This document will list all observations for Det. Daniel F. Reagan and Det. Maria Baez. This is being done as per Captain David Tilton, chief of IAB. A complaint has been filed regarding the behavior of the above mentioned officers being conduct unbecoming and fraternization. Det. Adele England and Det. Richard Tanis have been charged with documenting observed behavior to determine if further investigation and charges regarding same should be required. Observations will take place over a two week period.
Week 1
Monday 2 August, 2021
0750 Det. Baez enters 54 Precinct and is seated at her desk.
0810 Det. Reagan enters 54 Precinct and is seated at his desk.
For the next 45 minutes the two detectives appear to be completing notes for ongoing cases. Then, they discussed next steps in three of those cases. They each made telephone calls apparently to witnesses and set up appointments for meeting with those contacted.
0915 The two detectives reported to their lieutenant's office. They exited at 0945. Upon exiting the office the two detectives exited the building, entered their assigned vehicle and exited precinct parking. Det. England will follow and update Det. Tanis regarding the locations visited, duration of visit and any observed behavior.
1120 Det. Baez and Reagan returned to the precinct. Det. Reagan requested two warrants from the DA's office. Det. Baez seemed to be conducting research online regarding possible suspects.
1230 Det. Baez prepares to leave the precinct (possible lunch run?) while Det Reagan continues to perform online research.
1240 Det. Baez returns with what appears to be two sandwiches and drinks. They eat at their desks while discussing next steps in the investigations.
1408 Det. Reagan receives a call from what seems to be the DA's office. One warrant is issued and ready for pickup. Both detectives leave the building. Det. Tanis will follow.
1445 The detectives have their warrant and return to the home of suspect Glen Fischer. They enter the building along with officers from 29 precinct and appear to perform a search.
1522 The detectives exit the domicile of the suspect. He is now in cuffs and the officers from the precinct bring out seven boxes of presumed evidence. The detectives appear to be going back to the 5-4 house.
1603 The detectives return to the 5-4, suspect is brought inside and placed in an interrogation room. The boxes collected at the suspect's home are split up between the interrogation room and Crime Scene staff for logging and review.
1956 An assistant district attorney has entered the interrogation room and it appears the suspect is either confessing or making a deal with the attorney. It appears the suspect has not requested legal counsel.
2018 The suspect is remanded to a holding cell pending transportation to Rikers. The district attorney officer has left the building. Det. Baez and Reagan returned to their desks and appear to be updating the documentation for this case.
2104 Det. Baez is leaving the building and will be followed by Det. Tanis.
2130 Det. Baez stopped at a bodega near her home.
2135 Det. Baez exited the bodega and continues in the same direction as her abode
2141 Det. Baez is in her abode.
2230 Since the detective returned home this detective has observed lights being turned on in various places and eventually turned off. At this time all lights appear to be off. This detective will remain on site for the next two hours.
0030 No activities have been observed during the two hours. End of investigation for today
2115 Det. Reagan appears to be leaving the building. He will be followed by Det. England.
2200 Det. Reagan has parked at his home; no stops were made from the time he left the building. Lights appear to be turned on in parts of the home.
2230 All lights remain on.
2330 All lights appear to be extinguished. This detective will remain on site for the next two hours.
0130 No activities have been observed during the two hours. End of investigation for today.
The remaining entries in their journals reflected similar activities for both detectives. While observed, both within the precinct and at crime scenes during the week the behavior of both detectives appeared to be above reproach. But on Friday there were other unusual events.
Friday 6 August, 2021
0758 Det. Baez entered the precinct and sat at her desk.
0812 Det. Baez is called into the lieutenant's office.
0816 Det. Baez exits the office and returns to her desk. She picked up her telephone and requested an unmarked car. Det. Reagan has not yet been observed today. Det. England will follow Det. Baez while will try to ascertain Det. Reagan's location.
0820 Det. Baez is in an unmarked police vehicle. Det England is tailing.
0845 Det. Tanis has driven to Det. Reagan's home but he does not appear to be there; his vehicle is not seen. Det. Tanis will now drive over to Det. Baez home.
0902 Det Reagan's vehicle is not found at the home of Det. Baez. Will return to 54 precinct to see if Det. Reagan has arrived.
0910 Det. Baez has parked the unmarked vehicle in a police space and has entered Grand Central Terminal (GCT). Det. England will park nearby and await her return.
