S3 Episode 8: The Trouble With Schenectady – Bound by the Cloak
Schenectady, NY is a small city that’s had a troubled past. Once known as “The City That Lights and Hauls the World”, Schenectady has faced a police corruption scandal as well as other tragic events over the years. In the late 90s and early 2000’s, Schenectady’s Police Department was the focus of a federal investigation by the FBI while under the tenure of former police chief Greg Kaczmarek.
Author David Bushman was traveling up near Albany, NY when he got a Lyft ride from no other than former police chief Kaczmarek. The two formed a relationship which spurred the writing of his book, “Forget it Jake, It’s Schenectady: The True Story Behind “The Place Beyond the Pines.” The book reflects on the events that transpired while Kaczmarek was chief of police from 1996 to 2002.
Show Notes:
Articles:
Schenectady Police Department’s dark days explored in new book (2023)
Two decades after scandal, Schenectady cops turn the page (2020)
Former Schenectady Police Chief Greg Kaczmarek Indicted on Felony Drug Distribution Charges Face conspiracy and possession charges relating to -“Operation Slim Chance”- a drug ring investigation (2008)
Schenectady County to pay $562K to man beaten by jail officer (2022)
Schenectady woman convicted of killing child released from jail (2018)
Court Rules Schenectady Police Officer’s Disciplinary Records Cannot be Withheld (2020)
Websites:
Police Brutality Center
Books:
Forget It, Jake, It’s Schenectady: The True Story Behind “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2023) By David Bushman, Ben Coccio (Foreword by)
Murder at Teal’s Pond: Hazel Drew and the Mystery That Inspired Twin Peaks (2022) Mark T. Givens (Author), David Bushman (Author), Mark Frost (Foreword by)
Bound by the Cloak 