th Avenue, followed by the burglary of John’s Deli, at 423 5th Avenue, both in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Detective Mazza ran through her repertoire of investigative tools with dogged tenacity, tirelessly building her case until the evidence ultimately linked him to these (and other, previously burglarized) crime scenes. Powerful indicators of guilt -- stolen calling cards, spoils of theft marked with telltale serial numbers -- were discovered circulating in a particular community and then there was the DNA he carelessly left behind. Understanding that they “had him,” Maisonave pled guilty to everything. This led to his conviction -- significant for the fact that it was the first conviction in Kings County, New York, for crimes committed outside the statute of limitations expiration date, in addition to the more recent ones still within the time limit.

NY BLuE NOW MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS

nYpd deteCtive donnamarie maZZaOn Catching a Serial Burglar, and more…By Beth Sarafraz

QA&coVer sToRY

Photo Credits: NYPD Detective Anthony Spencer


Equally important, the Dedication Award constituted formal acknowledgment of a groundbreaking investigative precedent set by Detective Mazza. Noting that this perpetrator seemed to have extensive knowledge of the burgled buildings’ layouts, always breaking and entering from the rear section, which could not be seen from the street, she surmised he might be casing the locations using the online Google Street Maps technology. Confirming this hunch wasn’t so simple. It involved composing a “Content Search Warrant” addressed to the California-based tech giant Google and then convincing a New York judge to sign off on it. According to Google executives, this had never been done before by the NYPD, or by any law enforcement agency in the State of New York. But when the Honorable Wayne M. Ozzi, of Brooklyn’s Supreme Court, read Mazza’s carefully written warrant application, he was intrigued by what she was trying to do – so intrigued that he signed his name and made it legal and binding. Google was forced to comply. So then, everybody went home and lived happily ever after? Perhaps if this were an hour-long episode of “Law and Order,” we’d be seeing that type of heart-singing happiness. Thus, the opening scene would reveal a crowd of detectives and computer geeks at the precinct hi-fiving each other – thrilled that the judge signed the warrant and Google sent the info requested. They’d be looking at a printout of Maisonave’s forays into the virtual world of Google Street Maps listing every address he had ever searched for, since 2005. Naturally, every one of those addresses would match up with unsolved burglary locations of the past: An entire filing cabinet of Cold Cases would be emptied out! With less than an hour to go (in this reporter’s fantasy TV version of the case), we’d see our heroic lawmen (lawpersons?) speeding, lights and sirens, en route to Maisonave’s house. Home alone and quite oblivious to his eminent capture, the perpetrator would be sipping pricy champagne, just chilling in the zone to some tune from his youth, perhaps Neil Finn’s 1987 haunting hit for Crowded House -- “Hey Now, Hey Now, Don’t Dream

It’s Over” -- effectively drowning out the noise of helicopters in the night sky above his house, a SWAT team stealthily taking up positions at the back door and precinct detectives’ heels clicking up the front walkway. In his last moments of freedom, the perp – the man with a plan! -- would be revisiting Google Street Maps, adjusting its near perfect configured satellite technology for a 360 degree view of “expensive homes along highways,” figuring on one more “big score,” and then he could retire, maybe to a big house in Vegas. But then the door would be opened by New York’s Finest screaming “Freeze!” and it would be obvious that this perp was headed for a different kind of big house. That would just about wrap it up for the one-hour TV version of the

case. Although, it’s worth noting, in the much longer, three-hour Hollywood movie version of this most glamorous of fairytales (as imagined by this reporter), the serial burglar would be played by Clooney, Gould, Damon, DiCaprio or Pitt, wearing $900 loafers without socks. A lot of people think it really happens just like that.

In the real world version, Donnamarie Mazza had to wend her way through a legal system not designed by someone like Law and Order TV Producer, Dick Wolf. After finding probable cause, the search warrant had to be written up in very specific language: 1) listing the address where the burglary took place (only one address per warrant is allowed, so here, Detective

Mazza used 904 4th Avenue, location of B&B Express Services); 2) giving a specific time frame (but only a narrow window of time is permitted, say, for example, five days leading up to the date of the burglary); 3) stating exactly what information was being looked for (in this case, “content” was requested, meaning Detective Mazza wanted to find the Internet Protocol or “IP” address of the individual who signed onto Google Street Maps in order to search for B&B Express Services, during the time frame given in the warrant). All of this would be done in collaboration with the NYPD Chief of Detectives, the NYPD Legal Division, and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

Thus completed, the Content Search Warrant was hand-delivered to Judge Ozzi by Detective Mazza who admitted later that, after setting down the paperwork, she promptly crossed her fingers. After all, this was really a long shot (though potentially deadly) Hail Mary pass. Once the judge’s signature was on it, the Content Search Warrant went to Google, with the hope that Google would come up with the IP addresses of anyone who typed in the address of B&B Express Services for the time period stated in the warrant. In the end, Edwin Maisonave’s IP address was not listed -- and therefore, he was not identified as having viewed B&B Express Services

at its 4th Avenue location, at least not during the short period of time stated in the warrant. He could have gone on Google at another time; he could have cased the place two weeks before the burglary, or maybe two months before – it’s hard to know. Detective Mazza, undeterred, would have written up warrant after warrant until she hit the winning week that Maisonave paid a virtual visit – but in the interim period, his DNA came back, damning him to jail without further proof from Google. But this latest of investigative tools -- painstakingly tedious and detailed as it is to implement while remaining within the parameters of the law, dreamed up and carried out by a gutsy, innovative precinct detective determined to solve a crime – will certainly be used again by other law


enforcement professionals and certainly, the process will get quicker and easier. After all, computer savvy criminals are using satellite technology to check out new items on their “HEISTS TO DO” lists – and it’s (almost) all there, floor plans, blueprints, 3-D layouts, landscaping and private access roads, streets leading to quick getaway highways – all at the touch of a couple keystrokes (unless the plan is to plunder the White House, the roof of which is digitally erased to conceal its air defense system and other security options ensuring the First Family’s safety). Throughout this interview, Detective Mazza stressed that publicizing her accomplishments would help others in law enforcement learn new strategies and techniques to win an old game, catching bad guys. Repeatedly and graciously, she expressed a willingness to assist other officers interested in preparing their own Content Search Warrants, inviting them to contact her for help at her 72nd Precinct Detective Squad office. It’s a privilege, indeed a gift, to be allowed a peek into someone’s life, with permission to share everything learned about what went on behind the scenes, in a story that others may read and hopefully come away from, feeling inspired. This reporter is grateful for assistance from DCPI’s Detective James Duffy and Sergeant Carlos Nieves, as well as from 72nd Precinct Detective Chris Karolkowski. Mostly, though, my thanks go to Detective Donnamarie Mazza for telling her story and sharing her investigative accomplishments with readers of NY BLUE NOW MAGAZINE, in the interview, below: CONgRATulATIONs, DETECTIVE mAZZA, ON RECEIVINg ThE POlICEwOmEN’s ENDOwmENT AssOCIATION “AwARD FOR DEDICATION.” hOw DID ThEy FIND OuT AbOuT yOu?My story was submitted and the PEA chose me to receive this tremendous honor. It was a wonderful night at Russo’s On the Bay, with my family and co-workers there to support me. I was presented with a beautiful mahogany plaque with gold etching. It’s up on my wall already.

whAT, sPECIFICAlly, wAs ThE

AwARD COmmEmORATINg?It was for everything, as a whole -- the search warrant, the conviction for the expired statute of limitations, for putting a career criminal in prison and the successful conclusion of the case. TEll us AbOuT ThE CAsE?The burglaries go back as far as 2005, across three boroughs. buT ThIs PARTICulAR PERP, ThIs wAs hIs CAREER?This was his career. sO ThIs wAs A bIg CATCh! ACROss ThE ThREE bOROughs, hOw mANy buRglARIEs DID hE COmmIT?We got his DNA on six. This was dating back to 2005. yOu wERE INTRODuCED TO ThIs CAsE IN AugusT 2012, AFTER hE buRglARIZED A ChECk CAshINg PlACE AND jOhN’s DElI, RIghT?Yes. hOw DID yOu gET FROm ThERE TO “lET’s ChECk wITh gOOglE AND sEE whAT hE wAs DOINg ON ThERE?”Our office had a burglary pattern in the past. On an unrelated case, we debriefed some perps who were doing burglaries and they stated that they were using Google Earth, Google Maps to stake out, map out the locations. So because of the way these locations were set up -- on an avenue, attached buildings with no real way to the back other than to go through the side streets, with no real way to do reconnaissance on these locations because you can’t see -- we came up with the idea that maybe the perp(s) we were seeking were doing the same thing, using Google to map out the location.

whAT’s ThE DIFFERENCE bETwEEN gOINg TO A juDgE TO gET A wARRANT TO sEE whAT hE’s DOINg ON gOOglE AND jusT TAkINg hIs COmPuTER?Legally, we can’t just go and confiscate a person’s computer. We were building a case against him and, at that point, we didn’t have his DNA yet.

sO lET’s gO bACk A bIT. yOu ARE AssIgNED ThIs CAsE, yOu gO IN AND yOu sEE sOmE kIND OF PATTERN. yOu AlsO sEE ThAT ThE lAyOuT OF ThE PROPERTy Is hIDDEN, ThE wAy ThEy CAmE IN. sO ThEN whAT?The way we started this case was by tracking the calling cards that were stolen. We tracked them to a bodega and the owner of the bodega stated that he bought these cards from a guy who lived across the street. He didn’t know the guy’s name. He showed us his car. Long story short, we got the calling cards and that’s how we identified him. When we got him to the precinct, we took “abandonment DNA” and submitted it for DNA analysis. hOw DID yOu gET hIs “AbANDONED DNA”?We collected a coffee cup he left behind. But in the meantime, we said, maybe this guy is using the same technology, because there’s no real way to map out this location. So what we did was, we called Google. bEFORE yOu wENT TO ThE juDgE, yOu CAllED uP gOOglE?Yes, to ask them if it could be done. They stated that it was done twice in California, but never in New York. So it took about a month, because they wouldn’t give us the format. They just basically said what the content was that needed to be in it, but they wouldn’t give us a format so we could just do it and bring it to a judge. That’s not how they did it.