0915 Det. Reagan has exited GCT and has apparently taken the keys to the unmarked from Det. Baez. He is accompanied by a young man at this time. The man is placed in the back seat but is not cuffed so he does not appear to be under arrest at this time. Will contact Det. Tanis.
0917 Entered GCT trying to find Det. Baez. Have given make, model, license plate information to Det. Tanis. Observe Det. Baez using cell phone but unable to approach.
0920 Det. Baez exits GCT and heads for the taxi line. Will return to vehicle and attempt to follow
0923 Det. Baez has entered a cab and appears to be heading downtown. They seem to be heading for the FDR.
0933 The taxi has exited FDR, heading for Avenue of the Finest - is she heading for 1PP?
0935 Observed Det. Baez exit the taxi and enter the building.
0927 Det. Tanis has found the unmarked car parked near 1PP. Will rendezvous with Det. England.
0935 Det. Baez is met in the lobby by Det. Baker, a member of the Police Commisioner's staff. Will contact Captain Tilton for further instructions
Police Commissioner's Office
Present are Det. Reagan, Baez, Baker, Lieutenant Gormley, DCPI Garrett and Jack Reagan.
"Okay, Danny, what is going on? And while I'm happy to see Jack, is something up?" asked the PC.
"Jack had called me because he wanted to come home for the weekend. But, Baez and I noticed that we were being followed everywhere we went all week. Same two faces, a woman and a man. They were in our house, the 5-4, pretending to be working. We were followed on a warrant request, to a crime scene, to a suspects' home. Both of us were followed to our homes and even when Maria drove an unmarked down to Grand Central Station. Then, someone tailed her in a cab to get up here. I didn't think they would have the balls to follow us up here but Det. Baker saw them and she says they're IAB."
"Detective Baez, do you concur with what Danny has said?"
"Yes, sir. I walked to a bodega one night to get my dinner and one of them followed me inside. I made my purchase and when I exited a car followed me to my home. The car was parked outside for more than two hours."
"Okay. How about we sit over in the comfortable seats and Baker, you get Captain Tilton up here forthwith. And tell him to bring the two detectives with him. Do you know their names?"
"Yes, sir. England and Tanis."
"I'm going to visit with my grandson while we wait for him to arrive. The two G's can leave but I want them back when Tilton gets here. Put them in the briefing room when they arrive."
"Yes, sir," responded the team. All three walked out together and Frank was able to spend time with his family.
"So, how was the train ride?" asked Frank.
"Pretty cool, and no traffic," said Jack.
"Dad says you've decided on your next step in life now that you're almost finished at college. I'm dying to know what you're thinking about doing. Can you tell us anything?'
"Dad and I have talked about it and I've found that I really enjoy working in the labs where they do research. You know, new medicines, investigating diseases, and I've met someone who also likes that kind of work. I've been able to work for 2 different places and made pretty good pay. Helps keep expenses down."
"Sounds good, and I want to know more but right now I need to talk to your dad and Detective Baez. Would you mind waiting outside?"
""Course not, I can catch up on my text messages." Jack stood up and walked over to the door just as Abigail Baker was coming in.
"Sir, oh excuse me Jack. Captain Tilton is 15 minutes out. The two detectives are here and I put them in the briefing room."
"Okay, have Jim sit in there with them until the captain gets here. Will you show Jack to Jim's desk, he'll be waiting there for us."
"Yes, sir. Jack, follow me." The pair left Frank's office.
"Okay, do either of you have any idea why this whole mess got started? Why are they after both of you? Him," he pointed to Danny, "I can understand, but you Maria? The only time your name has crossed my desk is because of the great work you do. Of course, you do have to keep him in line, don't you," Frank said with a smile. Danny just laughed.
"Sir, Danny isn't so bad. He doesn't let me drive often but his complaints are way down. And, he's getting better at paperwork, too. I have no idea why IAB would come after both of us."
Frank smiled, knowing his son and how he would often stand on the line but didn't cross over when it came to handling suspects and solving his cases. "Glad to hear that, thank you. I would ask that you two stay here when Captain Tilton gets here."
Just then Abigail came to the door. "Sir, Captain Tilton is here, ahead of his estimate. He's in the briefing room with his two detectives and Jim. I have also requested Sid and Garrett to meet us in the briefing room."
"Thank you, Baker. I may need your assistance in there so please stay in the room." Frank walked over to his door that led to the Briefing Room followed by Detective Baker.
