2003
Law Enforcement Legerdemain
For Police Prestidigitators and
Conjuring Cops!
Foreword by
Magic Ian
Thanks go to the following for their direct or indirect assistance with the information contained within these pages.
Fr. Anthony Schneider, OFM; who got me interested in magic once again and taught me sleight of hand tricks. May you rest in peace. And Fr. Cyprian Murray, OFM, Cap.; past chaplain and national president of the Society of American Magicians, who guided me in using magic props, having a certain style with people and teaching other sleight of hand tricks.
Magic Ian Sutz; who helped me develop my style, wrote the foreword, and invented magic tricks that were used in several of the police magic routines.
Kimberly & Karen Hester; my twin daughters, the real magic in my life, and Jaime Tanner, my grandson, who keeps me young at heart.
Richard Bliss; my former lieutenant with the sheriffs office in New York State, who promoted this program and gave me opportunities to present and develop different themes and his son, Dirk, who was a role model during his short years here; RIP.
Dennis Marlock; friend, fellow magician/cop who assisted me at PACC seminars and was the victim of endless practical jokes from Bruce Walstad. You remained a true professional throughout it all.
Cliff Patton; friend and fellow magician, who taught me the use of puppets.
Bruce Walstad; friend, fellow magician/cop and advisor on confidence crimes, carnival game fraud and practical jokes; some of which he played on me.
Robert Steiner; past national president of the Society of American Magicians, friend, fellow magician and advisor on medical and health care fraud. I will never forget that Psychic Surgery demo you did to me in Chicago!
Maria Powell Chapman; The special ed teacher who is the love of my life.
David Hariton; friend and former federal agent, who promoted my programs and had me instruct federal agents, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and in Washington, D.C., on con games and carnival game fraud, using magic as a medium in the lessons.
First published by the author in 1992 under the name POLICE MAGIC, Using the Medium of Magic in Crime/Drug Prevention Presentations for Youth/ Adults, the contents of this book are similar; just updated to fit the times 12 years later, with added material to enhance your presentations.
In this book, the reader will see two parts to it. Part I will deal with the aspects of starting this program, developing routines, suggestions on presenting the different programs offered, how to overcome certain problems that may arise, how to prepare for a program and the actual performance, whether it be a lecture or show.
Other areas will cover certain points to remember, a checklist to follow, other areas magic has helped law enforcement as well as a guideline on con games and carnival game fraud. The use of puppets for other themes will be shown.
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Other topics will deal with doing presentations on or off duty, attire to be worn (uniform, regular clothes, or a costume), compensation for performances and ownership of the props.
Part II shows many different routines used for a variety of crime and drug prevention topics, as well as the name of the magic prop used. It will suggest certain patter, but not as a script or lesson plan. The reader should continue their education by studying more books on magic, crime prevention topics, different type tricks available and their effect at the end. Knowing the end result of the trick will assist the reader in choosing a crime or drug prevention topic for it.
Resources will be shown near the end. This will include books, organizations that specialize in certain areas, people who can be contacted, supply shops for magic props, as well as other areas of interest.
One talent this book cannot give the reader is Showmanship. This comes from study, practical application and perfecting your own style.
Most importantly, the author hopes the reader will develop their own type of presentation and patter for different routines. Being unique and presenting a program such as this will make you known in your community when lecturing at civic and fraternal organizations, clubs and other events where you may be invited. In some cases it can make you a celebrity cop or a memorable magician.
All routines have been tried and tested throughout the years, going through trial and error, discovering weak & strong areas by audience's reactions and comments given after each performance. Viewing a taped presentation will help in correcting certain flaws with the presentation.
One trick the reader must learn to do is to turn a crowd of people into an audience first, then proceed with the program. Suggestions on how to achieve this will be mentioned.
Using magic for themed presentations is not only entertaining, but educational as well. If you cannot make these presentations interesting, enlightening, educational, entertaining and enjoyable, you will most certainly bomb.
Endless hours of practice in front of a mirror, to see what the audience sees, is tedious and trying to the nerves; but well worth the outcome. Being unique with this program makes for a better presentation.
Much of the information stated in this book comes from a twenty-four hour class the author teaches to law enforcement personnel around the states. Ideas for some presentations will have the name of the person suggesting the trick, routine or theme. It is the author's intention to give credit where credit is due. This book tries to show that throughout these pages; so if anyone who has assisted is missed, it is unintentional and apologies are given in advance.
If you are a member of law enforcement who wants to use something unique for presentations, or a magician who wants to add some variety to the show, these routines will assist you in that endeavor.
Good luck, and as magicians say around the world, Break a Thread! For law enforcement I say Go ahead, make their day when you educate and entertain with these magical messages.
We are in a time when security and peace of mind in public places are major concerns for all police. Unfortunately, the petty criminals do not take vacations in times of national distress. There is probably a freedom that the small thief has when constables have bigger fish to fry.
This is why Glenn Hester's book is so important. If the people of our nation can protect themselves, even a little bit, the larger problems of the world can be focused upon uninterrupted. The public at large, armed with an awareness of the ways of the wicked, can walk into a thieves den with the same knowledge and savvy as the thieves themselves.
Glenn Hester was always billed as the "Southern Gentleman", extremely polite and courteous in his public dealings both on and off the stage, yet, there is an unyielding side to Officer Hester. He is intolerant to injustice, aware of the public good and protective of them both, on and off the job.
A lesser officer might leave their job each night with the problems of the world on his desk. Officer Hester takes his job and his mission wherever he goes, and like a ministry of righteous behavior, passes on his teachings at every opportunity.
This book is part of the Glenn Hester ministry, legacy and mission.
Ian Sutz
aka Magic Ian
This book is dedicated to two people who made a difference, not only in my life, but also in the lives of many other people who knew and loved them;
My Dad
Glenn Bertrand Hester, Sr.
1926-2001
And
My Son
Glenn Bertrand Hester, III
1973-1976
We Love and Miss You
RIP
DISCLAIMER:
Although magic tricks are shown in this book, it is not the intention of the author to divulge or expose secrets of the magical arts. The information contained within is for the education of those wishing to use magic in themed presentations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
Beginning as a Police Magician
Part II
The Routines
About the Author
Comments about the Presentation
Resources to Contact
Police Magic Certificate
Closing Comments
It is said that for every magician there is, that is the number of ways to start in magic. My beginnings were no different.
I did not start out doing magic just to theme routines and educate audiences. It just happened. I was around 11 or 12 while watching a movie with actor Tony Curtis portraying the life of Houdini. Seeing the wonderful things he did with magic gave me an incentive to try it myself.
Using magic for themed routines is not a new idea. Magicians have been doing this for years. Houdini used his skills in magic and illusion to teach law enforcement about fraudulent mediums of that time. Some use it for Gospel themes. I present it for crime and drug prevention presentations to youth and adults, civilian and law enforcement personnel in an unconventual and unorthodox manner.
Themed magic with a message is a great way to present a topic when you lecture. Not only are audience members entertained, but they are getting an education as well.
Seeing what is said by the effect of the trick makes retention of the message longer. This is known as the Vividness Principle. People associate the message with the trick and remember what was said, rather than forgetting it in a few hours.
As fate would have it, after some time with a magic kit I abandoned this for other interests in life (girls and parties). While a fireman in Americus, Georgia, I was introduced to a Franciscan Priest who knew sleight of hand tricks. Seeing how he could make a cigarette appear and disappear, locate the chosen card from my deck of 52 cards and pull items out of thin air sparked my interest once again.
Of course, starting out made me somewhat apprehensive. I did not possess nimble fingers, and dropped many items that were supposed to be hidden from view. It took hours upon hours of practicing to perfect the moves needed to get the trick across. Some practice was in front of a mirror to see what audiences witnessed as well as learning to block secret moves from the audiences view.