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whO DID yOu TAlk TO AT gOOglE?Their legal department. There’s a special phone number for law enforcement support. Their legal department said that it’s only been done in California. But for us, here, everybody said that we would never get this done. whO Is EVERybODy?The DA’s office said we wouldn’t get it done and there was skepticism within our own legal department. why?They just said we would never get a judge to sign off on it --- that it was just unheard of.

yOu mADE A gOOD ARgumENT, ThEN. IT’s NOT lIkE AN APPlICATION wITh NAmE, ADDREss AND sO ON?No.

sO hOw DID yOu FIguRE OuT whAT TO wRITE, bEFORE yOu wENT TO ThE juDgE?We went to the DA’s office, conferred with NYPD’s legal department and computer crimes. ThIs wAs A FIRsT FOR juDgE OZZI?This was a first for him. whAT wERE yOuR EXPECTATIONs whEN yOu wAlkED IN ThERE, TO sEE ThE juDgE?I had my fingers crossed behind my back because I knew it was a long shot. If it worked out, it would be a new investigative tool and the first of its kind for the NYPD and the State of New York. wAs ThE juDgE AwARE ThAT hE’D bE bREAkINg NEw gROuND hERE?I informed him that this had never been done in the State of New York, and he was intrigued. He was curious as to what the outcome would be. sO yOu hAD sOmEThINg wRITTEN uP, yOu gAVE IT TO ThE juDgE AND hE sIgNED IT. ThEN whO gAVE IT TO gOOglE?The DA’s office. sO ThEN gOOglE PullED uP ThE PERP’s whOlE hIsTORy,

sEARChINg gOOglE mAPs?No, we gave them a specific location, for the check cashing place. For that address, right here on 4th Avenue, how many people are going to Google map that address? Because what you’re doing is, when you go to Google Maps and you’re going to look at a location, when you search it, when you open up that map of that location, you’re taking the content and you’re bringing it into your computer. How many people would do that for this little place on 4th

Avenue? It’s not like it’s something popular where there are so many people ‘Googling’ it. So that basically narrowed it down for us. yOu gAVE ThE juDgE, AND ThEN gOOglE, ONE OR TwO ADDREssEs?I gave him one address. The reason I gave him that address was because that was the place the calling cards were stolen from that I tracked him to. There were 100 calling cards stolen. That’s where the probable cause comes in. We had probable cause to believe that he probably had surveilled this location. The judge isn’t going to sign off on ‘fishing expeditions.’ buT IN ThE END, yOu DIDN’T REAlly NEED ThE sEARCh wARRANT TO gOOglE?Like I said, it was the first of its kind, a new investigative tool. But in the end, the suspect took a plea. Once we sent that DNA in and it came back, we knew he was guilty. hIs DNA wAs ON ThE CAllINg CARDs?No. I tracked the calling cards. When we went to the burglary scene, the business owner told us what was stolen and it was the calling cards. So I contacted the company that makes the calling cards and we started tracking them. As soon as people started using them, I got lists of where they were being used and phone numbers. There were 100 cards, 100 numbers. So we narrowed it down to a location. Then we started picking those people off and those people all got it at this one bodega. So we went to the bodega and the owner there actually had one more, from that batch of serial numbers, on his shelf. We asked him “Where did you get these? They’re stolen!” That’s when he said he bought them from a guy who lived across the street. So we went back and did a work up on the suspect, a career criminal.

We picked him up, we brought him here and we got his “abandoned DNA” off his coffee cup. We were able to charge him for the criminal possession of the stolen credit cards.

AND ThEN hE ADmITTED IT?When we sent the DNA for analysis, it came back to burglaries dating back as far as 2005. So now we had him across three boroughs in all these locations. sO whERE wAs ThE DNA IN ThEsE lOCATIONs?He left burglary tools behind, as well as bottles of water and articles of clothing, such as a hat. wOw, hE wAsN’T sO swIFT. sO yOu AlREADy kNEw yOu hAD hIm – wITh OR wIThOuT gOOglE.We didn’t need them. We had him. But he never spoke to us. He was a hard-core criminal, just one of those people who “do what they gotta do,” like it’s nothing. Once we had his DNA at all these locations, he was ready for his plea. He knew we were going after him and we weren’t going to stop. The statute of limitations was up on a few of them. whAT’s ThE sTATuTE OF lImITATIONs ON buRglARy?The statute of limitations on burglary is five years.


wOw, sO AFTER FIVE yEARs AND ONE DAy, ThE PERP CAN sTAND IN ThE sTREET AND yEll “I gOT yOuR DIAmOND NECklACE! hA, hA!”Apparently not in this case. why DO yOu ThINk hE TOOk A PlEA?He knew he did it; we knew he did it, so he took his plea. I mean, would he really want to stand before a jury and explain why, dating back to 2005, his DNA was at six or seven locations all over the city, on all the stuff he left behind – his burglar tools, drinks, hat – and explain how it all got there? hOw DID hE bREAk INTO AN ATm mAChINE?With a crowbar, just pried it open, stole the money and then doused it with bleach. hOw muCh TImE wAs hE sENTENCED TO bE IN jAIl?For our case, he was sentenced to ten months. I wish it would have been more. There were other cases, though. So, in total, he’s definitely serving three years. IF sOmEbODy wANTs TO TRy ThIs AND wRITE uP A CONTENT sEARCh wARRANT FOR A juDgE, wOulD yOu wElCOmE A PhONE CAll FROm ANOThER DETECTIVE AskINg yOuR AssIsTANCE?Yes. Absolutely.

whAT wAy wOulD yOu wANT ThEm TO REACh yOu?They can reach me at the office at the 72nd

Precinct, 830 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY; or they can call the Detective Squad here, at 718-965-6336. mAy I Ask A FEw QuEsTIONs AbOuT yOu, DETECTIVE mAZZA? whERE DID yOu gROw uP? ARE yOu FROm hERE?I was born and raised in Brooklyn. whERE’D yOu gO TO hIgh sChOOl?FDR High School. hOw DID yOu END uP wORkINg IN lAw ENFORCEmENT?I was a psychology major in Brooklyn College. Then I became a cop. They called me up for the Department before I was able

to finish college.

whAT mADE yOu ChOOsE ThIs PARTICulAR CAREER PATh?I don’t remember a particular moment when I said to myself, “I want to be a cop.” It’s just something I always knew. There was never a Plan B for me. whAT PRECINCT DID yOu sTART IN?I started in the 70th Precinct, 70-Impact. whAT DOEs ThAT mEAN – ImPACT?That’s where they take a bunch of rookie cops and they flood a crime-ridden area. Usually, you stay in Impact until the next academy class graduates. ANyThINg sTAND OuT FROm ThOsE ROOkIE DAys?The enormous amount of responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform. We respond to everything from assaults, domestic violence, missing persons, etc. People depend on us for everything. Sometimes we may respond to a fire before FDNY or an aided case before EMS and people’s lives depend on us. DID yOu EVER gO hOmE AND ThINk, “whAT, Am I NuTs, TO bE DOINg ThIs?”[laughs] Things happen so fast you just react. You don’t have time to sit there and analyze things. I’ve never had a moment though, where I’ve thought to myself, “This isn’t for me!” sO whAT REAlly sTANDs OuT FOR yOu? ThE FIRsT TImE yOu ARREsTED sOmEONE? OR mAybE ThE FIRsT TImE yOu hElPED sOmEONE?What stands out for me is the first confession I got for a serious crime. whICh CRImE wAs ThAT?A homicide confession. You have this person sitting in front of you who is responsible for taking a person’s life and they are giving you all the missing pieces to the puzzle and unanswered questions and details. It’s a great feeling to bring closure to the family.

ANy DIFFERENCE bEINg A wOmAN IN A uNIFORm, RAThER ThAN A mAN?

I’ve been fortunate enough not to encounter any obstacles because of my gender. I think if you work hard and you’re determined and dedicated, there really are no obstacles. yOu mEAN, wIThIN ThE DEPARTmENT?I mean anywhere.

whAT TEChNIQuEs DO yOu usE whEN QuEsTIONINg A susPECT?Technique comes from experience. I always try to be as respectful and honest as I can be. You would be surprised how far that takes you. When I walk into the interview room, I always tell them, “I’m not going to lie to you, you’re in trouble, but let’s figure this out, etc.” They don’t expect that. It kind of throws them off. They expect you to walk in the room and treat them like a criminal. They have a preconceived perception of you and all of a sudden, you disarm them with kindness.

hOw DO yOu hIDE FEElINgs OF DIsgusT FOR sOmE OF ThEsE PERPs? hOw DO yOu APPROACh ThEm?I have a job to do. It’s not about my feelings or me. The goal is to build a case and send that person to prison, so they can’t victimize another person. hOw DO yOu gET sOmEONE TO gIVE yOu INFORmATION?Everyone is different. When I go into the interview room and talk to them for a few minutes, I can usually determine which route I will go with that person. I may be dealing with a person who is going to take some work; or I may be dealing with a person who is willing to give up everything to save his own behind or to receive court consideration. DO ThEy TEACh yOu hOw TO gET INsIDE sOmEONE’s hEAD, hOw TO sIZE A PERsON uP ThAT FAsT, OR DO yOu lEARN ThEsE ThINgs ON ThE jOb?It is instinct, mixed with experience and a whole lot of mistakes. The most valuable lessons you learn are from your mistakes. whAT wOulD mAkE sOmEbODy CONFEss TO yOu ThAT ThEy COmmITTED A CRImE?Again, I think it’s the rapport you establish.