Seeing the commissioner enter the room everyone began to rise. "Captain, Detectives, please be seated. I have a few questions for the captain. Why are you tailing my son and his partner?" asked Frank.
"Sir, I received an incident report stating that your son and his partner have been, to put this delicately, sleeping together while on the job. This report came from a citizen some time ago but just crossed my desk last week."
"Did you bring the report with you?"
"Here it is, sir." He handed Frank a folder. He opened the folder and quickly scanned the document. "Baker, get the file on the incident related to my son and his partner."
"Yes, sir," she responded and left the room. Frank just sat in his chair but didn't have long to wait. Det. Baker said, "Sir, I believe this is the incident in question. I also have the follow up incident out in Graves' End and some other information that may also shed light on this incident." She handed him two folders. Frank opened the thicker folder and glanced at the top document.
"Yes, exactly what I need, thank you. Now, Jim, you can go back to your desk. Abigail, ask my grandson to go back into my office and wait with his father."
He waited for them to leave. "Captain, how much research did you do prior to assigning a team to shadow my son and his partner?"
"I reviewed the information in the complaint. As you can see there's not a lot of information, just the date and location. The site comes back to a house. It seemed reasonable so I assigned these two to tail them and try and catch them in the act, so to speak."
"Is this information correct, Captain?" Frank handed him a single sheet of paper.
The captain reviewed the information on the page. "Yes, sir, this is correct. I had knee surgery, torn cartilage and damaged tendon. I was out for three months doing rehab."
"So, you probably missed this," Frank handed him the thicker folder containing all the documentation regarding the imprisonment of Detectives Reagan and Baez as well as the injuries to Baez and the subsequent capture of the man responsible for holding the two police officers.
Captain Tilton began reviewing the information. He began to mutter under his breath, "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" He kept turning the pages, shaking his head. He stood up, reached for his badge and his gun and handed them to the commissioner. "Sir, you'll have my resignation within the hour. And, I'd like to apologize to both of them ASAP. There is no excuse for my lack of attention to the details presented here. But, my detectives had no idea, they had minimal information and I would request that they not be punished for my lack of…"
"I don't think you can be held responsible for something that happened when you were out on leave. But, right now I would hope that you would have learned something here. Before going after our own, you need to be sure that the complaint has merit. Do some investigating before you assign someone. However, in this case - I can understand why you might have missed this. The perp was still on the streets at the time of report. And, let's work together to see that this never happens again." Frank handed the badge and gun back to the captain.
"Yes, sir, that will be my first priority. Now, are the two detectives here?"
"Yes, they're in my office. They did tell me they spotted their tails right away so you might want to see about some additional training for them. And I know who can do that… If you will all follow me, please?" Frank stood and led the way to his office while Abigail picked up all the folders. As the group entered the office Danny and Maria stood up. Frank brought the group over to the sofa and made the introductions. "Jack, sorry but this time would you mind waiting in the briefing room, this should be pretty quick." After he left, Frank turned to the group. He pointed to Danny, this is his my son, Danny, sometimes known as a hothead and his partner, Maria Baez. Danny, Maria, this is Captain Tilton and Detective England and Detective Tanis. So, if everyone would take a seat, Maria, you sit on Danny's left and I'll restrain him from the right.
"The quick answer is your perp, Harold Roberts, reported you two for spending the night together when he had you trapped in his basement. The captain has been catching up after being on leave for three months so the location and dates meant nothing to him. This was an unfortunate error on his part but, because you two are excellent detectives, you noticed right away that you were being tailed. So, Captain, I believe you had something you wanted to say to them. Please, go ahead."
Captain Tilton stood and faced the detectives. "I apologize for not doing a better job of having the complaint researched before assigning detectives to the case to tail you and hopefully either prove the allegation or exonerate you. I know words sound nice but don't remove the sting from what has happened. Please be sure this complaint will be filed with the rest of the unsubstantiated complaints we receive. I tried to resign but our commissioner may see something I don't and while I'm grateful I know that I must do a better job going forward. And I think he has some thoughts on how this might be accomplished. Sir, I would appreciate your thoughts about getting my staff more skilled at doing their jobs." He sat down. Danny and Maria looked at each other, then Danny whispered in Maria's ear.
"No, Danny, that wouldn't be fair. But, if we can help them learn to be better at their jobs we might all benefit. So, behave and listen." She looked at Frank. "Sir, I believe we're both ready to hear what you suggest." Danny started to snicker and Maria smacked him. "Knock it off. We have stacks of files to finish and I don't want to spend my weekend off finishing the documentation. I've got appointments at the spa all day tomorrow."