After moving to New York State, I met another priest who was the chaplain for the National Society of American Magicians. He later became the National President. He taught me sleight of hand using magic props and other items, having a certain style with people and the skill needed to make items vanish or appear out of thin air.
I learned this skill while in the monastery at Garrison, New York. I started out buying as many magic props as possible after leaving the monastery. As I wanted to be a one-man act, I had to be careful of purchasing props that needed two or more people to operate. Through trial and error, I invested in those props that needed only one person.
I started doing magic shows in the Catskill Mountains of Sullivan County, New York at various resorts as well as doing special appearances at sponsored functions and birthday parties. This gave me experience being in front of an audience. The largest number of people who have witnessed my act was close to a thousand at a beauty pageant. I had to fill in during the changing of attire with two different 15-minute performances. This also kept me from being in the back and seeing the girls change (yes, there can be a down side to this as well).
As a deputy sheriff, I did numerous shows, lectures, and seminars using themed magic. I later developed a 24-hour course on this that I have taught to many law enforcement personnel around the states. Being in front of people, time after time, gave me confidence and courage to talk to large crowds.
After returning home to Georgia and working with a police department on the southeastern coast, I continued using themed magic to get messages across. My chief was pleased with my programs and had me transfer from patrol to the training division so I could conduct this and other programs for the department.
For 11 years, I taught a drug abuse prevention program in our schools. At graduation, I would do some regular magic and police magic as a reward for those who successfully completed the program. Because my themed magic was similar to the lessons taught with D.A.R.E., I was accused of using magic when I taught the drug abuse program. Although similar in theme, I was doing the police magic long before doing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
A good friend of mine showed me how to use puppets in shows. I started out using the department's McGruff puppet. I had a friend of mine, Allen McCall, create a pig puppet dressed in our agency's uniform. The idea of a pig puppet came from the acronym PIG (Pride, Integrity & Guts), given our profession years ago.
After presenting Patrolman Potbelly Pigg to children and adults, talking about stranger danger, safety, and a host of other topics, the reactions and responses from those in the audiences were impressive. They really loved the puppet. Although I never considered myself a ventriloquist, the puppet was so animated that, even if they saw my lips move, their attention was given to the puppet and his antics. Qantum (Root)Communications purchased it for me in 1997.
Presenting the police magic routines first, then bringing out the puppet to reinforce the lessons learned from the routines by interacting with audience members was a great way to close the show. I liked this so much that a human looking puppet was made for my regular magic shows. His name is Hesteni. This is my last name and Houdini's name combined.
Since I had a puppet for children's safety presentations, I wanted to use another one in crime prevention lectures for adults. My friend made a human looking puppet with a hat, overcoat, badge and shoulder holster on the outside. Because he was bought by a local club for me, I call him Inspector Jay Cee. He teaches about con games, carnival game fraud and other topics for adults.
The last puppet is a mouse dressed as Merlin used in regular magic shows for children. Just small enough to pack in a suitcase table, he entertains kids at regular performances and teaches a trick or two.
I have a lot of fun playing with the puppets and coming up with new routines. The hardest part is finding a voice that identifies each one when speaking. Hesteni has the voice similar to the McGruff puppet, except it is more of an older man.
Patrolman Potbelly Pigg uses a combination of Goofy and Mortimer Snerd. Inspector Jay Cee uses a Colombo (Peter Faulk) and Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) combination and the mouse uses a squeaky, high-pitched voice. I know what you are thinking; here is a man, 50 years old, who plays with dolls. Unlike some toys, these manufactured objects bring in extra money on the side.
Doing magic with crime and drug prevention messages has been a rewarding experience for me. It has also been a challenging one as well. Trying to come up with different themes to fit the times has been hard, but it has made me think about the many different topics that could be presented.
Unlike the first book published, this will show some other routines and material that will be helpful in developing and starting off your program(s). Even the subheading is a little different from the first book. I feel that this subheading is eye catching and makes a person curious to know what legerdemain and prestidigitator means (both have to do with magic, as does the word conjuring).
A new concept that will be shown comes from my good friend, Bruce Walstad. Bruce wrote a book on practical jokes he has used over the years. Being the recipient of some of what was printed (and others that could not be printed), performing some of his material will turn a crowd of people into an audience and put them on your side.
Most of the items mentioned in his book, Caution Practical Joker Ahead, are for sale through Bruce, so you don't have to search trying to locate one of these items. You can use these in themed magic or as an opener.
Other new concepts will be tricks about carnival game fraud and use of puppets. Some will be standard magic tricks on the market, some will combine different magic tricks for certain themes and others mentioned will be the use of components used in carnival games to demonstrate. No matter if you are a magician or law enforcement officer; these routines will give you a unique style.
I hope you enjoy learning about this fascinating method of getting a message across, as well as actually performing it and seeing for yourself the wonderful reaction audiences give you. Now let's begin learning how to become a Police Magician by using Law Enforcement Legerdemain for Police Prestidigitation Programs.
PART I
Beginning as a
POLICE
MAGICIAN
Please note that the suggestions contained in the following pages are from trial and error of the author. You may have your own style of learning.
Shows
There are two different types of shows I have conducted throughout the years. One is for youth, and is tailored to fit the needs of the various age groups. Routines for this consist of anti-drug and alcohol themes; showing that choosing a life of crime is a bad choice, good citizenship, safety, community involvement and other themes relevant to the topic at hand.
For adults, routines on home security, con games, carnival game fraud and personal safety are shown. In both of these performances, audience participation is required. That is, you will need a volunteer from the audience to assist with some routines.
If there are a variety of ages in the audience, combining routines for all will enhance the presentation. Routines will be chosen for the different time frames for each presentation. If using puppets after finishing the police magic routines, bring the puppet out to follow up on the messages mentioned and interact with audience members. Although the topics may be of serious nature, allow for some comedy to lighten up the performance.
This is much easier to work with as there are not that many routines involved. Depending on your time frame and subject matter, lectures can range between ten minutes to almost an hour. Although routines to illustrate certain points in the lecture are good, consider using added features such as a short video, overheads, slides or actual items used in the crime. For example, bring out a set of handkerchiefs that were used in a Hanky Switch scam to show how shredded up paper was used to fool the victim.
Seminars
This program will consist of several hours of your time. It could range from two hours to as many hours as you deem needed to get your points across. Unless feeling comfortable with this, it is suggested you do not consider this program. If you do decide to take this on, depending on the time frame, slides, overheads, magic routines, handouts, videotapes, board work and the actual lecture can be used to fill in the time frame and enhance the presentation. Starting with these other programs will help in guiding you into doing a seminar. Time frames develop with experience and expertise.
OVERCOMING PROBLEMS IN THE PRESENTATION
Before considering doing any of these type programs as a representative of your agency, obtain permission from your Chief Executive Officer. Explain how the programs work and what public relations value they can be; not only to the citizens, but for your agency as well.
Being that this is a unique program people will like it better than the dry and dull lectures they may have experienced in the past. Accolades will be given to your CEO and your agency from many who have witnessed your programs. If your CEO is an elected official, this puts him or her in the spotlight of positive politics, and you could be rewarded for making this happen.
Regarding the props you will use, some will be disposable, which means you cannot use them again. It is suggested that your agency purchase them if you do these programs as their representative. If not done as a representative of your agency, you purchase them. Where do you get the money to do this? Unless you are wealthy it is suggested either charging for the programs or asking a fee to defray costs of equipment used, such as the disposable items.
Speaking of charging for your programs, there is something you need to know. If you have done these programs as a representative of your agency and have not charged for them, you have established yourself in this manner. It will be hard to charge others after they hear about the "free programs" you have done in the past.