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If you go at a person and talk down to them, they are going to shut down.

IN ThIs buRglARy CAsE, yOu sAw AN ATm AFTER IT wAs bEATEN TO DEATh, INsTEAD OF A humAN bEINg, ThANk gOD. buT I ImAgINE ThAT sOmETImEs, yOu hAVE TO lOOk AT VERy sORDID, INhumANly CRuEl ThINgs DONE TO humAN VICTIms, AND ThEN yOu hAVE TO INTERACT wITh ThE PERPETRATATORs whO DID ThOsE ThINgs. DOEs ThIs Rub OFF ON yOu? hOw DO yOu shAkE IT OFF?We get desensitized to a point, but we’re still human and, of course, we feel bad for a victim or feel disgust for a perp who just committed a heinous crime, but it’s all about focusing. We have a job to do. We have questions to ask, people to interview, canvasses to do. You focus on what needs to be done to solve the crime. lIkE A DOCTOR?Yes. yOu hAVE TO DEAl wITh mEDICAl EXAmINERs. CAN yOu DETERmINE, by lOOkINg AT A wOuND, whAT hAPPENED?For the most part, but we’re not doctors, so that’s why we sit in on the autopsy. whAT wAs IT lIkE, ThE FIRsT TImE yOu sAT IN ON AN AuTOPsy?It’s funny to me now, but I wasn’t laughing back then. The first time I had to identify a body at the morgue, the medical examiner took me over to the body and the body had no face. I looked at her and I must have had a horrified look on my face, and she said, “Oh, I’m sorry,” and she flipped his face back where it belonged. She had his face peeled back. There were no words for that moment. sO NO mATTER whAT wE lOOk lIkE IN lIFE, IN DEATh, wE DON’T lOOk OR smEll sO PRETTy.It’s a smell you’ll never forget. It gets in your clothing, your hair, in your nose. You go home, you still smell it. DO mOsT CRImINAls EXPREss REgRET AFTER ThEy ARE CAughT?

They definitely regret it when they get caught. I’m not so sure how much remorse they would have, had they not been caught. ARE ThEy EVER AwARE OF ThE VICTIm’s sIDE?There are perps who know their victims and sometimes I tell the perp who doesn’t know his or her victim. The last homicide collar I made, I told the perp that his victim had a one-month-old baby. His demeanor definitely changed. hOw DOEs IT FEEl whEN ThE COuRT lETs A PERP gO, OR AssIgNs A lIghT sENTENCE?It’s frustrating when you’re passionate about a case and work so hard on it. You apprehend the perp, get the written confession, do a great job and then, the courts allow them to plea to a lesser charge. They get a slap on the wrist and then sent on their way to do it again. It’s the same people over and over again, committing the same crimes. It’s sickening when we run a perp’s name and he’s been arrested over 50 times or more. You say to yourself, “How is this person not in prison?” I bet things would be different if someone in our justice system was held responsible the next time that perp hurts or kills someone. hOw mANy yEARs hAVE yOu bEEN A COP, OR bEEN IN lAw ENFORCEmENT?In law enforcement, over ten years. hOw lONg hAVE yOu bEEN A DETECTIVE?I’ve been in the detective bureau for six years and I’ve been a detective for over four years. whEN ThEy mAkE yOu A DETECTIVE, Is ThERE A COuRsE ThAT yOu TAkE?We have a basic three-week criminal investigation course and a two-week homicide course, but it’s basic information and procedure. You can’t write this script. Everything comes with experience and practice. hOw ARE ThE CAsEs hANDED OuT?My partner and I usually go one for one, unless I want a particular case or vice versa. I’m eager to take the shootings, stabbings, and homicides. My partner is a first grade detective and has 20 years on the job, so

he doesn’t mind when I want to take the heavier or higher profile cases. Is ThERE ANy jEAlOusy bETwEEN DETECTIVEs CONCERNINg whO gOT ThE PERP TO TAlk?No, not on my team. We all bring something to the table and we all have the same goal in mind. We also know when to step back. If a perp isn’t responding well to me I will have my partner go in. He may take to him or vice versa. We may have a female perp who only wants to speak to a female detective. This is not to say that we don’t compete and joke around, saying things to one another, like: “Watch and learn;” “I got the confession, you wish you had my skills;” “No, he liked me better.” But this is all after the fact. We work together to get the end result.

whAT’s IT lIkE wORkINg wITh DETECTIVE ChRIs kAROlkOwskI, As hIs PARTNER?I came to the bureau six years ago, and they put us on the same team and we’ve been partners ever since. There aren’t many first grade detectives in the department and I’m fortunate because his knowledge and experience have been invaluable to me. I’ve definitely benefitted from working with him. I’ve learned so much and we work well together. whAT DO yOu wANT PEOPlE TO kNOw AbOuT yOu?What’s important to me is when someone hears my name, their response will be “Detective Mazza, yes, she’s competent,” or “She’s a hard worker.” That’s what matters to me. why DO yOu wANT OThER mEmbERs OF ThE DEPARTmENT TO kNOw AbOuT sENDINg gOOglE A CONTENT sEARCh wARRANT? hOw wIll IT hElP ThEm?About the Content Search Warrant to Google, it’s a new investigative tool, another avenue you can explore. Like I said before, I’ll be happy to help anyone in law enforcement who wants to try it and asks for my help.


remembrance

Sponsored by

www.MomentOfSilenceInc.org

If you would like to honor a brother or sister in BLUE

who lost their life on the job or retired, please submit your story to:

[email protected]

Officer James A. Nelson was a 15-year veteran, who joined the Port Authority Police Department on

October 21, 1985. After working at various commands that included the Lincoln Tunnel, Bus Terminal, World Trade Center, Staten Island Bridges and the Central Police Pool, Officer Nelson became an instructor at the Port Authority Police Academy in September 1998. Throughout his career, he received numerous Police Division Citations, Meritorious Police Duty Awards as well as

the Executive Director unit Citation and WTC Group Valor Award for his rescue efforts during the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, Officer Nelson responded to the World Trade Center with his fellow instructors and joined rescue operations with Chief Romito who was evacuating Tower One. The team continued to climb even after learning that Tower

Two collapsed and when they reached somewhere between the 24th to 27th floors, they were ordered to evacuate the building. Although Officer Nelson became separated from the rescue team, he continued his descent from Tower One.

Officer Nelson, age 40, was the youngest of three children and graduated from Centereach High School in 1979. When it was time to go to college, he received a full fencing scholarship to St. John’s University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Nelson resided in Clark, New Jersey with his wife, Rosanne and two daughters, Anne, 11 and Caitlin, 5. Officer Nelson moved to New Jersey in 1984 once he learned of his appointment to the Port Authority Police Department and got married in 1989, four years after their blind date. He eagerly volunteered to coach Anne’s softball team even though his expertise was in fencing and football. Since he lost his father when he was young, it was important that he was the father he never had to his girls. Officer Nelson loved being a cop but he was passionate about his family.

Officer James A. Nelson


eVents

on 2/22/2014 the NYPD Asian Jade Society held their annual honors

and scholarship awards dinner. This sold out event honored former NY Mets pitcher Ron Darling, the CEO of the Sing Tao newspaper and community leader and supporter of the New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement Officers

Association Robin Mui among others. The NYPD Asian Jade Society came out to support those mentioned as well as our very own Captain Ken Gorman. Captain Gorman has dual membership with the NYPDAJS as well as with the NJAALEOA. The NYPDAJS as surely as the NJAALEOA is extremely proud to have Captain

Gorman as a sworn member.

Congratulations to the NYPD Asian Jade Society and their executive board and members for having another sellout event and honoring those that make a difference to law enforcement and to the community.

tHe nYpd asian Jade soCietY HONORS CAPTAIN KEN GORMANBy Robert May

NJAALEOA Executive board members (L-R) Tommy Chung, Jen Alahondo, honoree Captain Ken Gorman, NYPD Detective Hoi Ping Lee and President Luistro.

(Not pictured members David Lin, Tony Timbol and Justin Benagh)

Honoree Captain Ken Gorman and NJAALEOA President Joseph Luistro

NJAALEOA President pictured with NJAALEOA supporter and community leader the

honorable Commissioner Reginald Ward


i am a former Port Authority police officer, a former NYPD police officer, a former letter carrier with the United

States Postal Service and a former NY State corrections officer. These days, I’m retired and enjoying my life. I loved working in law enforcement, and I loved being an NYPD officer. Basically, I was a good cop who tried to do the right thing and was betrayed by the very people who should’ve had my back. Some people saw me as a rat for breaking the ‘blue wall of silence,’ but other people saw me as a hero for exposing corruption. At the end of the day, I was just a regular cop trying to do the right thing.