This time it was Frank's turn to snicker. "Captain, I don't know if you have kids but I sure hope they behave better than my son. Spent most of my life trying to get him to behave; you can see this is one project I have not completed successfully." This provided some much needed relief of tension in the room. Together the group began discussing ideas how to avoid the current situation from happening again. It was decided that a refresher class might be developed so that all detectives in the department enhance their skills. Detective Baker was assigned to review the current curriculum for detectives and then, in concert with Detectives Reagan, Baez, England and Tanis suggest other classes that could be developed into initial instructions as well as refresher classes to be given at the academy. Detective Baker was assigned to work with Lieutenant Gormley to refine the information and develop a curriculum. "I know all five of the detectives in this room are willing to assist when asked, correct?" Frank waited for an answer then asked his question again. This time, they gave the required response, "Sir, Yes, Sir!"
"Thank you captain and your staff. This has been most productive and I know when we get everything in place we won't see any more incidents like this. Thank you for your time, Detective Baker will show you out. Sid, Garret, do either of you have any questions?" They both shook their heads 'No'. "Okay, that should be all for today. Dismissed you two. I've got a few words for these two, best done without witnesses. See you on Monday."
Finally, Frank was alone with his son and his partner, Maria. "Now, so I can be sure, you two aren't doing anything unbecoming, are you?" Danny and Maria looked at each other.
"Well, Dad, if you have to know, we have shared a few meals especially when the boys are home. She cooks way better than I can manage so the boys get good meals and I get great leftovers and don't burn any more pots. We've kind of talked about things and I gotta ask, if I decide to take her out for dinner do you really want to know? Isn't that kind of an invasion of my privacy?" Maria smacked him again. Danny turned and looked at her and said, "Do you tell your mother every time you enjoy a meal with someone who isn't a blood relative?"
"Danny, I don't talk to my mother very often and things like that she doesn't want to know. But you should respect your father. He's only looking out for your career. But, sir, didn't we hear that the rule book doesn't say anything about married couples working together in the same precinct, the same shift? Isn't that how Jamie and Edie worked together until he was promoted? And yes, he does tell me things like that. Right now, we're friends and very good friends but not friends with benefits. That may happen and again, it may not. Especially if I don't get my spa day tomorrow."
Frank asked, "Friends with benefits? What's that all about?"
"You don't want to know, Dad. But, if we do decide we want to be together outside the confines of the 5-4 precinct house you can bet that we won't be doing it anywhere that anyone else can witness, if you catch my drift. So, can we go now? I've got to get Jack home and then finish all those files waiting on my desk. And then someone can get her spa day because if she doesn't I'll never hear the end of it."
"Ah, I think I understand, now. Yes, please keep that out of your house or one of you will be transferred forthwith. So, Maria, will we see you on Sunday? That dessert you made last week was excellent. I'm hoping one day you and Danny can do Sunday dinner and we'll all get to enjoy your cooking like he does."
"I'd love to come, thank you. How about Danny and I cook the meal next Sunday? I can do the prep before Mass and just have to do the actual cooking at your home which will take about an hour. Will that work for you?"
"I think that sounds great. We'll add you to the rotation, if that works for you. As far as I know, we have no food allergies. And, I think it will be good for us to try new things. Thank you. And will you be assisting?" he asked Danny.
"My job is usually cleaning up and chopping vegetables." He leaned over to Maria and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I have enjoyed everything she's cooked at my house so I'm sure you'll like it as well. I've had to increase my exercise routine to keep my figure but it's worth it." Maria kissed Danny's cheek, thanking him for the praise. "Now, is it okay if I take my son and my partner home, Commissioner?"
"Of course. We're still having dinner at your place tomorrow?"
"Yes, we're going to meet Jack's friend. And, thanks for today, Dad." Danny and Maria gathered Jack on their way out of 1PP. The family car had been parked there earlier. They followed their plan to bring Jack back to the house and then continue to their precinct to complete case documentation.
Saturday morning
"Jack, get a move on, train is due in 35 minutes," yelled Danny. He pulled out his phone and dialed his partner. Getting voice mail, he left a message. "Hey, we're about to leave to get the girlfriend. Hope your spa day is everything you imagined. Call me when you get back so we can talk about dinner." He hung up the phone and finished his coffee just as his son came down the stairs. They headed out to meet Jack's girlfriend.
