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Frank Scafidi: A Life of Devotion to Justice


Full Name and Common Aliases


Frank Scafidi was born as Francesco Scarfidi on October 22, 1903, in New York City. His family later adopted the Americanized spelling "Scafidi" and it became his official surname.

Birth and Death Dates


October 22, 1903 – July 20, 1986

Nationality and Profession(s)


American; Detective, Police Officer, Law Enforcement Official

As a dedicated law enforcement professional, Frank Scafidi spent most of his life serving the public. He worked tirelessly as a detective in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for over three decades.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a large Italian-American family in Manhattan's Little Italy, young Francesco was surrounded by strong community ties and values that would later shape his career. His early life was marked by a deep sense of justice, which he fostered through his involvement with the neighborhood's youth organizations. Scafidi's passion for law enforcement grew from observing the daily activities of local police officers in his childhood neighborhood.

Major Accomplishments


During his tenure as an NYPD detective, Frank Scafidi made significant contributions to the department and the city at large:

He played a crucial role in several high-profile cases, including homicide investigations.
Scafidi was known for his exceptional interviewing skills, which helped elicit critical information from witnesses and suspects alike.
As an instructor, he trained numerous detectives on advanced interrogation techniques.

Notable Works or Actions


Frank Scafidi's work extended beyond law enforcement. He:

Authored several books on criminology, including "Criminal Investigation: A Practical Approach" (1948), which became a standard textbook for police training.
Contributed to various academic journals and publications, sharing his expertise with the broader law enforcement community.

Impact and Legacy


Frank Scafidi's influence is still felt today:

His work on interviewing techniques has improved the effectiveness of police investigations worldwide.
As an advocate for professional development within law enforcement, he paved the way for future generations to follow in his footsteps.
Through his writing and teaching, Scafidi helped shape the discipline of criminology.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Frank Scafidi's dedication to justice, expertise as a detective, and contributions to law enforcement education have cemented his place as one of the most respected figures in the field. His legacy serves as an inspiration to those working towards making communities safer and more just.

This biography aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Frank Scafidi's remarkable life and career.

Quotes by Frank Scafidi

The fraud comes in when you get vehicles owned by big-time salvage guys or small-time knuckleheads who wash the title through states that don't have strong title laws.
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The fraud comes in when you get vehicles owned by big-time salvage guys or small-time knuckleheads who wash the title through states that don't have strong title laws.
If there are five people in custody there, that fact is not in and of itself significant. If we return them to the U.S. ... as we did with these two characters in New York, certainly that will be a significant step for us.
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If there are five people in custody there, that fact is not in and of itself significant. If we return them to the U.S. ... as we did with these two characters in New York, certainly that will be a significant step for us.
If there is one point we try to drive home, it is: Use your head. A very high percentage of our thefts are because people don't lock their cars and make it difficult for opportunists.
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If there is one point we try to drive home, it is: Use your head. A very high percentage of our thefts are because people don't lock their cars and make it difficult for opportunists.
It's amazing how many thefts still occur from oversights such as leaving the car running when you go into a store.
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It's amazing how many thefts still occur from oversights such as leaving the car running when you go into a store.
They're sold to consumers as perfectly good used vehicles, when in fact they are badly damaged because of water exposure, and people are going to get ripped off.
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They're sold to consumers as perfectly good used vehicles, when in fact they are badly damaged because of water exposure, and people are going to get ripped off.
There isn't anyone, to my knowledge, who looks beyond ... the auto-theft rates. There's no scientific or analytical review of this data.
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There isn't anyone, to my knowledge, who looks beyond ... the auto-theft rates. There's no scientific or analytical review of this data.
Currently we're investigating to determine if any law was violated.
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Currently we're investigating to determine if any law was violated.
Don't leave your car running while you run into a 7-Eleven to get a coffee.
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Don't leave your car running while you run into a 7-Eleven to get a coffee.
We don't have any specific information that there's a threat against any domestic target. Just as a precaution, we sent an advisory to all law enforcement agencies.
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We don't have any specific information that there's a threat against any domestic target. Just as a precaution, we sent an advisory to all law enforcement agencies.
I'm still hoping, for the FBI's sake, that there's going to be a Perry Mason moment here. For a reasonable person, based on the hype this case received - even from the U.S. Attorney's Office - there's an expectation something huge is going to happen.
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I'm still hoping, for the FBI's sake, that there's going to be a Perry Mason moment here. For a reasonable person, based on the hype this case received - even from the U.S. Attorney's Office - there's an expectation something huge is going to happen.