I was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and my family moved to Lower Manhattan in 1952. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx, I decided I wanted to enlist in the military. I tried to enlist in the Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force, but with no luck. I did end up being drafted into the Army in 1965, and I was sent to Vietnam. During a firefight, one of the Vietcong threw a grenade and injured me and three other troops. It was my 20th

birthday. I came home after being wounded in 1967, and I worked numerous jobs to make ends meet, including driving a cab and an ambulance. One day, I was reading the newspaper, and I saw an advertisement for the NYPD exam. I took the test in 1968 and I passed, but it took five years before I became an NYPD officer.

In the meantime, I took the Port Authority exam, passed and entered the Port Authority Police Academy in 1971. I worked at the Port Authority for three years, and then the NYPD finally called me. The fact that I was already a Port Authority cop and a Vietnam vet helped tremendously. I qualified in October of 1973; entered the NYPD Police Academy, and I graduated 6 months later.

I was sent to the 90th Precinct in Brooklyn. As a rookie cop, I worked with my Cuban partner Louie Herrera. He and I had situations where we didn’t get along with other police officers. Louie was laid off, and it took him three years to come back on the job. I ended up being involved in a case where two officers from the 9th Precinct,

Andrew Glover and Frederick Reddy, were killed. Now, when I say I was involved in that case, I mean I had information that there was a gang in the Lower East Side who were committing robberies. I took it upon myself to investigate the case on my own.

I went over to the 9th Precinct and spoke to my friend Andrew Glover. He told me to see his commanding officer. Unfortunately, that went nowhere. Now, a confidential informant told me that this gang was committing social club robberies, and it involved a man named Freddy Aviles. Back in the 60s, Freddy was into heroin, and he was working with the Mulberry Gangs. The Feds and the NYPD had collared Freddy, but they left him out on the street because he was able to feed them information on drugs and homicides. Still, Freddy was still committing crimes. He had a group of guys that he would send out to rob these social clubs. I knew that if something wasn’t done about Freddy and his gang, some cop was going to run into one of these guys and get hurt, especially after I learned that they were going to start robbing banks.

Joe Sanchez:

Photo: When I worked in the 30 Precinct

Back in the 1980s, Joe Sanchez was just an ordinary NYPD police officer who loved his job until he found himself falsely accused of crimes he didn’t commit, after he sought to expose corruption among certain high-ranking NYPD officials. He was eventually exonerated. He has detailed his experiences in two novels that he co-authored with Mo Dhania; ‘Latin Blues,’ which is a work of fiction that is based on his rookie year and the killing of two NYPD officers. The other novel is ‘True Blue: A Tale of the Enemy Within,’ which is his autobiography. Currently, he is working on his third book. Now 65, Joe is retired and living happily in Florida with his wife, Lorraine, who he has been married to for 44 years. Following is Part 1 of Joe’s riveting two-part interview involving lies, corruption and betrayal.

INDICTED, CONVICTED & EXONERATEDBy Joe Sanchez

NYPD OFFICER

feature sToRYDISCLAIMER:The views expressed by the author of the story printed below do not necessarily reflect the views of NY BLuE NOW MAGAZINE or its managing editor. All statements and opinions expressed in it -- as well as accuracy, completeness, veracity, honesty, exactitude, and factuality -- are the sole responsibility of its writer, Joe Sanchez.


Unfortunately, on September 16th, 1975, my prediction became a reality when my friend, Officer Andrew Glover, and Sgt. Frederick Reddy were shot and killed by one of the bank robbers, Luis Velez, during a traffic stop. Louie had just dropped one of his bank-robbing buddies off when he was stopped. He managed to distract the officers by pointing out someone on the street that he claimed knew him. When the officers turned their heads, Louie pulled out a gun and shot them. He had the gun hidden under his shirt, and he knew they would find it once they searched him. Louie would later tell me that both officers approached him from the driver’s side, instead of one officer watching him from the passenger seat as should have been done. So, I would tell all officers: Don’t make the same mistake that Glover and Reddy did. Don’t allow yourselves to be distracted and always make sure that you’re watching your back and your partner’s back because you never know what can happen.

To this day, Louie is remorseful for taking the lives of those two officers. He was high on cocaine, and he knew that he was wanted for bank robberies, so he panicked. In my time as a cop, I was involved in seven shooting incidents where I had to shoot someone. I never once took my eyes off of a suspect, especially when a partner or someone else was talking to me until I knew all was secured. When I went over to the 9th Precinct to see if they had any word on Glover and Reddy’s shooter, I found out that they had a photo of him and four others robbing a bank. The bank robbers were all wearing bandanas to cover their faces. I couldn’t believe it! There in the photo was the shooter, Louie Velez. He was one of the guys that I had warned my captain and Andy’s captain about. My greatest fear had come true only two months after I warned people about what could happen. I grabbed the picture, and I went hunting for Louie with two of my friends. Louie was on the run for eight days before he was captured, but I wasn’t the one who apprehended him.

Louie pleaded guilty and received 25-years to life for murder, but he was sentenced to federal prison for robbing banks. When I became a corrections officer in 1989, I was working at Sing Sing Prison, and I found out that Louie was there after he finished serving his federal time. I’ll discuss that in Part 2 of my story.

I was transferred out of the 90th Precinct and sent to the 25th Precinct in 1976. When I got there, rumors spread from the 90th Precinct that I was a field associate working for Internal Affairs. At first, Officer Freddie Roman was the only one willing to work with me. (Actually, he approached me and said that he would work with me.) Freddie Roman had worked narcotics, and he was an honest cop. He and I teamed up until I was later transferred to the 24th Precinct. I had to go through the same routine there when calls from the 25th went out to the 24th saying that I was a field associate. A few months later, I got into a heated altercation in front of the station house with a cop from

the 24th. He called me a ‘spy’ and we almost came to blows. Naturally, I told him where he could go, and I wasn’t nice about it either. The Manhattan borough commander, who was heading into the station house at the time, intervened and kept us from having it out. Within hours, the cop and I were transferred out to other precincts.

I was sent to the 30th Precinct, and before I even walked in the door, the gossip spread from the 24th. They let everyone in the 30th know that a so-called field associate was taking up residence in their precinct. With that kind of an ‘introduction’ it’s no wonder that it took years for the cops in the 30th to realize that I wasn’t a field associate, but that didn’t stop many of them from going out of their way to avoid working with me. Of course, the fact that I was involved in seven shooting incidents while there, including one with Officer Susan Medicis (she was the first woman in NYPD history to win the Combat Cross) did take some heat off of me. However, some of the cops


in the 30th were still leery of me. I can honestly say that the average cop working in the 30th was honorable and hardworking. After Suzie transferred out, I teamed up with my partner Herman Velez, who I had worked with prior to Suzie. Herman and I were very active in the Washington Heights section and one particular collar that we made on April 13, 1982, changed my life forever.

Herman and I got involved in a drug bust after we followed a tall, black male wearing a cowboy hat into a particular tenement building. I notified Central, but I told them that we didn’t need backup because we didn’t know what we were dealing with. After Herman and I noticed that the guy doing security for the apartment had a gun, that’s when we bolted for the door. We secured the guy with the gun and arrested everyone in the apartment. I called it in and backup arrived. Just as we were about to take everyone down to the precinct, the guy with the cowboy hat claimed that somebody took his money. I told him to make a complaint at the station. We also ended up arresting his girlfriend, who was waiting in the car, because we found cocaine on her when we went to ask her for identification.

When we arrived at the precinct, the guy with the cowboy hat (his name was Bertino

Cunningham by the way) claimed that I took $1200 dollars from him. That’s when my nightmare began. Since a complaint had been made, Internal Affairs had to get involved. The other drug dealers and Cunningham’s girlfriend were interviewed. None of them said that I took any money from them. So, that looked good for me.

(Cunningham would later claim that I took $1600 from him. His girlfriend would claim that I took over $250 from

her. I later found out that all of the drug dealers that Herman and I arrested that day were told that if they testified in front of the grand jury that I took their money, not just Cunningham and his girlfriend’s money, that they would get immunity and have their charges dropped. I mean, think about it. What would you do if you were facing time in prison and your only way out was to say that the cop who arrested you took your money? So, all six testified that I took their money. Even though Herman made the arrest with me, they didn’t mention him. He was the invisible man. It was like he didn’t even exist. Thankfully, Herman would end up being my best witness when I went to trial).

A few days after the drug bust, I told my story to the assistant district attorney at the time. His father was my commanding officer back in the 90th Precinct when Glover and

Reddy were killed. I told him that Internal Affairs was investigating me because of Cunningham’s allegations. Now, under New York State law, any witness who testifies before a grand jury will immediately receive complete immunity for whatever he said or did, unless he waives his immunity. This means that the ADA should’ve waived my immunity before I went into the grand jury, but he never did.

Meanwhile, I had a different set of problems to deal with. I had reported corruption within our department which involved a lieutenant at the 30th Precinct, plus my captain. He claimed that I was trying to set him up on bogus charges, so I was brought up on charges for trying to ‘set him up.’ Later, I would end up wearing a wire and working with Internal Affairs to gather information on him. One day, I got a call at the precinct from a guy who is looking for the ‘bad lieutenant’ who had already signed out for the day. The caller tells me that he owns a supermarket and starts giving me all of this information on the ‘bad lieutenant.’ I called Internal Affairs, and they told me to report it, which is how I got deeper and deeper involved with this.

