Images(2)

Card, Membership

Object number2011.135.1

Date1988

Mediumtin

Credit LineGift of Joseph Modispacher

DescriptionMetal Fraternol Order of Police membership card.Dimensions2.375 x 3.75 in. (6 x 9.5 cm)
InscriptionsFront has engraved and chiseled text: "Fraternal Order of Police"; "FORT PITT / LODGE No. 1"; FOP logo; "PITTSBURGH / PENNSYLVANIA"; "JOSEPH E. MODISPACHER / 1988"; "IN APPRECIATION OF DEDICATED POLICE SERVICE / TO THE CITIZENS OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA"; "PATRICK McNAMARA / PRESIDENT"; "GEORGE SWANSON / R. SECRETARY".
Historical NotesIdentification card owned by donor Joseph Modispacher, who was the first polygraph examiner to work for the Pittsburgh Police. Before 1966, the Pittsburgh Police had used the county examiner, but in that year they decided to train their own polygraph examiner. Joseph Modispacher was a detective in the Pittsburgh Police force, he has started out as a cop in 1954 and retired around 1988. He was sent to Chicago to complete a course in polygraph examining and was the sole examiner until 1976, when two other detectives also went through the training. After he retired he continued to conduct examinations for attorneys and private clients.

Related institution Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Previous owner Joseph E. Modispacher

Related institution Fraternal Order of Police

Related person Patrick McNamara

Related person George Swanson

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