Mr. Curry.

My instructions to the investigating officers were to go into every facet of this incident and to uncover any information that might indicate that any police officer cooperated in any way with letting Ruby get in a position to where he could have an opportunity to shoot Oswald.

Mr. Hubert.

Did you find any evidence that would indicate anything?

Mr. Curry.

No evidence whatsoever were we able to find.

Mr. Hubert.

You were looking for such?

Mr. Curry.

Yes; we certainly were.

Mr. Hubert.

Chief, what was your intention had you found such evidence?

Mr. Curry.

Proper action would have been taken.

Mr. Hubert.

And by that you mean what?

Mr. Curry.

The officer, if criminal negligence had been established, he would have been filed on by us.

Mr. Hubert.

Now, there has been also the rumor that while the police did not actively cooperate, that they saw Jack Ruby there, didn't pay much attention to him, were really appalled when he did what he did, and then after that, engaged in a cover-up activity to preserve the reputation of the police department. Can you tell us whether your investigative efforts were directed toward uncovering any evidence which might throw light on that matter?

Mr. Curry.

This investigation which was conducted was a completely impartial investigation. We in the police department for a number of years have felt like if there is anything wrong in our department, we want to know it, and if actions of the officers are improper, an examination of our records through the years will show that we have taken whatever action was indicated, whether this be filing on a man for law violations or for improper conduct or whatever it might be. The seriousness of the offense is certainly not covered up and through the years we have a reputation for a high standard of conduct and the integrity of the department has not been questioned.

Mr. Hubert.

You are satisfied that from all you know that there has been no effort to cover up?

Mr. Curry.

No, sir; not to my knowledge, and had there been and it had come to my knowledge, I certainly would have done something about it.

Mr. Hubert.

You are satisfied that the evidence shows that really Ruby came through one man?

Mr. Curry.

That's right.

Mr. Hubert.

And that was Vaughn ?

Mr. Curry.

That's right.

Mr. Hubert.

Have you anything else to say, chief?

Mr. Curry.

No, sir; I believe not.

Mr. Hubert.

Well, Sir, on behalf of the Commission and myself personally, I want to thank you very much for coming here and being frank and contributing, I think, a great deal of the permanent record in this matter.

Mr. Curry.

Thank you, sir, if there is anything that I might know that I haven't brought out, I will be happy to. The only thing I can say is that our security broke down at one place. I can't deny that, and I don't think it intentional on the part of the police department to have this thing occur.

Mr. Hubert.

I think that's covered. I wanted to ask you those questions and I think they are going to be asked and we are going to have an answer to them now and you are the man to do it. Thank you very much, chief.

Mr. Curry.

All right. Thank you.

Sheriff J. E. (Bill) Decker

Testimony of Sheriff J. E. (Bill) Decker

The testimony of Sheriff J. E. (Bill) Decker was taken at 10:44 a.m., on April 16, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Leon D. Hubert, Jr., assistant counsel of the President's Commission.