I ended up wearing a wire and meeting with the guy from the supermarket. Ironically, the same Internal Affairs guys who wired me up to get information on the ‘bad lieutenant’ locked me up a year later. Eventually, I gathered up enough

Last photo before going to trial

feature sToRY

Joe with the famous NYPD whistleblower, Frank Serpico, in 2008.


information for the department to arrest the ‘bad lieutenant.’ Unfortunately, it leaked out and he learned that I was wearing a wire. So, the ‘bad lieutenant’ claimed that I was trying to set up my captain. Afterwards, I got transferred to the 34th Precinct. Then on October 28, 1983, I found out from the sergeant that I used to wear the wire for that I had been indicted on October 25th. I asked him, “Is this where the hunter becomes the hunted?” He said, “Yeah.” He reminded me of the case about the drug dealers I had busted, and then he said that the tables had now been turned on me.

I had to turn in my badge, guns and ID since I was being arrested. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me! That’s when I found out that I was being arrested for burglary in the first degree, seven counts of grand larceny and assault in the third degree. I had nine charges against me. My partner Herman wasn’t arrested. In fact, Herman was on vacation in South America and had no idea what was going on. They charged me with burglary because they said that I forced my way into the apartment with a pistol. I said I was in uniform, but they said that didn’t matter. I went through the entire booking process of having my prints and photo taken. It was embarrassing.

While I was waiting to get arraigned, my union lawyer arrived. He told me that he was the best they had. When he told me that, I knew I was in trouble. They decided to arraign me along with a narcotics detective, who had been collared for taking some money. He came with his own lawyer because he didn’t want a union attorney. The judge sent us both home on our own recognizance with no bail. The next day, it was all over the newspapers and radio that two NYPD police officers were arrested. They made it look as if I was working with him.

Since I wasn’t working, I needed to find a job. Thankfully, my former partner Susan was able to help me get a job as a night supervisor doing home security. I stayed with home security for three years until 1986 when I was called to be a mailman up in Rockland County. I wanted to go to trial right away because I knew I could prove my innocence, but it took over a year before the trial started. The special State prosecutor, back in 1983 when I got arrested, prosecuted me knowing that I had never waived my immunity. That’s what they did to me.

During my trial, three of the drug dealers who had received immunity never showed up to testify against me. The dealers knew that they had lied and when the special State prosecutor couldn’t find them, the State was embarrassed. So, the State was just left with Cunningham, his girlfriend and the guy that Herman and I caught opening the apartment door with the gun. According to them, I had ripped off all of these drug dealers in front of my partner Herman. It made no sense. Talk about a nightmare!

Anyway, I was found not guilty on the burglary and grand larceny charges, but I was found guilty on the assault charge because Cunningham said that I beat him up. A week later, one of the jurors began writing letters on my behalf from the jury stating that they had made a mistake with the assault charge. Then I found out that there was a new special prosecutor. Charlie Joe Hynes who became the new Special State Prosecutor in 1985 was the one who dismissed my indictment. He then went on to become Brooklyn’s DA. Hynes just lost the election after being in office for 23-years.It was as if my case never happened. Since my indictment had been wiped away, I was hoping to get my job back. But there was a law on the books that said that it was up to the commissioner to reinstate a member of the service, and he chose not to do that. That law is no longer on the books. Now, they have to give you a departmental hearing.

I was exonerated in 1985, but I still couldn’t get my job back. I went through the Appellate Court for an Article 78 proceedings hearing to try and get my job back. In the end, the “cabal” had succeeded on two fronts. They made sure that I didn’t get my job back and that I was unable to sue anybody.

Since my NYPD career was yanked out from under me, I took the test for the Department of Corrections, and I got called three or four years later. I became a corrections officer in 1989, at the age of 42, six years after I got indicted. In fact, the New York State Department of Corrections was the only law enforcement entity that went to bat for me after I was exonerated. After reviewing my case, they helped me remove the stigma of the indictment by getting me back into law enforcement. But, I only worked as a corrections officer for two years because I ended up getting

injured while saving an inmate’s life.

At that point, I went on compensation and moved to Florida. I later found out that I was lucky to still be alive because there was a contract out on me. I know some people are probably wondering how I feel about the ‘code of silence,’ considering everything that I experienced. Bottom line, if I’m working with a partner and I see him doing something that will put me, another officer or the public in danger, then I’m going to rat his ass out. Now, let me make it clear that everything that I have mentioned in this article is the truth. I know some of it may seem unbelievable, but it really happened. The justice system failed me in a major way. God only knows how many other good cops and citizens out there have similar stories to mine.

I’d like to thank Daily News Staff Writer John Marzulli, who wrote an article about me in 1987 entitled, ‘Injustice System KO’s Super Cop,’ which can been seen on the first NYPD page of my website.

I thank my wife Lorraine for standing by me, and I’m sorry for putting her through so much during the trial. Behind every good man is a good wife. I have to thank my kids for being by my side and for loving me as much as I love them. They make me proud. I have a son, Joey Sanchez, who is a narcotics cop here in Florida and he’s a better cop than I ever was. His wife is also a detective.

To NY Blue Now Publisher Daniel Del Valle, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to tell my story. For those interested in reading Part 2 of my story, I will go into more detail about how, as a former cop turned corrections officer, I had to work around the same criminals that I had arrested. You’ll read what I had to deal with on a daily basis in the belly of the beast. I thank all of the people who have supported me. For those who may want to contact me after reading the story, but are worried that they don’t know me, just email me at [email protected] or call me at 386-789-2660. My doors are open. I know what it feels like to have people misjudge you. Finally, I pray that God continues to bless our troops and all of the members of the law enforcement family.


MagazineNJ LUENOW™

www.njbluenow.com

what do you say when s o m e o n e whom you respect and admire tells you that the best investigation of your law enforcement career may not be enough to impress a

corporate executive for that “dream” job after retirement? Matthew W. Horace, retired Special Agent in Charge, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Newark Field Office, and now Vice President and Chief Security Officer for FJC Security Services located in Floral Park, New York, spoke candidly about his experience in securing that “dream” job after 25 years in federal law enforcement and 3 years as a police officer with the Arlington County (VA) Police Department. Born in Philadelphia, and a graduate of Delaware State University, Horace obtained his Master’s degree in Human Resources Training and Development from Seton Hall University. He knows a thing or two about making the transition from the public sector to the shark-infested corporate world where only the strong survive.

“CEO’s want to know how you add value to the company’s bottom line,” Horace stressed. He emphasized that many of his contemporaries in senior management believed that upon retirement, someone would simply “tap them on the shoulder” and ask if they were interested in working for a Fortune 150 company. Many were under the illusion that because of their stellar performance as law enforcement officers, their experience and subject

matter expertise would catapult them into a corporate position of influence and a six-figure salary. “Law enforcement executives think that companies know about their unique management skills. However, these opportunities present themselves only through planning, luck, and timing,” Horace stated. “You must also remember that unlike the rank oriented culture of law enforcement, your rank becomes less marketable

than your assignments and experience i.e., what you’ve actually accomplished during your career. For instance, in a corporate environment, would your experience as a SWAT commander or captain be more desirable than a sergeant who managed accreditation, grant writing, and human resources?” Horace asked.

When asked about how he found his “dream” job, Horace advised that he sought out experienced professionals who had transitioned successfully from the public to the private sector. He created a “Transition Team” that included: Michael Mason, Chief Security Officer – Verizon Communications, retired Executive Assistant Director, FBI; Lewis Rice, VP Global Security – Estee Lauder, retired Special Agent in Charge, DEA; Christopher Andreychak, Associate Dir. Of Security – Novartis Pharmaceutical, retired Deputy Superintendent, NJ State Police; and, Richard Kendall, Founder and Chief Executive, Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation. He recruited his team from various sectors, including the corporate and Not-For-Profit (NFP) groups in order to integrate the diverse cultures inherent in the private sector. Horace stated that he spoke with these people daily to find out what senior managers were looking for in an employee retiring from a career in law enforcement.

“The term ‘Value Proposition’ was something with which I was vaguely familiar, and it is of critical importance to the private sector in determining if a candidate is suitable for a position with their company. Value Proposition or ‘VP’ deals with budgets, profit and loss, and how you articulate that you’re worth the salary your company is paying you,” Horace explained. He went on to state that ‘VP’ is generally not considered in government, noting that government agencies rely on a person’s “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), civil service qualifications, and other factors. Horace stated that he, “…didn’t learn these things overnight,” but that he gained this knowledge through daily conversations with his transition team.

“Your experience in law enforcement is not enough to impress someone at Samsung or a corporate CEO who wants to know how you add value to the company’s ‘Bottom Line’. If you solve a crime, what are the skills involved and how do you translate those skills to get the attention of a CEO?” Horace asked. He answered by stating that based on his experience with FJC, “We should all endeavor to learn more about the business of our occupations while we are working in them. It’s not enough to be a lieutenant or captain or sergeant. Understanding how your organization runs day-to-day business is an essential for growth and development.” He continued by advising, “Get used to running your command like a business and not just a job. Leading Operations, Human Capital, Budget, Infrastructure Technology (IT), Strategic Planning, Training and Public Information is a Business!” Horace explained that the experience gained through a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the administrative elements of command and control while serving in a law enforcement capacity, are an integral part of successfully addressing a company’s “Bottom Line.”

Making the Transition from the Public to the Private Sector: AN INTERVIEW WITH mATThEw w. hORACEBy Thomas G. Masters QA&

around New jeRseY


In planning for retirement and landing that “dream” job, Horace stated that in addition to his transition team, he resorted to a number of resources that were readily available, including LinkedIn (the World’s Largest Job Site) and Indeed.com. He also emphasized that using a professional resume writing service was well worth the cost. He noted, “A professional resume service is familiar with the key-words that companies use to screen a candidate’s resume. They know how to market you as a Police Chief (law enforcement professional) to a senior manager in the private sector, and to highlight your skills as a leader.”

