Hearings Before the President's Commission
on the
Assassination of President Kennedy

Testimony of Assistant Chief Charles Batchelor

The testimony of Assistant Chief Charles Batchelor was taken at 8:30 p.m., on March 23, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Burt W. Griffin, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Mr. Griffin.

My name is Burt Griffin. I am a member of the advisory staff of the general counsel of the President's Commission. Under the provisions of Executive Order 11130, dated November 29, 1963, and the rules of procedure adopted by the Commission in conformance with the Executive order and the joint resolution, I have been authorized to take a sworn deposition from you, Chief Batchelor.
I state to you now that the general nature of the Commission's inquiry is to ascertain, evaluate, and report upon the facts relating to the assassination of President Kennedy and the subsequent violent death of Lee Harvey Oswald. In particular as to you, Chief Batchelor, the nature of the inquiry today is to determine what facts you know about the security surrounding the protection of Lee Harvey Oswald and any other pertinent facts that you may know about the general inquiry having to do with the death of President Kennedy.
Chief Batchelor, you have appeared here today by virtue of a general request made by the general counsel of the staff of the President's Commission. Under the rules adopted by the Commission, you are entitled to a 3-day written notice prior to the taking of this deposition. But the rules adopted by the witness may waive this notice . Do you now waive this notice?
Chief BATCHELOR. Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Would you raise your right hand and be sworn?
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but

the truth, so help you God?
Chief BATCHELOR. I do.

Mr. Griffin.

Will you state your name for the record ?
Chief BATCHELOR. Charles Batchelor.

Mr. Griffin.

What is your age?
Chief BATCHELOR. Fifty-eight.

Mr. Griffin.

Where do you live, Mr. Batchelor ?
Chief BATCHELOR. 1022 Franklin Avenue, Dallas, Tex.

Mr. Griffin.

What is your occupation?
Chief BATCHELOR. I am assistant chief of police of the Dallas Police Department.

Mr. Griffin.

How long have you been with the Dallas Police Department?
Chief BATCHELOR. Since May 1, 1936.

Mr. Griffin.

How long have you been assistant chief ?
Chief BATCHELOR. Since January 20, 1960.

Mr. Griffin.

Of course you .and I have spoken at some length earlier this afternoon. In that conversation, we discussed your activities from the time that you learned that President Kennedy was shot on November 22 until Saturday