You might encounter some anger or confusion from the citizens, so think hard about this before doing it. Some think that their tax dollars pay for this service and to charge them is akin to double taxation. When speaking with the contact person, and encountering such an attitude, explain that your job description does not mention this type of work.
After all, where have you seen ads for law enforcement officers who do magic? Let them know that you took on this task yourself and have expended your time and money to develop the programs. Advise them that remuneration is needed if you are to continue with the programs.
After all, not only are they being educated, but they are being entertained as well. Remember this thought when charging for your services; people who pay for your services expect to get their money's worth.
Stage Fright
If not used to speaking or performing in front of people, you may encounter this problem first. Don't worry it is natural for people to be somewhat apprehensive about being in front of an audience. Even seasoned professionals tend to get a little frightened at times. The unknown is scary, but after a few minutes into the presentation you should lose the feeling of butterflies swarming around in your stomach.
One reason you might have this feeling would be contemplating how people view your presentation. Thinking about this can cause you to be so overcautious that you could screw up the presentation. Remember that you will not please everyone. Some people live to complain. These negative Ned's and Nellie's may be a part of the audience. Forget about them. Don't let their sick attitude affect yours.
You might encounter a problem such as erratic breathing. This will affect your speech as you cannot regain a normal breathing pattern. If having this problem take a deep breath and slowly exhale while counting to ten. Doing this a couple of times should help you regain normal breathing patterns so you can complete the lecture.
Appearance
Always important as people judge you by what you wear. You can have a choice of different apparel. Your uniform is one choice. Consider getting authorization to wear it and check to see if it hinders your performance. Sometimes wearing your sidearm and the duty belt with all its equipment can hinder important moves needed.
Work with this awhile and see if you can overcome any problems. In some cases wearing a uniform, especially when performing for children, allows them to see law enforcement in a positive mode rather than the negative mode their parents or others may have instilled in their minds.
Another mode of dress is a comfortable look with a pair of civilian pants and a shirt with your agency's emblem on it. This is the one I like best, but some people may want you to look like a cop, so wear your sidearm and/or cuffs and an extra magazine on your regular belt to fit the bill for this attire.
Then, there is the outfit that sets you apart from anyone else; a costume. Some have dressed as clowns while doing the shows or presentations. Others have made up a costume to fit their agency and/or area. If choosing to put together a costume, don't copy another's costume, make it personal. Nothing outlandish mind you as that could distract from the presentation and messages you want to get across.
I would not suggest wearing civilian attire, with no departmental emblem showing, when doing your presentations as many will not look at you as an officer. Developing their mindset is important if you want to attract their attention and keep it. They need to know who you are and what you represent.
Attitude
Since some people have stereotyped our profession, it is important to break the mold. Bad encounters with police, or hearing about them from others, may have been the catalyst for forming a negative mindset with certain audience members. It is most important that you show a good attitude before, during and after the presentation.
Try to greet as many people as possible prior to the presentation. This small act on your part will personalize your presentation, as they will be more receptive & comfortable watching and listening to you. You may be the first cop they ever met.
Coming on with a superior attitude can ruin the presentation. Making them feel you are doing them a favor by being there does not sit well with many.
You will most likely have different educational and socioeconomic levels in the audience. Another sign of the superior attitude is the use of what is called one hundred dollar words. Some audience members may know the meaning but others might be lost. Should that be the case, they have not gotten your message. This might be looked upon as an insult, which brings us to the next phase;
Insults
Insulting the intelligence of audience members or making a fool out of a volunteer shows a lack of integrity on your part. Insults come in many different varieties. Racial and anti-religious overtones, speaking down to adults or children, not recognizing a volunteer who has assisted and dwelling on a point as if they are too stupid to get it the first time are just some actions that will make them leave with a bad taste in their mouth.
This will hurt you and the program. Always remember to treat them as you would want to be treated. Think about how you would feel if this happened to you and you should have no problem doing the right thing at the right time.
Humor
Although many topics will be of serious nature, you can always throw in some humor. This makes the presentation lighter and the people more receptive. When speaking, if a subject develops where you can tell a humorous story, perform a silly trick or ad lib a funny line; this brings the audience closer in. Using humor with the routines can also help the presentation.
Again, some may not care for this, but that may be due to their nature, or they may have had an event recently that puts them in this mood. Always check beforehand if any audience members have had serious problems recently. Knowing this will guide you in what you can and cannot make sport of during the presentation.
An advantage being humorous, especially with children, is showing you as a law enforcement officer and a human being. Some children may have been told things like; if you don't behave, that officer will put you in jail. Parents point to you when saying this while you are in uniform. I have heard this time and time again.
Parents or guardians use this as a threat in order to keep their child in line. Upon hearing such a statement, I have spoken with the parent about it and told the child their parent was just kidding. Although considered a politically incorrect tactic it sends a strong message to both. The child should know that police are their friends, not their enemies.
A statement such as this keeps the child from coming to us when help is needed. Instead, they identify with the criminal element. You may have had this problem while in uniform and in public. Other remarks made by the general public (when they see us in inform) sometimes makes me wish I did not have to wear clothing that recognizes me as law enforcement.
Think about the times you sat down to eat a meal during your tour of duty. Did you hear conversations around you change to law enforcement topics? Did someone sit down at your table without being invited and strike up conversation? The meal break is the only time we have to ourselves, provided we are not notified by dispatch to be enroute to a call. Some may feel you are rude if you tell them you want solitude while eating. With whom can we complain about their inconsiderate actions?
Dangers in the Program
Besides wondering if someone is in the audience waiting to shoot you, what else could be dangerous? Using props in your presentation that imply danger could confuse children. An example is using a blank gun. Some tricks may have you using this prop.
Children, as well as some teens, have been known to attempt stunts at home or elsewhere. Look at some of the recent headlines on kids doing stunts they are not trained to do. Some have been seriously injured and some have died as a result. It is suggested that no props be used that could have an element of danger. If it has to be shown, please use a disclaimer and let them know this is not real. Even telling some this may go in one ear and out the other.
Discipline
Just as you control situations as law enforcement officers, controlling audience members is important. No matter whether doing presentation for children or adults, you could encounter some who need instructions prior to or during the presentation.
An example would be the noise level when you are speaking. This could entail outside distractions, people talking while you are presenting or young children walking around unsupervised. Along with these, you may encounter some children saying they have seen that trick before or they know how it is done.
How can you handle these situations? Pepper gas the offenders? Cuff and stuff them? Threaten to lock them up? No, there are better ways. Speak to the person in charge, ahead of time, about problems you have encountered before. Ask that they control the situation if it occurs while you are presenting.
If speaking and there are some who are talking, you can ask that they take it elsewhere as it is distracting or you can stop speaking altogether. When they realize that you are not talking, curiosity makes them look toward you and see you staring at them.
This action may be a bit harsh, but it sends the message that they are disturbing your presentation. Some, who have remorse, will either stop or go elsewhere. Others may get angry and/or embarrassed which could present a problem, although they, not you, are the problem. They do not accept responsibility for themselves.
When seeing a young, unsupervised child walking around, you might have the child come up to you so you can inquire as to the identity of the parent. When this is acknowledged, don't let the child walk back to them; make the parent come up front to retrieve their child. This makes them think twice about allowing their child to be unsupervised again. This tactic does work, although you may be looked down on for doing it. You could use the parent as a volunteer for the next trick.
Some may think it is cute watching an unsupervised child and their antics. This is not only annoying to the presenter, but shows a lack of courtesy on the part of the parent. Again, parents not accepting their responsibility. How can children learn to take responsibility if their parents won't?
These kids need a better example, and you could be the one that teaches them. After all, aren't some routines in your presentation dedicated to this topic?