In addition to utilizing the vast number of resources available, Horace explained that, “You have to market yourself. Tell everyone you know, and trust, that you are ‘on the market’ and available to pursue your second career. Never say, or infer, that you are looking for a retirement job. You also need to market yourself as a leader, someone who has the business acumen to manage budgets and all the other elements of running a business.” Horace referred to his experience as a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) that grooms federal employees for positions of leadership, and praised the SES program for establishing a model that is adept at evaluating talent within the federal employee ranks. Horace observed that, “Talent Acquisition is important in the private sector. The SES Model incorporates Five (5) Core Qualifications: Leading Change; Leading People; Results Driven; Business Acumen; and, Building Coalitions. These skills are transferable to private industry.”

When asked how a regular street cop or federal agent attains these skills and qualifications, Horace immediately replied, “Through participation in organizations and associations. Being actively engaged with local organizations helps to develop interpersonal skills, exposes you to networking, and helps you achieve a common organizational goal.” He specified that, “Goals are different between Not-For-Profit (NFP) and private corporations. However, the lessons learned from participation in one, may easily transfer to the other.”

Horace knows from first-hand experience.

He served as the President of the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), as a member with the New Jersey Police Chiefs Association, as an advisory Board member on the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation, and as President of the Northern New Jersey Federal Executive Board, to name just a few. He elaborated, “Through my direct participation (with these organizations) I was able to work through consensus to reach a common goal, while at the same time gaining management and leadership experience.” He indicated that through his involvement with these NFP groups, he was forced to, “…deal with budgets, networking, IT programs, and a host of other issues,” early in his law enforcement career. “In addition, you expand your brand to others as a business leader, over and beyond your law enforcement pedigree,” Horace explained.

Perhaps more importantly, Horace advised, “I was introduced to my current position with FJC through my contacts in the Not-For-Profit organizations.” Horace noted one caveat of special importance when working with NFPs: “When working in a Not-For-Profit setting, you must be altruistic and not look for benefits to accrue to you. Good will come through your service (to the organization).” He stated, “In every interview, I was asked if I ever had to sell a concept or idea to people, not necessarily subordinates, who did not have to listen. And, I used the example of my leadership role in NFPs. As a member, I was required to provide recommendations for enhanced exposure, increasing the budget, and increasing deliverables for the organization and to the public.” “The ability to address these concerns at the corporate level is critical for a company’s success,” Horace concluded.

Talking about his decision to seek a position in the private sector, Horace became introspective and advised, “There is no more noble a position than to serve the public in a position of trust. After doing it for 28 years, I thought it

was time to leverage my skills learned in government and seek the challenge and prestige of a corporate position, along with the compensation associated with private industry.” Horace stated that he interviewed for over 12-months to land his “dream” job at FJC, despite having a strategic plan and a transition team. He indicated that there were a number of issues he considered before making his decision. He first had to ask himself the following two questions, “Would I add value in the position I am offered?” And, “Is the position at a sufficiently high-level to apply the skills I had accumulated (in public service)?” Horace stated that he was “on the fence” with four other companies before interviewing with FJC Security Services. Prior to his interview, he advised he conducted a detailed analysis of the company, researching its annual budget, total number of employees, and a host of other aspects about the company. He noted that after he met with the Chief Operating Officer and owners, he realized, “It was a perfect fit.”

Horace elaborated, “This was exactly the kind of company I was looking for. FJC is a company with the most professional and committed employees I’ve ever been exposed to. The company has some of the highest profile accounts in the world.” Horace continued by stating, “Its Aviation Services Division is responsible for airports in and around New York City, including JF Kennedy and LaGuardia. In addition to the aviation domain, FJC has maritime responsibilities, including management of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program under a contract with the US Department

(continued on page 31)


Master Legend, born June 27, 1966, claims that he was born with a purple veil and given

extra powers by a voodoo queen from New Orleans, which he uses, in turn, to protect others. He also claims that he died twice and was given, on his second death, “the power to make a difference for the better.” Master Legend doesn’t reserve his special abilities for only fighting crime. Equipped with a food handler’s license, he says he protects the homeless denizens of Winter Park from hunger and hands out toys to needy children. He also claims to have training in disaster survival, first aid, and CPR. “I love to take on the criminals,” Master Legend says, “but we’ve got a lot more than that going on. We set an example by helping people and asking nothing in return.” He describes having “worn the mask” for over 30 years and claims his true identity is only known to the police and some close friends. He says he even received a Certificate of Commendation from the Orange County Sheriff ’s Department. He has trained in many fighting styles, his favorite -- kung fu. Like every superhero, Master Legend sports an arsenal of crime fighting weaponry, including, among other things: a scuba suit, a bullet proof shield equipped with a built-in alarm and shock device, body armor, a few helmets, a homemade PVC baton for defense, chemical gloves, climbing gear, and the ‘Iron Fist’ -- “capable of smashing a door down.” Master Legend draws inspiration from ‘The

Human Fly’, a Marvel comic book character based on real-life stuntman Rick Rojatt. The comic book description of that character reads: “The Wildest Superhero Ever — Because He’s Real!”

When I saw the Human Fly, I knew then that it was time to jump into action and really start doing something about it. He helped out so many poor little crippled kids with his stunts and risked his life to make things better for them.” When asked -- in an interview with the Orlando Weekly -- if there was one thing he would want the world to know about him, what it would be, Master Legend responded, “I’m a guy that comes from nothing, bad abuse, kicked out in the streets at 15 with no one to help me. I died twice, and on my second death, I was given the power to make a difference for the better, and I will. Worldwide.” I sat down and interviewed the man behind the mask and got to know why he is called ‘Master Legend’, what drives him, his outlook on life, and his take on police.

hOw DID yOu gET ThE NAmE “mAsTER lEgEND”?In my younger days, I had the nickname, “The Legend.” I did all kinds of dangerous stunts and I would fight bullies. I went by the name “The Legend” as a motor cross rider. Then I learned kung fu from a kung fu master. Years later, I was teaching kung fu at a camp for troubled kids. Around that time, kung fu was pretty popular on TV and so the kids started calling me Master Legend. I was a kung fu master and I was known as The Legend, and

that’s how it all came together. whAT DO yOu mEAN whEN yOu sAy yOu FIghT EVIl lEFT AND RIghT IN wINTER PARk? DO yOu mEAN ThE EVIls OF POVERTy OR PhysICAl DANgERs -- whAT DID yOu mEAN by ThAT?I mean that I ran into evil everywhere I looked. I had to fight evil in many different ways. I fought crack heads, weirdo people, and a child molester. I even went to jail for that one, but all the charges were dropped. Then I tried exposing the evil people in higher places who cause the crime that you see. People keep blaming desperation; they have to find the cause of the desperation. That’s one of Master Legend’s missions. People laugh when I bring up the Illuminati, but it’s the mentality of it all. So I try to fight bad ideas and lies they want to tell themselves so they can turn their heads and not help somebody, like a homeless person.

yOu’RE TRyINg TO EXPOsE mIsCONCEPTIONs ThAT PEOPlE hAVE AbOuT gROuPs ThAT ARE VICTImIZED?Yes, that’s one of the things I do, as well as pointing out where the true evils are in the world, so that people can join together. My friends around the world all see what’s really going on, but the average person doesn’t. I’m trying to bring it all out in the open, especially for the younger people, before they become like me and try to put the pieces together later. I try to put the pieces together now and luckily, I have a lot of friends on my side to help me do it.

The Man Behind the Legend:MY interview with ‘Master legend’a real life superhero and defender of winter park, florida

“ Remember, scaring somebody is actually better

than beating them up.” those are the words of Master legend, a real life superhero.

Master legend is the protector of winter park, florida, where he

“fights evil left and right.”

All photos courtesy of Master Legend

By Y. Manis

interView


CAN yOu ElAbORATE ON whAT yOu sAID AbOuT A VOODOO wITCh gIVINg yOu POwERs?Ah, yes, Marie Laveau. She was a real voodoo queen in New Orleans – that’s where I was born. I went to her grave, trying to get some powers. I marked an X on her grave and I asked for superhuman strength. At the time, I didn’t think I got the superhuman strength. But I went wandering into the graveyard a little deeper, into this mausoleum, where there was a big crypt. When I went in there, the iron door slammed shut, I was trapped inside, and it was a thick concrete and metal door. I was trapped with no way out. I was yelling. There are times when the power is down – I couldn’t even see where I was going. I ran at the door, kicked it, and with superhuman strength, ripped it out of the concrete. If it wasn’t for superhuman power, I would’ve stayed trapped in there. Believe me, it wasn’t a place that people come around all the time, they probably never would’ve found me. I would’ve been dead by the time anyone went to check out that old place! Since then, I’ve been in some tricky situations and have been able to call on that same strength, that same power. Now I’ve tapped into it and I know I have it. sO IT’s NOT A CONsTANT sTRENgTh? yOu hAVE TO CAll uPON IT?It comes when I’m in dire need of superhuman strength. When I’m out working, I don’t have superhuman strength constantly, just when the time calls for it. I had to fight this giant behemoth of a guy, everyone was afraid of him. He used to hit people, break their noses, and give them two black eyes at the same time – a monstrous guy. He tried to do that to me, he busted his head open on me, and I didn’t even get a scratch. That’s just one example of the power. That’s not even me exerting myself, that’s just a protection around me. To make the story short, I wound up having to fight that guy. No one else could take care of him. One super powered punch of mine knocked him out. It’s the same punch I used on my abusive daddy. That was just one of my many battles. yOu sAy yOu usED ThEsE suPER POwERs AgAINsT yOuR FAThER, sO yOu PRObAbly ACQuIRED ThEm VERy yOuNg?Yes, when I did the marking of the X on Marie Laveau’s grave, I was young, about 13 or 14 years old. My dad killed himself when I was 14. yOu kNEw ThAT yOu wANTED TO bE A suPERhERO whEN yOu wERE 13 OR 14 – OR EARlIER?

