Chief STEVENSON. We looked the basement over at the time. Of course that early in the morning, there was not much activity. There was some officers in the basement. We went up to the administrative offices.

Mr. Hubert.

Why did you check the basement?
Chief STEVENSON. Because we observed the officers there in the basement and knew that the prisoner would be transferred that particular morning.

Mr. Hubert.

Do you know whether it had been decided at that time whether the actual transfer would be the function and responsibility of the police department or of the sheriff's office?
Chief STEVENSON. No, sir; I don't. I know it was later in the morning when Chief Curry did call the sheriff's office. As far as I know, at that time no plans had been finalized that we would transfer him or that the sheriff would transfer him.

Mr. Hubert.

In any case, the security precautions or measures being then set up, or which had been set up by Captain Talbert already, with reference to the basement would be applicable whether the transfer took place by you or by the sheriff, is that correct?
Chief STEVENSON. Yes, sir; as far as getting him out of the basement.

Mr. Hubert.

Would you consider then that the decision had already been made that the basement method of exit would be used irrespective of who moved the prisoner?
Chief STEVENSON. To my knowledge, that was the only one that we had considered.

Mr. Hubert.

Had there been consideration of the method of transfer prior to Sunday morning at all?
Chief STEVENSON. Not to my knowledge; no, sir. Not as to the method.

Mr. Hubert.

Do you recall a visit to the ,basement subsequent to that first visit when you arrived and reported for duty?
Chief STEVENSON. No, sir; I had not been in the basement prior to the time I arrived, and of course we drive into the basement.

Mr. Hubert.

I really meant subsequent to that.
Chief STEVENSON. Oh, I am sorry. Yes, we made Chief Batchelor and I made I would say, two trips after that.

Mr. Hubert.

Did Chief Curry go with you at any time?
Chief STEVENSON. We met Chief Curry, I believe, one time as he drove in the basement.

Mr. Hubert.

Do you recall any conversation that you or Chief Curry or Chief Batchelor had with Captain Talbert regarding what had been done securitywise to the basement or otherwise?
Chief STEVENSON. No, sir; not to my knowledge.

Mr. Hubert.

Do you know what security plans had been instituted prior to the time that Chief Curry spoke to Sheriff Decker?
Chief STEVENSON. No, sir; not to my knowledge. Nothing more than that I had instructed my detectives to stand by for assignment.

Mr. Hubert.

What assignment was it contemplated that your detectives would have?
Chief STEVENSON. That they would stand by for any assignment that might be needed in the basement at the transfer of Oswald.

Mr. Hubert.

That was irrespective of whether or not the sheriff moved the prisoner or your department did?
Chief STEVENSON. Yes, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

Now do you recall any instructions or orders with reference to the position of the press in the basement?
Chief STEVENSON. Yes; I was--

Mr. Hubert.

Go ahead.
Chief STEVENSON. I was present in the basement when Chief Curry arrived and said the doors would be kept clear across the driveway entering into the basement of the city hall proper. Then all photographers and pressmen would be kept back in the parking area proper, back behind the driveway line.

Mr. Hubert.

In other words, they were to be on the east side of the ramp altogether, is that correct?
Chief STEVENSON. Yes, sir.

« Previous | Next »

Found a Typo?

Click here

Last Update: Wed, 3 Aug 2016 21:56:32 CET