PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION
FOR DETECTIVES
_A Complete
Course in Secret Service Study_
BY
EMMERSON W. MANNING
Manning National Detective Institute
CHICAGO
FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO.
PUBLISHERS
Copyright 1921
FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO.
Copyright 1916
By
EMMERSON W. MANNING
Printed in the United States of America
PREFACE
Having been connected for many years with two of the largest and
most successful private detective agencies in this country, both as
an operator and as an official, and having been requested to outline
briefly and concisely the most modern and up-to-date methods employed
by leading detectives and private detective agencies of today, I
shall confine myself in these pages to facts and a few personal
experiences. I will endeavor to show that any person possessed of
average intelligence, and who will use good common sense, can become a
successful detective, regardless of his present or previous occupation.
This country today stands in need of more and better detectives than
ever before in its history, and if one be inclined to doubt this
statement he need only pick up the morning newspaper of any city of
any size and be convinced that this is true. Hundreds of crimes of
all descriptions are committed daily and statistics show that more
than fifty per cent of persons committing crimes go unmolested and
unpunished. Besides, there are the thousands of employees on our
various transportation systems, in banks, stores, and in mercantile
establishments, who are daily committing thefts of various kinds from
their employers and whose nefarious operations are rarely uncovered,
when one considers the actual number of thefts committed.
One may wonder why such conditions exist, or why so many criminals can
operate without detection. It is because of the lack of sufficient
trained detectives to hunt down the criminals and to ferret out the
crimes.
It has been said that every criminal, no matter how careful he may be
in his operations and regardless of the nature of his crime, will leave
some trail or clue by which he may be detected. All good detectives
will vouch for the truth of this statement. For the real detective no
case is too complicated nor too difficult. More trained detectives
are needed, and until we have them, undetected crimes and unpunished
criminals will continue on the increase.
Every large city, every corporation, transportation company, mercantile
establishment and manufacturing concern is constantly in need of
detective service. There are thousands of concerns, also individuals,
who are ever on the alert for the opportunity to employ good
detectives. To the young man who may wish to connect himself with some
reliable detective agency it will be well to keep in mind the following:
That when making application for such position he very likely will
encounter such inquiries as: "What can you do?" or "What do you know
about detective work?" In order to secure a position in any line it
is essential that one have not only a talking knowledge, but also a
working knowledge of the line. Careful study of what I shall set forth
should enable any ambitious young man not only to secure a position as
a private detective, but to "make good" as well; and if he so desires,
to start and successfully conduct a private detective agency of his
own.
DETECTIVE AGENCIES
With regard to starting a private detective agency, laws pertaining
to the granting of licenses to individuals and companies to engage in
such business vary in almost all of our states. In order to engage
in the business, in some states it is necessary to secure and pay a
business license, the rate per year being approximately the same as is
paid by any other business concern. In some states licenses to engage
in private detective work and to conduct private detective agencies
are granted only by the courts of the county in which it is proposed
to establish the main office or headquarters of the agency. Ability
and fitness to hold such licenses must be established before the court
granting them. This usually is accomplished by the applicant having
several persons of responsibility vouch for his good character, fitness
and ability. In some states bond must also be furnished to the state as
a guaranty against misuse of the privilege that such license affords.
Where such licenses must be secured I would advise that a reliable
attorney be consulted.
It must not be construed that every private detective must have a
license issued in his name or secured by him in order to operate in
the state wherein licenses are required. In such states an agency must
necessarily have a license, but as a rule agencies employ as many
operators as they may require. Operators work under the licenses of the
agencies that employ them. In starting a detective agency it is by no
means necessary to engage a suite of elaborate offices. I have known
many successful agencies to have been conducted from one or two modest
office rooms, for which only nominal rentals were paid.
When starting an agency one of the first things to be done is to
announce to business concerns, private persons, and the public in
general the fact that the agency is open for business, at the same
time advising of its location and how it may be communicated with by
telephone and telegraph. Letters of announcement should be mailed
direct to prospective clients whom it may be desired to reach.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I SHADOWING 13
II BURGLARIES 24
III IDENTIFICATION OF CRIMINALS 38
IV FORGERIES 41
V CONFESSIONS 53
VI MURDER CASES 55
VII GRAFTERS 57
VIII DETECTIVE WORK IN DEPARTMENT STORES 66
IX RAILROAD DETECTIVE WORK 72
X DETECTIVE WORK FOR STREET RAILWAYS 76
XI OTHER KINDS OF DETECTIVE WORK 80
Illegal Liquor selling--Anonymous
Letters--"Roping"--Detective
Work in Warehouses--Express
Companies--Conspiracies--Testing
Retail Business Establishments--Divorce
Cases--Arson 80-94
Practical Instruction for Detectives
CHAPTER I
SHADOWING
Shadowing, or more correctly speaking, keeping under surveillance some
person, building or premises, is one of the most important branches
of detective work. I know of many private and other cases wherein
shadow work proved to be the only means of securing results. In my
experience in handling and placing shadows, and in directing cases
which necessitated shadow work, I have found that if one is to have
any degree of success at shadowing, he should in the first place be a
person not above medium height, of medium build, and preferably smooth
shaven.