Earlier. I started fighting bullies in first or second grade -- it was naturally in me. From being born with a veil, I have an instinct to help people. It gives me many different powers. One of them was to sense when someone was in danger. As a young kid, the first life I saved was a kid who hung himself on a rope swing. But I got there in time, propped him up on my shoulder, and got the slipknot off from his neck. That was when I first felt the calling, as a very young kid. I learned to rely on my senses.In my school days, I really didn’t know about superheroes, but I knew that I was a guy who wanted to stand up against evil. Every one of those bullies reminded me of my mean old abusive daddy. One day, I was coming home from school, looked in a garbage can, and there were these comic books. That was the first time I ever saw comic books. I put them in my backpack, snuck them home and I read those things. I saw Batman and some other masked men. Then I said, “That’s it! This is how I’ll fight the bullies!” So I made myself a mask and a shirt with an emblem on it. I called myself Captain Midnight, back then. I didn’t become Master Legend until later on when I was, like, 19 years old. IF, FROm A VERy yOuNg AgE, yOu hAD ThEsE AbIlITIEs AND yOu wANTED TO hElP PEOPlE, DID yOu EVER CONsIDER bECOmINg A POlICE OFFICER?I did. But then I realized, at a young age, that sometimes policemen can’t even help you. I was badly abused and I begged for help from people and they wouldn’t listen to me. I got to thinking maybe police couldn’t even help in these situations. I thought a superhero would actually be better. I was asked to join the police force. I had to turn the offer down. I was awarded a Certificate of Commendation and I’m an honorary deputy. I just can’t be on the force.

ThIs ARTIClE Is gOINg IN A POPulAR POlICE mAgAZINE. wOulD yOu wANT ThIs INFORmATION TO bE IN IT?It would be good for them to know. Many people are afraid of police. If the police knew that, maybe it would help them out; they could understand how people are feeling about everything. It is not just my opinion. DID yOu EVER hAVE TO subDuE sOmEbODy AND DO yOu hAVE ThE POwER OF ARREsT?I have never tried to subdue anyone, except for when I thought the police were coming anyway. I don’t enforce laws; I only protect people and help people. I don’t have a jail to

throw them in. I have a shield. If I see someone being attacked, I’ve got all my gear and I’ll jump, I’ll fight. I don’t need any weapons, I never have. I actually prevent crimes. Gangs know who I am. They know I’m the Good Guy who comes out and helps people. They were about to do some vandalizing on some cars, a while back. I saw them, got out there and talked to them, put some sense in their heads and they didn’t do it. They saw what I was talking about. I’d like to see a policeman do that, to say, “Hey, let me tell you guys something,” and give them some good words of advice instead of throwing them against a wall. hOw DO yOu FEEl AbOuT ThE RECENT suPERhERO mOVIEs?Well, I really don’t even watch them that much. I’m not much of a moviegoer. As for the special effects, people say, “Oh, a superhero! You’re supposed to be able to fly! You’re supposed to have superhuman strength!” I answer, “You’re confusing me with Superman. There are all kinds of superheroes. Superman is only one type of superhero, that’s him. There’s Spiderman, there’s Ironman, there’s all types of superheroes. Some have powers of different kinds; some make their own, like Batman.” People always have these misinterpretations. But real superheroes -- what they all have in common, is -- they try to help people out and use whatever power they have. If they’re lucky enough to have some extra super powers, they use them, too. There’s lots of superheroes with no real super powers at all. Just like the Phantom, back in the day, who was just a real good fighting man training in the jungle. Some people consider the Lone Ranger a superhero. In the olden days, you had ancient superheroes like Hercules. Most people I run into don’t know about the real life superheroes – “Can you fly? You’ve got laser vision?” When they say that, I know they’re just belittling me before they even know what the thing’s all about – a worldwide brotherhood going on for something good, finally! I’m proud enough to say that I helped create it – something good happening, for everybody. Doesn’t matter what the color is, what the age is -- people can be one of the superheroes and join us. We know that helping homeless

interView


people is necessary because they’re right there, alongside the road, needing a helping hand, so you help them. That’s what I do. You see a hungry person, you feed them. You see anybody you can help – even a policeman needing a helping hand -- you go help him. That’s how it is when you’re a superhero. Some don’t wear the mask. But there is always some type of superhero persona, just for the sake of the superhero community – the brotherhood and sisterhood – there’s a lot of women in there, too.

sO yOu DON’T FEEl ThAT bEINg A suPERhERO shOulD bE REsTRICTED TO PEOPlE wITh sPECIAl AbIlITIEs lIkE yOu? yOu ThINk ThAT EVEN NORmAl PEOPlE COulD bE suPERhEROEs -- EVEN PEOPlE wIThOuT sTRENgTh OR ThAT sIXTh sENsE yOu sPOkE OF bEFORE?I believe everybody’s got a special power, if they search for it. Everyone has a special gift. It’s there. Everyone has a super power. But if you’ve got the spirit that’s good and you want to do right, you get out there and do something about it. If you want to become one of the superheroes and throw on a costume, you try to do what you can. I’d never put anyone down and say he’s got to have powers like me. If that was the case, there wouldn’t be any of us. There’s another guy, X-12, who’s superhuman. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him? NO, I NEVER hEARD OF hIm.He’s kind of funny; he does some funny stuff. But he’s a real strong guy and he does stuff that some people would consider superhuman. Although, he’s not tightly knit into the superhero community, he’s still a good friend of mine. whAT wOulD IT TAkE TO REVEAl yOuR TRuE IDENTITy?[laughs] A bunch of money, I suppose. But I’m not looking to reveal my identity, even though the police out here have my identity. But they keep it secret for me, luckily. There was a guy named Shadow Hare, years ago, and he thought he had some police friends. But when he told them his name, they put it on the news and got him exposed. I try to make the police look as good as I can, so they haven’t revealed my secret identity. The police know Master Legend is a great help! Looking at myself from the outside in, Master Legend does a lot for the whole community; he’s someone for the young people and the homeless people to think about, an inspiration. You saw on the news the policeman who gave the guy some boots and another time, gave a guy a jacket

– that’s great stuff and I’m glad that they do that. But people see me and I’m out doing that stuff all the time, and I don’t even make near the money a policeman can make! I don’t even have a regular job, to tell you the truth. I’m out of business these days, but I’m still out there. This past Christmas, I gave out gift bags and such. I kind of reach in and get to talking to people and I hear everything, all the rumors, the people who bully the homeless. I go out in the middle of the night and let those people know they’ve got someone looking out for them. Because that’s how it really is. I know the streets really well. I only wish the policemen knew the streets as well as I do, because we need people who know what’s going on out there, the other side of life. A lot of times, people are looking at things and judging them by their own experience, having no clue about anything else. I’ve seen many many people who come from privileged lives, being so judgmental and presumptuous, thinking that they’ve got it all summed up, why this person’s in that spot and their excuses why they’re not going to help. That’s how it is. That’s why, as Master Legend, I have talked to people from all around the world – from South Korea to Switzerland. I wouldn’t be able to do it without having the suit. Some people don’t like to use the word “costume,” but that’s what it really is. A superhero suit makes me a symbol, something that people can see and remember. A regular old person, they’d forget! I hardly tell a fraction of my good deeds, to tell the truth. But I do tell some, so I could be an inspiration out there. Because of that, more and more people have joined up and want to become superheroes. They’re doing their best to report the drug dealers and evil people to the police. They’re doing their best trying to be law abiding citizens. I think that’s a pretty good thing, there.

EVEN IF yOu wERE TO TEll PEOPlE OF yOuR gOOD DEEDs, bECAusE yOu’RE bEhIND ThE suIT, yOu’RE NOT REAlly gETTINg ThE CREDIT. DO yOu EVER FEEl uNAPPRECIATED bECAusE PEOPlE DON’T sEE yOu, ThEy ONly sEE ThE suIT?No, I want them to see the suit. It doesn’t matter who the guy is behind the suit. I like the mask. I don’t want people to know who I am. That’s why I have a secret identity. It’s the image that people remember, that a guy who’s dressed up helps people out – they’ll remember him. There might be another guy who goes out and helps people out even more than I do – but he won’t be remembered. The people remember me. I can go deep into the project areas where most dare not even tread. But I can go, because I’m Master Legend and

they all know who I am. I’m the guy who’ll bring them blankets at four o’clock in the morning. Not too long ago, they recognized my van coming down the street and called out “Hey, it’s Master Legend!” I waved to them and thought, “Hey, the word’s out there.” DO yOu hAVE ANy ADVICE FOR NEw yORkERs? ThIs Is FOR A NEw yORk POlICE mAgAZINE.It’s a hard, evil world and everyone’s got a mean face going on, even out here. I’ve been in New York a few times. You’re afraid to talk to somebody these days. You’re afraid to look a person in the eye anymore. My advice is, try to see above all of that stuff, see beyond and above what the world and the media tries to force your mind into believing. Become more spiritual instead of physical. hOw CAN yOu bE CONTACTED IF PEOPlE ARE IN NEED OF yOuR sERVICEs?There’s the Justice Crusader website and I’m on Facebook. When people contact me, then I’ll give them my phone number. If it’s not a 911 emergency, and they need my help, they can contact me if they know somebody who’s hungry, homeless, needs some protection around the house, or wants me to sponsor an event for them. hOw CAN PEOPlE DONATE TOyOuR CAusE?Through the Justice Crusader website, that’s the best way, we have a PayPal donation thing there. But we don’t twist anyone’s arm for donations. I’m grateful we got two donations around Christmastime, one from my great friend, Tothian, and one from a lady that I healed up because she had pains in her back. I healed a lot of people, such as the little girl with two holes in her heart -- scared these people when I did that! A guy had his face eaten up with cancer and I healed him up. That’s why I say, “Master Legend has got powers where these others don’t.” REACH MASTER LEGEND ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/therealmasterlegendJUSTICE CRUSADER WEBSITE: justicecrusaders.webs.com

AbOuT ThE wRITERY. Manis is a freelance writer and graphic designer living in New York. He loves birds and coffee. He can be contacted at [email protected].

interView


of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Federal Division has contracts with the Statue of Liberty and federal buildings located around the country. I knew immediately that FJC was the company for me.”