Having children blurt out that they have seen that trick before does not help your performance. I have heard this at times and have put the trick away before the performance. Other children, who want to see it, will razz the outspoken child and that seems to shut them up.
Those who yell out they know how the trick is done are either lying, saying that to impress their peers or they may really know the secret. Either way this can present a problem during your presentation. You may want to call that child up to assist. This could take care of the problem, as they may have only wanted to be noticed.
Of course, others seeing this may do the same for the same reasons. You could also caution them not to reveal the secret as their being the only ones to know it makes them special. If others know it, you can't be called special. This is known as I know something you don't know!
One last comment on discipline with children; don't yell at them or demean them in front of their peers. Although revengeful and used as a scare tactic, it could backfire on you and the program. Be firm, but kind. Never act threatening toward them, as the whole purpose of the program is to show you as someone they can trust. This diminishes the objective and when the child's parents hear of this you can be sure your CEO will as well.
Mistakes
No matter how much you have perfected the routine; there is always a chance that mistakes will take place. This happens to seasoned professionals as well, so don't feel you are the only one it happens too. Accept the fact that it can, and may, happen. When it does, don't let it get you down.
People know mistakes occur; it is part of human nature. Correct it, if possible, and continue on with the program. This also shows that you, like them, are human and subject to the same failures they are. If you can make a joke of the mistake, do so. It makes the mistake look like a part of the program and no one is the wiser.
It is important to know which props will be needed for the different topics presented. Trial and error may play a part of this when first beginning, as it did for me. Some props and themes are already shown in this book, so half the battle is already won.
If you have never bought magic tricks before, you should be aware that there are some stipulations for doing so. One such stipulation is this; when the secret is told, the trick is sold! This means that you cannot return the prop if you don't like it or feel that you cannot use it. It must have been damaged prior to arrival or defective in order for you to send it back. Even then, you may get a replacement of the same trick instead of your money back.
When looking in a dealer's magazine or catalog, read the information carefully. Don't buy props that require more than one person to operate if you are a solo act. If in doubt inquire with the dealer before buying. A good suggestion is getting this in writing from the dealer.
` Sending a letter or email has them responding the same way. Should they state only one person is needed, and you find that two are needed, you have written documentation in your corner. Many dealers are honest but there are some dishonest dealers who care about nothing except getting your money.
Knowing the different types of magic can be helpful. If you are presenting for small groups of people close-up magic is good to use. If presenting for larger audiences platform or parlor magic is suggested. Stage magic is meant for grand illusions, larger crowds and may require the use of a trained assistant at times.
Already mentioned, you should decide if you or your agency will purchase the props. Remember that any equipment purchased by your agency is their property, not yours. Should you leave he agency you may be asked to buy them unless other departmental members are into this type program.
Having your agency purchase the props may hinder you from using them off duty and being paid for the presentation. Speak with your CEO on this matter. You may work out a compromise.
When purchasing the props, think ahead of time about the number of people who will witness your presentations. Some props may be too small to use, as some people will not see what it is. Look at the various catalogs and see which will fit your needs. Many tricks that have been made for close-up magic have now been manufactured to accommodate larger audiences.
Most important, know which theme will be used for that prop before the purchase. In order to do so, you will have to know the final effect of the trick. Some ads will tell you a little about it. That is helpful, but more information may be needed for you to make an informed decision.
In this case, it might be wise to visit a magic shop. If you find one nearby, you are fortunate. The dealer can show you the basic routine and workings. You should try it out to see if you could do just as well. Try out your themed routine and get their reaction.
First and foremost, understand the workings of the prop by practicing the non-themed routine that comes with it. After feeling comfortable, then consider working on the themed routine. Practice in front of a mirror so you can see what the audience sees. Know the patter you will use. This is the wording for the routine.
Sometimes using scripted patter works best although you might feel more comfortable using unscripted patter. Scripted is just like it says; words are written down for you to follow in sequence, just like acting. Unscripted can cause problems as you may forget what needs to be said or your timing can be off.
Get a feel for the time frame each routine takes. This is helpful when putting together a presentation. You can talk about a subject, present the routine and have a segment for questions and answers. Without knowing the time frame of the routine, you cannot work on the other parts.
Consider having your presentation, during practice, videotaped so you can see weak and strong areas. Use others to evaluate the routine. Using family or friends is not always best as their critique may not be honest if you bomb. You need honest answers, not lies said out of pity for a poor presentation.
Keep a list of the tricks, the props used, the themes it will present and the time frames. This record will be helpful when putting together a program. Now we will explore some things you need to do prior to presenting this in public.
PREPERATIONS BEFORE THE PRESENTATION
One part of your preparation should be the objective of the presentation; Educate and Entertain! Before accepting any engagement, think about a few questions you need to ask yourself first:
All these are questions you need answers for when asked.
Doing this type of program the first few times can cause uneasy feelings within, unless you have a lot of confidence in yourself and the routines. When standing in front of people, just knowing every eye and ear is focused on you can make you tense.
If you have followed some suggestions made earlier you should have no problems while on stage. Yes, we are all on stage; even off duty. People, knowing we are members of law enforcement judge our demeanor and mannerisms when we are not in a law enforcement capacity. Act as if a 24-hour video is on and behave accordingly.
Remember that this type of lecture is more than just talking. It can be considered a performance. Don't feel that you have never performed before. If you have been in law enforcement for a good period of time you have done your share of performances. Testifying in court is one of them. Your performance on the stand decides the answers for the triers of facts. You had a director in the prosecutor who went over your testimony prior to taking the stand.
Have you ever called in sick when you really were not? Have you shown great body language while lying about something when confronted by your spouse? Have you ever made a suspect, you were interrogating, feel that you really were their friend just evoke a confession? Hostage negotiation, calming a family disturbance and a host of other duties had you performing. So, don't feel uneasy about performing. You are a veteran actor although you may have not won any awards for it.
When you do go out there to perform, educate and entertain, remember to have fun while doing it. If you don't have fun and enjoy performing this unique service, then don't do it. If you don't have your heart in this, what could have been a wonderful experience for both you and the audience members will turn into a sour experience. This could damage the chances of anyone else on the department being involved in this type of crime prevention presentation.
One talent you will have to develop on your own is showmanship. This comes with experience and training. Doing lectures or shows over the months and years will help you, but you will have to work on this alone.
Watch other performers who you enjoy. Observe their mannerisms and style with people. Do they act and sound like robots? Do they seem uneasy? Or, do they have an act that flows smoothly and make people feel comfortable being around them? When you achieve this, you have mastered showmanship.
All right, you put together a show, now how do you get a contract? The consensus of opinion is that you need references and experience in order to get a booking. I suggest that you do public service shows or free shows for schools. If you are secure enough where you work, you can use your police credentials to gain an audience with a school principal or local PTA group. Scouts are another great audience.
You can also provide a free show for any group or audience and be paid for it as well. This method requires letting the school or scouts or any organization sell tickets to businesses. The businesses buy tickets to either give to their customers, or as a donation to the charity, the school or organization then gives the free tickets or allows open admission on behalf of the sponsor. You can keep all or a percentage of the proceeds as your fee.
If you want to sponsor a free show for a group, you must obtain their permission to have the show at their school or location, you also need to have permission to represent to businesses that you are performing a show for their organization and under their name, you would like a donation to cover the show expenses (your fees). You can give the organization a percentage of donations received or anything over a certain amount.
This all requires you to approach the project as a "fund raising" event.
Soliciting can be by the group, or you can call and approach businesses yourself. It is entirely up to you to represent whether you are a law enforcement officer or not, it does carry more weight.