While at work the shadow should give out no intimation of being
interested in what may be going on around him, although he should be
at the same time alert and watchful and alive to everything that may
transpire near him. The shadow should wear no conspicuous clothing,
shoes or jewelry. Patience is the most important requisite to insure
success in this branch of the work. While at work the shadow must never
for an instant allow his attention to be detracted from the person or
place he may be watching.
To my own discredit, I will relate how I once shadowed a woman for five
weeks, hoping to be on hand when she would meet a certain person.
I was purposely occupying at the time a room in a house across the
street from where the woman lived, and from which point of vantage I
was enabled to observe, unknown to her, when she left or entered the
house. On the opportune night, when I should have been watchful and
wide awake, I found, no doubt because of my long vigilance, that I had
slept for ten or twelve minutes. Later I learned that the woman left
her apartments during the few minutes that I had slept, and, with no
intention on her part, gave me the slip.
In these days of fast trains, street cars, high powered automobiles
and taxicabs, which offer swift means of travel, the detective when
shadowing should be prepared at all times to cope with such conditions.
He should ever keep in mind the fact that his subject, whether he or
she be a criminal or not, is liable to travel in accordance with what
his or her means will permit. On another page I will take up the matter
of shadowing criminals, but will state here that the detective, unless
he has had experience, should not undertake to shadow a person who may
have reason to suspect being shadowed. It has been my experience that
boys can accomplish the most when such persons are to be shadowed.
I have in mind a case where it was desired to have shadowed on a
certain day, a woman who lived in an exclusive residential section
of a large city. No man could have remained in the neighborhood in
view of this woman's home longer than half an hour until he would
have attracted the attention of every person in the block. For this
particular case two young boys were selected to do the shadowing. They
proceeded to a point near the woman's home, and apparently paying no
attention to anyone, engaged in a game of marbles. When leaving her
home the woman passed within a few feet of the boys and of course did
not suspect their purpose. Three blocks distant the boys boarded the
same car with her, and were thus enabled throughout the day to observe
the woman's every movement, and without having attracted her attention
at any time.
We will suppose that it is desired to keep under surveillance an
employee of a bank, office or store. It is advisable in such cases
that the person to be shadowed shall at no time see the detective
if it can be so arranged. In my experience I have found that under
most conditions the following plan will be most feasible for taking
up surveillance of such persons. The plan applies also to any other
occupants of such places. A detective other than the one who is to do
the shadowing should visit the place where the person to be shadowed
is located. When making such a call the detective may use the pretext
of having called to solicit insurance, or he may use any other pretext
that will be suitable and which will not arouse suspicion.
While making such a call the detective must make the best of his
opportunity to scrutinize the subject closely, and should make mental
note of any peculiarities of the subject. The color of the subject's
hair should be noted; the shape of his ears, nose, etc. The detective
should look for the hat rack, and according to the season of the year
should endeavor to note the kind of hat, overcoat or coat the subject
will wear when he or she leaves the building. Immediately after coming
away from making his call upon the subject, the detective should
convey to the one who will do the shadowing, a complete detailed
description of the subject. Detectives should immediately write down
such descriptions and should never trust them to memory. The reason
for this will become apparent when the detective undertakes to pick out
of five or six hundred, or possibly a thousand employees, some certain
employee when he or she leaves a large factory or office building.
The detective who has seen and talked to the subject should remain
near the logical exit from the building and when the subject comes
out should designate him or her to the detective who will do the
shadowing. Subject will then be shadowed by a person whom he or she
has never seen, and whose purpose will probably not be suspected if
noticed. Should the streets be crowded, the shadow, under ordinary
circumstances, may keep quite close to the subject, but must at all
times be governed by the number of pedestrians on the streets at the
time as to how close to remain to the subject. The subject must not be
lost sight of for an instant, as invariably, in private cases, clients
expect to be advised of every movement of the person being shadowed.