In speaking about how best to address the sensitive and delicate subject of negotiating corporate salary and benefits with an employer, Horace responded, “Do your research on the company and learn what their annual revenues are and what they pay their other employees. In government, salaries are fixed and there is almost no flexibility. However, in private industry, every company has a salary structure. Unlike government, companies offer a compensation package which may include a car, health care, bonuses and stock options. And, this compensation package is based on your background and the company’s level of expectation for that position.”

Horace cautioned that before interviewing or accepting a position with a company,

you should, “Be aware of the company’s culture.” He explained that, “A company’s culture may not be a good fit for you. If you are a creative person, a company that promotes ‘Thinking outside the Box’ may be ideal for you. If you’re regimented and used to following policies and procedures, a conservative company may prove to be a better fit.” Additionally, Horace pointed out that, “…working 24-hours a day is not perceived as a strength to certain employers on the West Coast, in LA for example. But on the East Coast, this may be considered a value.”

Regarding the value of membership and security certification through organizations such as ASIS International, Horace advised, “There is a benefit to membership in such organizations as ASIS since it exposes you to the global perspective in security and consulting. Just like any academic degree, it will help to increase your knowledge base.”

When asked if he had any final words of advice, Horace quickly responded,

“Prepare, prepare, prepare! Clearly the more information you have about a company will better prepare you for dealing with the company and its corporate culture. Finally, be patient, diligent, and spend the time necessary to research the company. I interviewed with seven-plus companies and applied to dozens before accepting my position with FJC Security Services. The key word here is you must be driven. Jobs simply do not come to you.”

Thomas Masters recently retired from the Federal Air Marshal Service, Newark Division, and previously served as a Special Agent/Attorney with the FBI. He is the Executive Director of the National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA), and is a Board member with the NJ Police Community Affairs Officers Association. He may be reached at 973-997-1000 or at [email protected].

An interview with Matthew W. Horace (continued from page 27)

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entertainment

StephanieBeatriz

O ne of the few bright spots on television today is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars

Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher, but the show works because each of the seven main stars brings something to the table. Stephanie Beatriz plays Detective Rosa Diaz. Diaz is seemingly very serious, very private and never smiles. Detective Charles Boyle has a crush on Rosa, but as of now it looks like that relationship will never go anywhere. Brooklyn Nine-Nine can be seen Tuesday nights on Fox and will also appear immediately following the Super Bowl. Dan lorenzo: Is it okay with you if we don’t mention Andy samberg or the word “latina” in this interview?Stephanie Beatriz: That’s fine with me. I know you were born in Argentina. how did you like growing up in Texas?It was bomb. It’s an amazing state. It’s a fantastic state to grow up in. I think that’s because I went to public school, and in the seventh grade you spend an entire year on Texas history, and they pound it into you that it’s the best state. Everyone has so much love for it if you’re from there. I’ve got a lot of friends that have Texas state tattoos

if that tells you anything. It is a cool state. One of the things that intrigue me about you is the fact that you seem like a cool person using the word “bomb,” but you also love shakespeare. I do love Shakespeare, yes. how does that correlate? Well I went to college for a theater degree, and I was lucky enough to have some really great teachers then and, after college, I moved to New York and started working in regional theater. Shakespeare has always been something I was interested in, and I’m going to mention the word Latina now...I thought for a long time that it wasn’t my realm. I was sorta scared to dabble in it. Then, I was lucky enough to get hired at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which is this amazing theater. The first year I was there, I met another Latina actress that had been there for many seasons and she asked, “Why don’t you think this is something you can do?” I said I was sorta scared of it. She said, “No! This is yours! Shakespeare is for everybody.” Ever since then I’ve been more passionate about it, and I’ve done quite a bit of it. I think the last thing that I’ve done was “Measure for Measure,” and I played

Isabella. She’s probably one of the heavier female roles that he’s written. I’m a big fan of “The Bard.” I love him so much. I love heavy music. I love brooklyn Nine-Nine. I love sports. why don’t I like the theater?Well maybe you’ve seen some bad theater. How many have you gone to?

Probably only once or twice many years ago.Imagine if you only watched one or two televisions shows ever. You’re probably not going to hit on something that you’re super in love with or passionate about, right? You have to throw the ball at the hoop and hope it goes in a couple times. You have to go to more theater, my man. You have to just try it. well maybe because you used a basketball analogy. I’ve watched hundreds of TV shows once or twice, but I love brooklyn Nine-Nine.I’m so glad you like it. That really means a lot. I’m not just saying that. I’m really very appreciative that you’re watching, and you’re digging what we’re doing. That’s so cool.

By Dan Lorenzo


Beatriz

how long after you auditioned did they tell you that you got the role as Rosa Diaz?It was a little while. I think my initial audition was in November and then I got a few callbacks. It was kind of an extended process. I was pretty busy. I was auditioning for a lot of stuff. Most of the time here in L.A., January is a pretty hectic season, so you just sort of go on these auditions and you don’t really know if anything is landing or not unless you get callbacks. It was a little while, but I had other stuff going on, so I wasn’t too focused on it. So as soon as I got the audition I was so excited about it and I had to sort of train myself not to think about it (laughs) because it really was a dream job to get. All three of the women on the show have something very cute about them. when I was doing my research for you and when I saw you in other interviews and I saw the “real” you—I think you’re much prettier than your character Detective Rosa.(laughs) That’s funny. Do you agree?I would ask prettier, how so? you have a really hot smile. It changes your whole look. Well the great thing about playing somebody that is so against who you actually are is you get to play “pretend.” Everybody has got that side of them that’s sort of darker, and I think Rosa definitely explores that side

of me. One of the fun things about that is the writers are sort of playing with: When does Rosa enjoy things? When does she have a good time? Actually, I did smile on the show...it’s just not when normal people would smile (laughs). I have a nice, big high-definition television, but I never noticed your eyebrow slash until today. Oh yeah! The slash in my eyebrow, yeah! I love it, but I never noticed it on the show?You know, I always make them leave it so maybe the next time you watch you’ll notice it. I always ask the make-up artist to leave it, but I think the shots are wider so you don’t really get the chance to see it. It should be there. I’m from Nj. Is that a west Coast look?Actually, it’s not a fashion choice. It was an accident. When I was 8 years old, I tripped over a massive Lego construction site that my sister and I had going in our bedroom, and I tripped and fell and hit my head on a headboard on the bed, and it just scarred and I’ve left it ever since. My mom always tells me to fill it in. No! No, no, no. Don’t fill it in!Thank you! I think it’s hot when a pretty girl has, I’m not going to call it an imperfection, but we’ll call it...a little bit of extra character that’s

unique to her.Yeah, I like that! Like a little extra flavor in the sauce. I was kind of concerned, because he’s so friggin’ nerdy and I don’t think he deserves Rosa, but I thought Charles was maybe going to hook up with you on Thanksgiving?I think that’s going to be...if they ever get together, it’s going to take a lot of personality molding. Those two...if they went on a blind date she’d crush him. The only reason that they’re able to deal with each other is because they have to work together. At the same time, I think there is something very neat about him that Rosa responds to because she doesn’t have a lot of that in her own life. There’s a little something there. I think both of them are going to have to do quite a bit of growing if they are ever going to get together. I would like to keep them platonic if you don’t mind.(laughs) You know what’s fascinating? In real life Joe Lo Truglio is such a fun and very sexy guy. He doesn’t dress anything like Boyle at all. He’ll come in the make-up trailer in the morning and he’s wearing skinny jeans and cute shoes and a cool t-shirt. He’s a cute guy. He’s got this fabulous, gorgeous fiancé and he’s a hip dude. Then he puts on that Boyle outfit and it’s a complete—he’s nerded out. The transformation is incredible. I’ll have to take your word for it. so you actually used to live in brooklyn by a chicken processing plant?I did. I lived in a couple places in Brooklyn. It was not a good scene. I moved in and then I started to smell it. I’ve seen every episode of brooklyn Nine-Nine, but until today I never heard of the movie “short Term 12.” You should see it if they’re showing it in Jersey anywhere. Right now, I know they’re doing a campaign so you can see it in your hometown. It’s a beautiful movie. I have a small part in it, but it’s really worth going to see.


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