Knapp Commission Hearings, Tape 11: 10/28/71 'Thursday and Friday 2nd Week'

Knapp Commission Hearings, Tape 12: 10/28/71 'Friday 2nd Week'.

Berkert testimony 10-28-1971

00:00 - 50:13 Opens with witness testimony of George C. Berkert a 23-year-old tow-truck driver. He is questioned by Chief Counsel to the Commission Michael F. Armstrong.

17:50 Attorney Armstrong describes the commission's use of the WNEW-TV panel film truck and the playing of the film segment with Burkert's tow-truck. (Film audio is unintelligible).This is followed by renewed questioning of Burkert by Armstrong until 50:13.

50:41 Attorney Armstrong describes police officer just implicated by Burkert being approached and agreeing to cooperate with the Commission.

(Excerpts from the New York Times of October 29, 1971)

53:00--1:22:30 Col. Mark K. Hanson, a retired army officer with 23 years' experience in counter intelligence who directed the Knapp Commission investigation of hotel favors, testified yesterday that higher‐ranking police officers often had "rather elaborate" meals featuring "an expensive steak" in the better hotels, while patrolmen generally stuck to "modest" dinners in the coffee shops and dining rooms of less expensive hotels.

Colonel Hanson, who said the hotels kept "distinct" their records of free room and board for policemen, was asked to explain how two detectives had managed to spend 27 nights in Loew's Midtown Motor Inn in the first six months of this year.

It was Colonel Hanson's in investigation that turned up the information that Chief of Detectives Albert A. Seedman, his wife and two unidentified guests had accepted an $83 free meal last March at the New York Hilton, which also fed 4 police inspectors, 6 captains, 14 lieutenants, 8 sergeants, 32 detectives and 16 patrolmen free of charge between January and May, according to names on its subpoenaed records.

(The New York Times reporting suggests the actual date/labeling of this tape should be October 28 and 29, 1971)

1:23:40 Judge Knapp announces that the hearings are concluded for now. A second phase of hearings will continue TBD with invitations to Sgt. David Durk, and detective Frank Serpico and others as may seem appropriate.

Testimony from October 29, 1971

1:25:41 Attorney Armstrong announces the first witness as Alphonse W. Salomone, Managing Director New York Hilton who is sworn-in and testifies.He says free meals to police have stopped.

1:45:30 Arthur D. Dooley is sworn-in. Dooley is the Vice President and Managing Director of the Plaza Hotel. He is asked about free meals provided to police officers.

WNYC archives id: 85267