Maria had enjoyed her Spa day so far. She and Danny had planned a meal that was easy to cook but still looked elegant. She spent the evening on Friday prepping vegetables and making the brine that would be used on the pork tenderloin. She chopped up fresh rosemary, tarragon and thyme and added the mixture to the bag that would hold the meat while it was brining. The meat would be grilled, allowed to rest and then sliced for serving. The meal would also include roasted broccoli, cauliflower and carrots along with a crisp, green salad.
Danny spent the morning and some of the afternoon driving Jack and his friend Patty around the city seeing some of the highlights. They saw the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and St. Patrick's Cathedral. After lunch at a pizza joint they took a ride on a boat that circled Manhattan. Finally, they headed home and arrived just as Maria returned from her spa day. Together, Danny and Maria finished the food preparation and set the table for dinner.
The family arrived on time. Frank had brought the wine with him and was pouring for those who wanted wine. Patty and Jack had been assigned to ice and water duty and Jamie watched Danny carve the meat. Eddie filled bowls with the roasted vegetables and salad while Erin filled another bowl with freshly baked rolls. Henry monitored their progress eagerly waiting for the meal that smelled so good. At last, everyone gathered around the table. Jack had explained their family routine so Patty was prepared. Jack led the family saying grace and food began to be passed around the table. Everyone agreed they had never tasted tenderloin like this. Reversing the traditional roles the men cleared the table, put away the leftovers and loaded up the dishwasher. Coffee was prepared and dessert brought to the table. Conversation continued to flow until everything had been consumed. The hour was late and those not staying at Danny's home departed. Maria was the last to leave and Danny walked her out to her car.
"I think you did a fabulous job with this meal, said Danny. "There wasn't much left over. We'll have to prepare meat that way again. I never knew about brining but it really made a big difference. Thank you for making this a success. I think Jack was really happy, especially since everyone behaved."
"You know I would do anything for your family," said Maria. "I'm happy that everyone seemed to enjoy what we cooked. And, now you know how easy preparing tasty and healthy meals can be. I'll just have to make sure you eat healthy food; I'd like you to be around for a long time." She stepped a bit closer. Now she could reach out and hold his hands. "You know," she said as she took another step toward Danny, there's something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I hope you don't mind?" She took another step closer.
"What did you have in mind, Maria? Will it hurt?" asked Danny.
"Only if I do it wrong but it's been quite a while so I might need some practice." She had moved even closer and leaned in toward her partner. She placed a soft kiss very gently on Danny's left cheek. "That one seems to be okay. Now let me try the other side." She kissed him on the right cheek. Danny was absolutely motionless, deciding to let Maria do whatever she wanted. "I think I need to try one more time." She was only a few millimeters away from Danny's face. "Please tell me if I do this right." She leaned in and gently touched Danny's lips with her own. The kiss deepened as Maria moved her hands to caress Danny's face. Danny reached out and pulled her so close their bodies were touching. The kiss seemed to have a life of its own and continued until they both ran out of air.
"Well, that wasn't bad but I think we need to practice some more. What are you doing tomorrow after Family Dinner?" asked Danny. He kissed Maria again.
She held onto the kiss as long as she could. "Don't we have to take Jack and Patty back to catch the train back to school?"
"Dinner will be more like lunch time, right after church and then we could go to your place or mine, if you like." He kissed her again.
"I wonder if Jack and Patty are watching us or taking advantage of you being out here with me." And she kissed him again. She decided that this could become addictive and she wanted more!
"If he's like his old man, he's not watching." He kissed her again. "But, I should get back in there. And I really don't want to, it's much more fun out here." He kissed her one last time. Then, they started walking to her car. After she unlocked the door, he opened it for her and she sat in the driver's seat. "Call me when you get home, okay? I'll sleep better when I know you're safe." He leaned over and kissed her again. "Drive safe, and by the way, I love you." He stood up and closed the door. Maria started the car and lowered the window. "I love you, too, Danny. Talk to you soon."
As requested, Maria called Danny's cell as soon as she was safe in her home behind locked doors. Danny outlined the events for tomorrow; he would pick Maria up and take the four of them to church. Afterward, they would all gather at the family home and enjoy another wonderful meal before taking Jack and Patty to catch their train ride back to school. From that time, they were free. By mutual agreement they decided to have a substantive conversation regarding what they each wanted and what the future could be for them. They had time - lots of it - to explore their lives together.