Therefore, should the subject stop in the street to talk to anyone,
careful note should be made by the detective of such persons, so as to
be able, at the end of the day's work, to render a detailed description
of every person with whom the subject may have talked or associated.
Care must be exercised by the detective when subjects board street
cars. The detective should always endeavor to secure a seat in back
of, and on the same side of the car that the subject sits. For the
detective to sit anywhere in front of, or opposite the subject in a
street car or railway coach would give the subject an opportunity to
study his face and features, and which must be avoided. I know of a
great many cases, however, when detectives boldly sat beside their
subjects in street cars and by so doing were enabled to read letters
and papers in the hands of the subjects, and even to engage them in
conversation.
When shadowing is being done in large cities, detectives must pay
close attention and use the best judgment when subjects enter large
office buildings or department stores. As to office buildings it is
usually desired to know at what office a subject may call, and in order
to ascertain this to a certainty it is necessary that the detective
enter the same elevator with subject and leave it at the same floor
that subject does. While the subject proceeds to the office he or she
intends to visit, the detective may pretend to have gotten off at the
wrong floor, or may busy himself scanning the names on the various
office doors. In cases of emergency it may become necessary to make a
"fake" call at some office in order not to attract the attention of the
subject.
After having made note of the office that the subject has entered, the
detective may take up a position on the street or the main floor of
the building and await the reappearance of the subject. Should there
be more exits from the building than the detective can properly cover
he should endeavor to obtain assistance. When subjects enter large
department stores, which may have from one to four entrances, it is
of course essential that the detective keep in close proximity to the
subject at all times, whether a man or a woman. If the subject stops
to make a purchase, or to make inquiry at some counter, the detective
should do likewise at some nearby counter so as not to attract the
attention of floor walkers or sales clerks. Often it becomes necessary
for the detective to make purchases, but it is better to do this than
risk losing the subject.
I know of countless cases wherein it was desired to have women shadowed
in order to learn of their actions during an evening, but because of
their having visited department stores in the afternoon detectives lost
them and were not on hand to observe their movements in the evening.
Occasions often arise when subjects visit theaters while under
surveillance. Very often it is desired to know with whom subjects visit
such places. When a subject purchases his or her ticket the detective
should make it a point to be next in line at the box office so as to
see or overhear the kind of ticket bought. If successful in learning
this, the detective can ask for a ticket in the same section, but one
or two rows behind the subject, or in any other location that will
serve his purpose.
Should the subject have previously secured his or her ticket and if it
is necessary for the detective to ascertain if the subject is alone
while in the theater, he may have to purchase several tickets until
he locates the seat occupied by the subject. If a man or woman enters
a theater alone, it must not be taken for granted that he or she is
enjoying the performance alone. I have known many prominent men and
women to meet clandestinely in theaters, although they did not enter or
leave the theaters together. This is usually brought about by the man
purchasing two tickets one or two days ahead and sending one by mail or
otherwise to the woman; then, on the appointed night, they can occupy
adjoining seats without entering or leaving the theater together.
When subjects visit railway ticket offices the detective can easily
arrange to be near enough to overhear the point of destination, and
then if desired can purchase transportation to the same point. In cases
where subjects board trains without stopping to purchase tickets, the
detective, if he cannot learn the subject's point of destination from
the gate man or through any other source, should be governed by the
kind of train the subject boards. If the train be a local one it would
be advisable to purchase a ticket to the end of the run and leave it at
the station where the subject leaves it. If it be a through train and
the destination of the subject is unknown, a ticket should be purchased
or fare paid to the end of the first division; then, if necessary, to
the end of the next division, and so on.
If it be desired to have a person kept under surveillance for any
length of time, it is advisable that the detective secure lodging near
the home of the subject. From there it will be possible to observe the
subject going to and leaving his or her home. If practicable it is
always best for the detective to remain off the streets and away from
public view.
In the apprehension of criminals of all classes, records of private
detective agencies and police departments in this and other countries
show that in most cases more or less shadowing was resorted to in
order to effect the arrest of the criminals, and also to establish
their guilt. I know of a good many cases wherein careful and diligent
shadowing was the only means by which "yeggs," "hold-up" men,
pickpockets, store thieves and others were "caught in the act" or
"caught with the goods on them," which in most cases is essential in
order to insure convictions.
Some of the leading private detective agencies and most police
departments in cities of any size, maintain and keep up, to a wonderful
degree of perfection, photograph galleries which are commonly known
as "rogues galleries," and in which are kept photographs of all
known criminals, provided an opportunity has been had to photograph
them or to secure pictures of them. Along with these photographs
detailed descriptions of the criminals are kept, also what are known
as criminal histories which show the date and place of any previous
arrest, the nature of crime committed, method of operating, term of
sentence, etc. After a criminal has once been photographed his picture
usually is well circulated and retained indefinitely, regardless of
whether he remains in or out of prison.