The script would go, " good evening, this is officer Hesteni and I am performing a police magic show for your local school. We are asking local businesses if they would like to sponsor blocks of tickets for this event in order to provide seats for "underprivileged" children in the area. These are the children most at risk in this community and would benefit most from the educational content in the show."
"We will provide the show on your behalf, list your business as a sponsor on the program or on signage at the show site. You can also receive tickets to give out to your customers or charity."
Remember, a police magic show is a media event, a public service, and even good entertainment. If you can combine your positive message and get a community behind you, you can be a star.
Ie: chamber of commerce, local SBA, town councils, development associations
Civic groups: Elks, Eagles, Knight of Columbus etc.
And of course, PBA, even Law offices.
Although repetitious, it is important we dwell on some points to consider when doing these types of programs.
When receiving a call for this program, get the following information;
1) the type of group in the audience (kids, adults, mixed),
2) obtain the number of attendee's in the audience (even if just a guesstamate),
3) inquire as to which topics the audience wants to see in the show (home security, alcohol issues, etc.), and the time frame of the show.
Should you not have the whole amount of time, you can cut your presentation without a problem in this type presentation. If they ask for a question and answer period, make sure you do include it. You may want to consider bringing handouts with you. These consist of something to give the people in attendance, such as lecture notes on a subject, or a certificate for the children.
As mentioned, this is one of the easiest to do and is a great catalyst for these programs. Time frames depend on the event. Luncheons with civic clubs have only a few minutes to spare for your presentation. If given 15 minutes to speak, understand that you may or may not have the whole 15 minutes.
Sometimes things occur that take time out of your presentation. The meeting could last longer than expected; in which case you will have to cut parts of your presentation. There might be other speakers there taking up the time you were given. This is one of the biggest problems when lecturing to club luncheons.
On a couple of occasions I was set to present a program only to find that another program director made arrangements to have another speaker the same day. This can be somewhat of an awkward situation if it happens. Either excuse yourself or see if they ask you to join them for lunch.
There was a time that club business and speakers used portions of my time, which gave me around three minutes to present my program. When my turn to speak arrived, I explained to the audience that I was told to do a 15-minute presentation. Although understanding other matters do take time out of others allotted time frame, I explained that my presentation could not be delivered in three minutes and do it justice. It was suggested they ask me questions on the topic that was supposed to be presented. No one took this suggestion.
I thanked them for the meal and told them to call me when I would be given enough time to present the topic. The club president seemed somewhat upset when talking with me, but calmed down when I reminded him that I was told the time frame would be 15 minutes.
I explained understanding other business matters or speakers might take up time, but I cannot present a program in three minutes. I said if anyone should be upset, it should be me. I reminded him that I had to sit through an hour and a half meeting with an organization I am not affiliated with, expect to be given the courtesy of the time frame told me and then be told that I have only three minutes for the presentation. I stated that it was rude and inconsiderate on their part to treat me like that after the time I spent putting the program together.
The president of the club apologized and asked if I would consider making a return engagement in a month. I have yet to repeat this engagement. This experience taught me to advise future contact persons that the time frame told is expected. They are advised that if something should happen which cuts my time, I would have no choice but to renege on the presentation. Once that understanding was established we could get down to details of the lecture.
On the other side, you may have to extend your time frame. This happens if you have many questions asked, another speaker not showing up, the business meeting taking less time than expected, or another speaker not using all of the time given him or her.
You might want to consider bringing more material just in case. If you cannot do extended time, explain to the host that you had a certain amount of time given, you gave it and you have other appointments that need your attention.
There is one more problem you may encounter; being pressed for time. If you do have another engagement to attend, and you were promised that you could speak first, or during a certain time frame, and that does not happen, what can you do?
Make it clear to the host in the beginning that you have to be out of the meeting by a certain time. Let them know if you do not have the opportunity to present during that time frame you will have to leave without doing it. Some will understand but others may place blame on you, call your CEO and complain or badmouth you to others.
It might be a good idea to accept the engagement in writing and state that you need to be out by a certain time. Keep a copy for yourself so you can show proof they were told about this. Also, let your supervisor or CEO know, ahead of time, you advised the club about doing the presentation during a certain time frame. This keeps you off the hook should someone call and complain.
This may or may not happen to you. All that was mentioned has happened or witnessed by me during my career. Some of my tactics seem crude, but I am an outspoken person who refuses to be used and abused. Just like in my magic shows, I control what happens, not the sponsor or audience member.
To some you are nothing more than filler for their event. Some could care less what you have to say and what amount of time you have to say it. You will know who these groups are after doing this for a while.
I kept a list of them as well. Be honest with them when refusing other engagements. They may not like knowing the truth, but it might get them thinking and reevaluating the structure of their meetings. Law enforcement is good about networking, so alert other speakers about these groups.
If it seems that this section has been nothing more than venting my frustrations, it is not. You should know what problems can and may occur, if you don't already. Being prepared for them keeps your blood pressure down.
Attire
Knowing what type program is wanted gives you an idea what you should wear. It is a good idea to ask the host how you should dress. Some events that may sound formal could be informal.
Are you doing this on duty? If so, check with your CEO on what you should wear. After all, you are representing your agency, so follow departmental policies with this. If doing this off duty wear something nice. If children will be involved, and you have a costume, consider wearing it. Always discuss this with the host of the event first.
Again, think about your choice of clothes as some may hinder your presentation. In uniform, wearing a duty belt with all the extras around it could cause you problems. If so, and you have been asked (or told) to wear your uniform, explain this situation. Once an understanding is established, work from there.
Being Flexible
Some things you may not be able to control. These can be unexpected events that throw your presentation off. A good example is during the question and answer segment. After completing a program, and they want this segment, allow for it.
However, off the wall questions could be asked that throw you off track or have nothing to do with your lecture. Always start this segment by admonishing the audience members in attendance first. That is, explain that questions need to pertain to the subject at hand. Let them know that you will not answer any questions that are off track.
Even with this warning, expect someone (coming from a low gene pool) to ask an off the wall question. If this occurs, remind them that you will answer only those questions pertaining to your subject matter and go to the next person with their hand up. Don't get in an argument with anyone on this.
Off the wall questions are any that have nothing to do with your subject matter. An example I have encountered was "why did that officer speed down Altama Ave.?" Be honest and tell them if you don't know; but admonish them, again, to keep questions on the subject matter.
However, some questions can lighten up the presentation. I remember doing a lecture to a civic club and the host asked a question totally unrelated to the topic. The lecture was on con games and carnival fraud. The question was "how fast can you drive on the causeway before being pulled over?" In this case, the question was funny and got many people, including myself, laughing.
There might be some in the audience who want to challenge you. That is, they ask unrelated questions on matters you may or may not have knowledge about. Some of these people like to argue with you in front of a crowd of people. This is one reason having the audience on your side is important. They may take care of the problem for you and make the trouble maker shut up.
During a presentation, you might find that you have lost your train of thought. This disease is known as CRS (can't remember shit). There is nothing worse, when doing a presentation, than getting a blank mind and having no idea what you are to say next.
On a personal note, when this did happen to me I made a joke of it. Since I have white/gray hair, I elude to the snow up top clouding my thinking. This works great with groups younger than me. A good book to invest in is Communicating with Magic The Speaker's Guide to Magic, The Magician's Guide to Speaking by Dr. Earl Reum and Lindsay Smith. This is chocked full of information you need to know in order to be a great presenter.
OTHER AREAS MAGIC HAS HELPED LAW ENFORCEMENT
Magic can help you gain the rapport needed to break the ice with hardnosed people, such as juvenile delinquents. Bruce Walstad, in his book Sting Shift, explains how Cold Reading has aided his investigations.
