Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Security Planning

The planning for security during Oswald’s detention and transfer involved multiple departments and agencies coordinating their efforts. Captain Fritz, Chief Curry, and numerous patrol officers participated in developing the security arrangements. The basement transfer route required particular attention due to the proximity to public areas and the potential for unauthorized access. Testimony from officers including J.E. Decker, Charles O. Batchelor, M.W. Stevenson, and Woodrow Wiggins describes the planning process and the various considerations that went into determining the transfer route. Deposition statements from W.B. Frazier, Cecil Talbert, and other officers provide additional details regarding the coordination between Dallas Police, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies. The security planning ultimately proved insufficient to prevent Jack Ruby’s access to Oswald during the basement transfer.

Baseline Security Measures

The baseline security measures implemented for Oswald’s protection included uniformed officers stationed throughout the building, restricted elevator access, and various checkpoint arrangements. Officers from the Dallas Police Department and other agencies were assigned to posts throughout the headquarters building. Testimony describes the posting of officers at various locations, the assignment of specific officers to guard Oswald directly, and the procedures implemented to control access to the third floor and other sensitive areas. Captain Fritz and Chief Curry testified regarding the standard security arrangements and the resources allocated to protecting the prisoner. Additional security personnel were assigned to the basement transfer area, though testimony indicates some confusion regarding the precise positioning of officers and the coordination of their activities.