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Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jan 16, 1930
Page
8
The Chicago Police unveil the Criminal Blue Book a bloodied ledger classifying underworld kings and their associates. It cross references crimes with social profiles showing families, rivals, and local hideouts aiding pursuit of violence and racketeering.
The article explains how the Criminal Blue Book records gang members including rising mobsters like Vingivuis and Lefty Allen. It notes entries come from police reports and informants who track gunmen bombers narcotic peddlers and other super-criminals, even those never convicted. Commissioner Stege says the modern gangster must have both force and stealth.
Police rely on wire taps to track gangsters via their sweethearts. Jack MacGurn, banished for a truces violation, returns after contacting a former sweetheart and survives two mob attempts before fleeing again. The pattern shows lovers lead to killers.
The piece notes a wave of intimidation by racketeers then a regrouping targeting small pits. It mentions McGurn’s disguises, a possible pardon rumor, and his contact with a “sweetie.” It describes a minor wiretapper network feeding the Criminal Blue Book and warns of rising extortion and attacks on banks and police. John Smith, “Little Rabbit,” is identified as a key criminal with a page in the book.
Described as an expensive, arrestless squad stationed at headquarters. Members blend with underworld figures, live in veil of informality, and keep the Criminal Blue Book current. They tap phones when needed, staying close to gang activity.
Over ten years the racketeers threaten to cost Chicago reputable businessmen 100 million annually. Police officials, urged by business groups, have conferences that produced the Criminal Blue Book. Seen as a harmless tool, it is viewed by many as the police force's most important weapon in battling gangsters.
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