This is akin to a fortuneteller or psychic making generalized statements and seeing your reaction. On those you affirm with body language or verbally, they continue that line of thought which makes you think they are actually telling you all about yourself when, in fact, you are telling them.
While doing a presentation for law enforcement years ago, I did such an act when talking about paranormal topics. Giving one person a reading, in a room with almost 100 others, the statements went like this; you are a friendly person, but that sometimes backfires on you. Every step closer to an accomplishment has you taking two steps back. You like music. People sometimes don't understand you and your mode of thinking and actions. I could go on, but you get the point. Seeing how that applied to the one person I was speaking to, I asked others in the room if any applied to them as well. The majority raised their hand.
Bob Steiner has a video showing him giving several people, individually, the same readings. All said he was right on target and wanted more readings. Bob is the former national president for the Society of American Magicians and uses his talent in magic to expose health care fraud and paranormal phenomenon nonsense with fraudulent psychics, faith healers and fortunetellers.
When doing presentations on confidence crimes, it is imperative you know the many areas fraud is perpetrated. Con games are a rehearsed plan that has been played out and practiced to control the victims. Knowing the latest cons played, their scenarios and other information, can help you do a better presentation.
Many con games are played, but there are two different types; the long and short con. The long con stretches out over a longer time frame, such as days or months, where the short con allows a range of a few minutes to a few hours. The short con is the quickest way for many crooks.
To learn more about the many con games played, go to the web sites at the end of this book and click on the different subjects. Dennis Marlocks Fraud Tech and Professionals Against Confidence Crime are excellent sites. Invest in some of the books mentioned at the end. These are invaluable for you to understand the games and help others understand them as well.
Crimes against the elderly are serious. Many who lose their life savings are fearful their children will place them in a home because they cannot take care of themselves. In some cases, they attempt or commit suicide. Let people know that con artists are good at what they do; otherwise they would not make a living.
Anyone can be taken in a scam. It matters not who you are, what education you may have, who you know or how smart you think you are. Bob Steiner reminds us of this in his book DON'T GET TAKEN! This is an excellent publication of many con games and some of his personal experiences.
Some areas to look into and learn about are:
Con games happen at various locations and with various type people. Some of the games played are on the street, in the victim's home, at retail stores and other areas where the con artist can access you.
Learning about the con artists takes you into different cultures of people. Understanding that people fall for quick cure claims is a last ditch effort to cure their terminal disease. Some well known celebrities have been taken with this practice. Fortunetellers, fraudulent faith healers and psychics practice medical quackery.
Understand that certain principles used in magic are sometimes used in con games. This display shows that the healer, or as some like to be called, Instruments of God, have certain powers that convinces the victim to believe in them. Some magicians can duplicate any so-called powers these frauds show the victim.
Research more on your own. Attend seminars on this subject matter. Purchase books pertaining to this type crime. The information given in this section is meant to wet your appetite. It is your responsibility to learn more about it.
Once you have material from your research, consider putting together a handout for those in the audience, or just give the host a copy and they can disseminate copies to their members.
If your agency has any type of evidence (that is no longer needed for court purposes) from a con game, try to obtain it for your presentations. This makes for a better presentation as they see some fruits of the crime used. If not, consider making them yourself for demonstration purposes during the lecture.
The above-mentioned information is made because learning these techniques gives you a better appreciation for it. Besides, you might see some things I could have missed.
Carnival games have been around for years; just like those who have used them to rip off unsuspecting victims. As with the con game outline, this outline will be brief with references to some books for research and web sites to check out.
In carnival games, you have 8 different classifications:
Understand that not all games and owners/operators are crooked. Although a few have ruined the reputation of this industry, many are decent, hard working individuals who are trying to make a living.
Research the books mentioned at the end of this book for a better understanding of how these games work, their methods of cheating, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in your jurisdiction. By doing this, you may come up with some other routines to use for your presentations.
Many do not look at carnival game fraud as a serious crime for several reasons. One is there are many other crimes occupying our time and resources. Crimes against persons and property sometimes overwhelm our caseload; so thinking about checking out carnivals is not in the cards.
This thinking makes the crooked game owner happy, as no one will enforce laws with his or her game when coming to the different venues.
Some books to use for furthering your education:
1 Keeping Carnies Honest Lindsay Smith & Bruce Walstad
2 Robbery on the Midway Tom Rinaldo
3 All about Carnivals Gene Sorrows
And others mentioned at the end of this book.
GETTING THE AUDIENCES ATTENTION
By turning a crowd of people into an audience, you have gained control of the situation and they will be eager to listen to your presentation. How, prey tell, do you do this?
Starting off with something silly breaks the stereotypical thinking many have of our profession. You could tell a funny story relating to law enforcement, tell a joke with the same theme or do a ridiculous stunt like pulling a large rock out of your shoe.
This last stunt was done many times by Bruce Walstad and starts off the program in a lighter mode. Think how you would react when seeing a speaker take off his or her shoe after complaining about getting a rock in it and pulling a huge granite looking rock out of the small shoe.
This is just one of many practical jokes you can do to catch the audience's attention. My favorite, depending on the audience members, is taking out a wallet, giving an introduction about losing money to con games, showing money in the wallet and then having the wallet burst into flames.
Bruce showed me this one as well and I use it as many times as I can get away with it (especially in restaurants). I have been thrown out of some of the finest restaurants in several states by pulling gags such as this or using slush powder to solidify liquid in glasses and cups. I tell the waitress they have hard water.
Stories or jokes can also turn the tide for you before a presentation. There are some real funny jokes you can obtain from different police web sites. These are made for telling to the general public. Don't try cop humor with non-law enforcement personnel; it just doesn't cut it with certain people. Some cannot see the humor in things like we can.
To find out some of the nonsense you can do, contact Bruce Walstad for his book Caution Practical Joker Ahead. After reading some of the things he has done, make a list of the props you want to use and contact Bruce again. He has many of the items mentioned in his book for sale.
When doing some of these silly antics with members of law enforcement, people loved it and wanted to know where they can get some of the items shown. No, I don't get a commission from Bruce; but he is a good friend and my mentor on con games and carnival game fraud.
One caution however; be careful when doing some of these routines in front of children. A flaming wallet is eye catching but some kids, like some adults, have tried to put their hand in the flame thinking it was not real. Boy that burns me up when they do this. Ok, no more dumb jokes.
Seriously, be careful when doing things of this nature. In today's society you could be the target of a lawsuit for stupidity on the part of others. And some people, not smart enough to get out of jury duty, could favor the plaintiff in court. Seems there are all types of scams now a days.
Don't worry guys you won't be called a sissy using puppets in your presentations; carrying a gun keeps that from happening. How many other law enforcement officers do you know carrying a large doll around and putting their hand up the doll's butt to control it? Makes you feel like a proctologist at times.
If this makes you somewhat uncomfortable, think how you will feel trying to make the puppet animated and speak without moving your lips. Practice is the key to this art. You do not have to be a veteran ventriloquist to perform with puppets.
You can choose to have a full body puppet that sits on your lap, with you in full view of the people, or you can hide behind a curtain with a half puppet and do your act. There are many different areas for this field that should be explored. Seeing the vast fields available helps to make an informed choice.
My good friend, Chris Manos, has a book out on using dialogue with puppets. The name of his book is Puppet and Vent Dialogue for Drug and Alcohol Prevention Presentations. Chris has some wonderful routines in this book that will help you get started. Best of all, they are scripted, so you can memorize it.
Chris is a law enforcement deputy in Colorado and has written this book as well as Using Magic in Drug and Alcohol Prevention Presentations and Using Magic in Child Safety Presentations. You may have already guessed that Chris is also a magician.
