The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-22
HOW THIEVES ARE MADE POLICEMEN.
TRIAL OF CAPTAIN BENNETT.
Gross Neglect Of Duty-The President Of
the Board of Aldermen, Police
Justice and an Assembly.
man Mixed Up in
the Case.

The readers OF the HERALD VIII remember that a
few weeks ago patrolman Named Edward Brani-
gan Of Inc Seventh precinct, was tried before the
Police Commissioners on the charge Of perjury and
dismissed the force. The offence consisted In swear
ing his application for appointment that ne had
never been arrested. The evidence showed that he
had been arrested live times, three OF which fol
grand larceny. On that trial II appeared that CAP
tam Bennett OF the Thirteenth precinct, to whom
the papers had been sent to investigate Branigan's
antecedents, reported that he was "a man or good
character and reputation"
Immediately after the trial, which resulted in the
dismissal OF Branigan the Commissioners felt scan
dalzcd, and put Captain Bennett on trial, for the
purpose OF relieving themselves OF the responsibility
OF the appointment. The strangest part OF the case
is that Brangan was one Of Commissioner Henry
Smiths appointees, and that his endorsers were Al
derman Conan, Police Justice Shandley, Deputy Tax
Commissioner Shields and other democrats.
Yesterday the hearing OF evidence In the case Of
Captain bennett , TOOK place De,3re P0hce Commls,
CLERK How!ey gave testimony as to tne records OF
the and the report Of Captain Bennett, when
witnesses for the prosecution were called. Onicer
buchanan, OF the Eighth precinct testified that on
the 18th Of April 1868, he arrested Branlgan In the
act OF stealing cotton; at that time Brangan was
well known to the police, and had bad reputation
for months before arrest; Mr.. Vought late OF TIRE
Seventh precinct stated that he arrested Brani2an
IN tile summer OF 1857, Tor assaulting an officer;
this reputation was bad.
Ex-oIfcer Bapp, late Of the Seventh swore that in
1865 he arrested Branlgan for assault and battery,
but at that time knew nothing Of his previous
reputation.
Unicer ROBBERS Copnor swore that he arrested
Branigan In 1866 for stealing cotton; but he
Identified by the complainant.
Of1cer Druckcn, fwenty-slxth precinct, testified
thai 1855 he arrested Brangan suspicion of lar
ceny This closed the evidence for the prosecution.
Captain Bennett was sworn in his own behalf
testified that on receiving the order to investigate
the character and antecedents oil PraniRan ana two
others he gave the papers relating TO Branigan 10
car detective Johnson VINO reported that the appt-
cant bore an excellent reputation; witness stated
that like other captains he was not in the habit OF
making personal Investigations, Notwithstanding
that his returns represented that he had made the
inquiries.
Detective johnson stated under oath that few
hours after Branigans papers were put IN his hands
ofcer Brady OF his tfhrteenth) precinct asked HIM
II he knew who had Brangan's papers, and on being
informed that witness had them Brady volunteered
the information tnat he had known Branigan for
fifteen years and he was ian excellent young
MANI witness could end nothing against the char
acter Of the applicant; Assemblyman Calvin and
Mr.. Archibald Irwin, OF Gold street, bore testimony
TO Branigans excellent character and both Of them
guaranteed to be responsible for the good standing
OF the alleged thief II he reported favoraDy.
O1lcer Brady was here called and admitted that
he had given Branigan good character; was init.
mately acquainted WITH him Ia 1867 and 1905; never
heard OF his arrest In those years. but had heard OF
his arrest for assautnQ an 0fncer; at the time he
recommended Brauigan to of1cer Johnson he sup
posed Branipan had put his report the fact that
ne had been arrested for assault. The last witness
Will likely be placed on tral for his connection with
the case.
the evidence was referred to full board for its
judgment.