We will take for instance a pickpocket, who in detective vernacular is
known as a "dip"; or a safe blower, who in the same vernacular is known
as a "yegg." If he has been arrested or convicted at any time for one
of these crimes his photograph very likely appears shortly afterwards
in the rogues galleries throughout the country, it is reproduced on
reward circulars and mailed broadcast over the country, or is shown in
police and detective magazines published for the purpose. If, after
serving a prison term, the criminal ventures to some large city, the
chances are that he will not be there many days until he is "spotted"
by some city or private detective, unless he is cautious and keeps
under cover.
As a rule, when detectives see and recognize him, yet know of no crime
that he may have recently committed, or of no charge that can be
brought against him, they shadow him to ascertain where he "hangs out";
then endeavor to have him kept under constant surveillance. I might
state here that in my opinion there are very few detectives or police
chiefs used to dealing with criminals, who believe a criminal can or
will reform. But regardless of this, it has been found by detectives
long ago to be a good plan to keep track of the time of release of
criminals from prison, and then to watch them closely until they may
commit another crime.
I know of a good many cases where by this method detectives were
enabled to catch their men in the act of committing a crime, or if they
were not on hand or nearby when the crime was committed, as a result of
their shadowing they knew just about where the criminal was at a given
time and who would have been likely to commit such a crime; therefore
they knew whom to look for. A good detective will make a study of the
records of criminals and their methods of operating. It is a well known
fact that every criminal has a distinctive manner of operating, and
these distinctive features should be studied by detectives. Detectives
should also make it a point to know, as far as possible, what known
criminals are in their city at any time. Then if a store, warehouse, or
residence is burglarized, if the picking of pockets becomes prevalent,
or if a safe in a bank or office is blown, the wide awake detective can
know from the nature of the crime, and the method employed, whom to
confine his attentions to.
If for instance a safe has been dynamited, if feasible, arrangements
should immediately be made to have all known safe blowers in the city
shadowed. In this way criminals have often been caught in the act
of either dividing their loot, or in disposing of it. Careful and
systematic shadowing has also been the means of bringing to light the
identity of many a thief who, until found out, enjoyed the utmost
confidence of his employers.
I recall the case of a young man of good family who was a trusted
employee of a certain large business concern. Sums of money ranging
from ten to fifty dollars disappeared weekly from the firm's cash,
the thefts having covered a period of about three months before the
identity of the thief was established. Four persons had access to the
firm's cash, and all were in turn shadowed from the time they left
their respective homes in the morning until they retired at night. This
plan of systematic shadowing developed the fact that the young man in
question was the only one of the four possible guilty ones who was not
leading an exemplary life, and in addition it was found that once a
week he visited and made deposits at a certain bank while away from
the office during the noon hour. Investigation at the bank developed
that the young man was depositing each week more than the amount of his
weekly salary.
Upon being shown detailed reports of his every movement for a period
covering four weeks, and upon being questioned regarding his deposits
at the bank, needless to say there was no difficulty in obtaining a
confession from this young man.
I was once called upon to place under surveillance for two weeks a
young man who lived in an exclusive residential section of a large
city. It was not feasible to have the detective obtain a room in the
neighborhood or "cover" of any kind, and to have had the detective
stand on the street in this particular neighborhood would no doubt
have exposed his purpose in a few hours. I made arrangements for the
services of a uniformed messenger boy, provided him with a few novels
to read, then had him sit under a tree on a lawn not far from the
subject's home. In this way when the subject would leave his home to go
into the city, the messenger boy would signal to the detective who was
stationed some three blocks distant at a logical car station, and where
the detective's presence did not attract attention. The messenger boy's
real purpose was not suspected, and this surveillance was continued
successfully for a period of two weeks.
When conditions are similar to those in the case just mentioned I
frequently have provided the detective with a pair of field glasses
which would be used from a room that the detective would rent.
I have handled many cases wherein it was desired to keep under
surveillance persons who visited the city each day, but who lived in
the suburbs, or in thinly settled outlying sections of the city. In
such cases two detectives were used, one to remain out in the suburbs
to observe the car or train that the subject would board, after which
this detective would telephone to the other one, stationed in the city,
the number of the car or train upon which the subject would arrive
in the city. In this way the subject can easily be picked up and his
movements covered during the day. Shadow work properly directed and
properly executed never fails to bring good results.