There is a group of other law enforcement and civilian personnel who use magic in safety presentations. The acronym known as SMILE stands for Safety Magic in Law Enforcement. Involving yourself with a support group such as this one and others can help you along the way. Combining some routines with the puppet will enhance your presentation.
Practice is important in front of a mirror. You see what the audience sees. Having yourself videotaped doing a routine can show areas needing improvement, strong and weak points, and your control of the puppet.
One caution you should always remember is this; never leave the puppet sitting there doing nothing. It could look as if the puppet is dead. You want to make it look as real as possible, so move it around a bit by having it look at different members in the audience while you talk. This gives it some life and looks as if it is alive.
There are many different types of puppets on the market. The ones I have were custom made by The Puppet Hut in Vidalia, Georgia. They are high quality, your hands don't perspire as much, and they are easier to operate than some of the others on the market. Contact Allen McCall for info on this.
You need to decide if you want a puppet to look human or as some other type of character, such as a dog, cat, pig, etc. Working this way helps you develop the puppet into a clone of your persona. After all, you will be the life force that makes it come alive.
After obtaining a puppet, think of the attire you want it to wear. Many choices here as you could use your departmental uniform (as I did with my pig puppet) or other clothes that make a statement as to who this character is and what it represents.
Once this is done, consider some type of voice that is comfortable for you and is likened to the appearance of the puppet. If you have a rough looking macho type puppet, using a squeaky voice is not in line with the character; unless your puppet resembles Mike Tyson. You should fashion the puppet to give it an identity and go easy on your voice.
There are many good books and videos you can obtain to practice control, routines and timing with the puppet. I used the McGruff puppet video when first starting out. This teaches you timing and makes you aware of the puppet so it won't appear lifeless.
You might want to invest in a sound system. The reason is simple. Some locations may not have one available, which means you will have to raise your voice with the puppet for all to hear. This can be hard on your vocal cords and strain your voice. A sound system helps your voice carry without any strain. Also, hiding behind a microphone conceals any movement of your lips while speaking as the puppet.
Another concern is carrying your puppet from venue to venue. Do you place it in a plastic garbage bag, a suitcase or throw it over your shoulder? Having a carrying case just for the puppet makes it special. You can decorate it to fit the character and theme to be used. It should also provide protection for the puppet while inside the case. This allows the puppet to appear for the presentation and stay out of sight when finished.
My good friend, Cliff Patton, has some great routines with different puppets he uses in his act. Watching his routines has been helpful in developing mine. Jokes he would make with his puppets were an added feature. I developed several jokes for each of my puppets character. Jokes should fit the character of the puppet or you can lose the audience.
On a personal note, while training school resource officers, I had Cliff come in and demonstrate some of his routines and style for that segment. Cliff made sport of the fact that I was writing down some of his routines so I could use them with my puppets. Hell, he stole them from others; so why shouldn't I?
Be careful not to let people touch the puppet. After a while, oil, dirt and other stain-making residue can change the appearance of the puppet. The once colorful area is now dull looking due to the residue from many hands.
One item I always mention to the sponsoring host is to make an announcement about not touching the puppet unless given permission. On rare occasions, I allow a special child to hug the puppet or have the puppet give them a kiss on the cheek.
Another important note is not to let anyone pull on the puppets appendages as it could tear off. Children are especially fond of touching and wanting to hold the puppet. If you become distracted, and pay little attention to the puppet, you might find a child coming up wanting to hold the puppet. Instead of asking you, they may just pull on the legs or arms to get it away from you.
No matter how serious your topic may be, allow for some comedy. Interact with the audience members and play the patsy if need be. I always let the puppet upstage me. Sometimes you wonder who the dummy really is. Making fun of yourself and cutting up with the puppet makes for a more enjoyable show.
If you have witnessed some of the stuff I do, you would never believe a grown man would act like this. Did I mention I was animated, unconventual and unorthodox in my style of presentations? Then there should be no surprises when seeing me perform. Of course, my style of presentation has taken years to perfect.
These are just some highlights to start you off in this direction. Consider checking out videos of ventriloquist's acts to study the different styles of delivery, timing, control of the puppet, etc.
Go to your local library to check out books on this subject. Using these resources can make a big difference in your style of presentation. Always strive to be original. Using ideas and style from others, you can take a little of what they have, combine it with your personality and it will come off as your own.
In the next section, different routines will be shown for the various topics. With both puppets and magic, practice is the key to perfection. Taking what you have learned, applying the principles and objectives with practical application will enhance your presentations.
PART II
THE ROUTINES
Please note that you must know the actual workings of the trick and the original routine before changing to the police magic routine. The routines are shown in generic style. You can add your own personality, patter and style to the presentations. The title of the trick is the name given to the prop for sales purposes unless otherwise indicated.
CON GAMES
CARNIVAL GAME FRAUD
GOOD CITIZENSHIP
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
HOME SECURITY
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
JAIL
REHABILITATION
SELF-ESTEEM
PEER PRESSURE
ATTITUDES
SAFETY
Note: Always set the props up per instructions prior to presentations.
Magical effect shown: Three blank cards and one Ace are shown. After some by play where the volunteer cannot find the Ace, magi shows that there are really three Aces and only one blank card.
Message shown: How con games are always controlled by the con artist.
Explain that a con game is a specialized kind of cheating and is always controlled by the con artist(s). Once you get the feel for this, you can add your own patter throughout the routine. Ask one or two persons in the audience to stay seated, but choose which card is the Ace.
Go through the routine shown in the instructions. When you get to the last part, where you will show a blank card and three aces, explain that nothing is as it seems with con games. Many thought there were only one key card and three blanks. Now, pick up the blank and show to the audience. Then show the three aces in your hand.
Close by saying that all con games are well rehearsed scripts that has each con artist knowing their part in the play, thus controlling the outcome. The victim, thinking they will profit from the scheme, feels assured they are in control and cannot lose. Little do they know that many schemes use this modus operandi to get the victim involved as part of the play until the moment they realize they had no control over the outcome?
Magical effect shown: Magi show's a silver half dollar and a gold coin which is placed in volunteer's hand. The volunteer puts hands behind back and places one coin in each of their hands. Magi divines which hand holds the silver coin every time until both hands are opened to show the half dollar and a quarter. Gold coin appears with someone in audience.
Message shown: How easily victims lose money on the oldest con game around, the Pigeon Drop.
Explain the pigeon drop scenario to the audience.
Explain that the gold coin is the victim's money; the silver coin is the found money. Ask for a volunteer to assist.
Go through the routines as per the instructions until you get to the part where they have a half dollar in one hand and a quarter in the other.
Show the quarter and explain that this represents the shredded up paper that resembled the paper money and the half dollar may be a few dollars covering the top of the shredded up paper.
Ask them if they know where the victim's money (gold coin) went? Produce the gold coin from your pocket or from someone in the audience.
Note: You may want to use a secret assistant with this as the chance of loading the gold coin in an unsuspecting assistant's purse or pocket could cause problems for you. On a couple of occasions, the unsuspecting assistant got up to use the restroom and walked out with the gold coin. It is suggested that someone in the audience have the coin as it makes the effect and message greater.
(this is not an item for sale. You only need a deck of cards to do this)
Magical effect shown: After demonstrating a few magic tricks to establish yourself as a magician, Magi takes a card tears it up and puts the torn pieces in volunteer's hand. Audience members believe that the card will be restored when volunteer opens their hand. Card remains torn, not restored.
Message shown: Many who rely on fortune tellers, psychics or fraudulent faith healers to cure ailments or diseases find that they were taken in by trickery as the so called healer does not possess the power to do any healing.
Note: Reserve this routine until last as you want to establish yourself with the other magic first. Thanks to Bob Steiner who showed me this routine.
Have someone from the audience come up to assist you. Let them choose a card from a deck of cards you hand them. Show the chosen card to all in the audience.
Take the card and begin to tear it apart into little pieces. While doing this, explain that the card represents a person and the torn pieces represent the ailment or disease a person has. You, as the healer, will take it away and restore the person to good health as they have seen your power earlier (by the magic routines you did).
Put the torn pieces into the hand of the volunteer and have them close it. Turn their closed hand palm down to prevent them from opening it until you are ready.
Explain how many get taken in by these so called healers, whether they go under the title of Fortune Teller, Faith Healer or Psychic.
Have volunteer turn closed hand over (palm up) and open it. Show the many torn pieces still in their hand. At this point, many will say that they thought you would restore the torn pieces.
Explain they thought that because of the demonstrations they saw earlier. In other words, they thought you had the power. Explain that many of the aforementioned people use magic to make people believe they have certain powers. Let them know that they were either taken in by con artists who knew they were scamming the victim or those who really thought they had the power. Either way, both kinds can hurt the victim's finances and/or health.
Magical effect shown: A glass is shown to the audience. Magi fills it with water and then pours it out. A silk is placed on top of the glass and a couple of coins are placed on top of the silk. The silk and coins are pushed to the bottom of the glass where the Magi pulls them out of the solid glass.
Message shown: Deals that sound too good to be true are just that, too good to be true. In other words, victims are wiped out on deals that are not solid.
Bring out the gimmicked glass and explain how many con games seem to be a solid deal, but in reality, it is not. Pour water into the glass. Explain that solid deals hold water; con games do not. Pour water out.
As you take a cloth to dry out the inside, explain that con games will do nothing but wipe you out. Put a silk over the top of the glass and say that con games do not tell you the whole truth in a matter. Truth is hidden from you.
Place a couple of coins, representing victims money, on top of silk. As the weight of the coins bring the silk to the bottom of the glass, explain that getting involved in any scam will not fulfill their expectations.
When the silk and coins are at the bottom of the glass, grab it through the slot and pull out quickly as you explain that getting involved in any fraudulent scheme will wipe them out, "Quick as a Wink".
Magical effect shown: Magi attempts to divine volunteer's chosen card by naming suit and number after mathematics and manipulation tactics are applied. Audience thinks Magi missed the mark only to be surprised at the end. Magi can have volunteer use a card or large die for this effect. A jumbo 3 ½ of Clubs is good for this one.
Message shown: Shows how con artists manipulate victims and how the impossible is made possible in a scam.
Have a volunteer come up to assist. Place the 3 ½ of Clubs face down on table in plain view of audience. You can use any method to achieve the end effect. A deck of cards or a large die can be used.
If using cards, force the 7 of Clubs on the volunteer. Then ask them if they have a red card. They will say no. Then you say it is a black card. Ask if it is spades. They will say no. Then say it is clubs. Tell the volunteer to divide the card in half and you will show that the card on the table matches their answer.
When they say 3 ½ or 3.5, you repeat, (looking surprised) 3 ½ of Clubs. Mention that they want you to make the impossible possible. Tell them that in a con game, this is achieved. Show the card as the 3 ½ of Clubs.
If using the die, have volunteer choose any number and show it to you. Say they choose a five. Point to the opposite end (bottom) and tell them to add this number to the five, in their head. The result will be a 7, but the audience thinks Magi does not know the bottom number, which will be a 2.
If using the die, tell them that cards have two colors; red and black. Ask them to name a color. If they say black, say "you are good". If they say red, then ask what color is left. They will say black. Using the black color, mention that there are two suits in black; spades and clubs. Ask them to name one of those. If they say spades, ask which that leaves. They will say clubs. Compliment them on knowing their cards. You have now used magician's choice to manipulate them to say clubs.
Tell them that you now want them to divide the chosen number in half. When they have done this in their head, ask them to tell all the number. They will say 3 ½. Repeat in a surprised tone, "3 ½ of Clubs". Mentioning that they want you to make the impossible possible, tell them that this can be done with con games. Pick up the 3 ½ of Clubs card and show it to the audience.
THUMB TIP, BILL & CIGARETTE IN JACKET
(you will need a thumb tip for this routine)
Magical effect shown: Magi takes a large denomination bill from volunteer and makes it vanish. He can make it appear in any manner, be it someone's jacket, hat or scarf. After producing signed bill, Magi attempts to put a lit cigarette out in another volunteer's jacket, hat or scarf. Cigarette vanishes.
Message shown: What can happen to a victim's money when they are involved in a con game.
Have a volunteer come up to assist. Ask them to hand you the largest denomination bill they have. Have them sign their name or mark some distinguishing sign on it to recognize it as theirs.
Take the bill and fold it in quarters. Slip the thumb tip off and place the bill into it. Put thumb tip back on. Explain that anyone getting mixed up with any con game will lose money on it.
Show your hands empty. Ask volunteer if they want to hold on to their money. When they affirm this, you can do any style of production of the bill you choose. I use a jacket or hat to produce the bill. Here is the routine with a jacket.
Ask for another volunteer to offer a jacket, hat or scarf to you. After showing it empty, ask the volunteer to point to any place on the jacket. Make an indention and leave the thumb tip hidden inside it. Remove the bill from the jacket and ask volunteer to open it up. Continue to hold the jacket in that position for the next segment.
After they look at the bill and exclaim it is the one they signed, ask for a cigarette. Light it up and start to flick ashes in the jacket where the thumb tip is located. Tell the audience that being involved in any con game can burn them and their finances.
Place the cigarette into the thumb tip in the jacket and let it stand there smoking as you explain that using common sense and thinking about a deal before jumping into it will save you from being burned by the scam artists.
Push the cigarette further into the tip and crush out the hot end. Make sure the cigarette is out before placing your thumb into the tip. Use all fingers to pretend to snuff out the cigarette. Place your thumb in the jacket and retrieve the tip. Pull it out, open the jacket and show the cigarette has vanished.
Mention that thinking about and checking out some deal before rushing into it will not only save them money, but keep them from being burned by the scheme.
Magical effect shown: Magi shows a wallet with real money inside. After closing wallet, Magi opens it up and produces fire coming from inside wallet. Magi closes wallet and opens it to show money still intact.
Message shown: How easy it is to lose money with scams.
Show the fire wallet's side with money in it. Close the wallet and explain that people lose untold amounts of money to rip offs, flim-flam and other deceptive practices.
Open wallet, facing you, and ignite wick that is saturated with lighter fluid. Let the flame burn for a few seconds as you explain that the victim's money just goes up in flames when involved in any fraudulent and deceptive practices.
Close the wallet and tell the audience to save their money. Flip the wallet over and open to show money still inside. Remind them not to spend money foolishly on just anything that sounds good. Check it out first and take time to think it through before acting upon it.
These should give you some idea of the possibilities for more routines on issues dealing with con games. Look at the effect of the trick and think of the message that can be demonstrated. Damon Runyon once said; One day you will meet a man, who will show you a brand new deck of cards, on which the seal is never broken. This man will offer to bet you that the Jack of Spades will jump out of the deck and squirt cider in your ear. Do not bet him, for as sure as you do, you will get an earful of cider. Tell them to keep their ears dry.
Magical effect shown: Magi produces four different color lollipops from a paper bag, puts one in his pocket and makes the others disappear, only to have volunteer reach inside bag and produce a gross surprise.
Message shown: Lollipops representing the good prizes are not always easily winnable. In many cases, patron only wins some small, shitty prize.
Show a paper bag to the audience and tell them inside are four different color lollipops that represent the good prizes at carnival games. Reach in and take one at a time out, showing the color, putting it back in the bag and keeping the last one shown. Put this one in your pocket, out of view of the audience.
Tell audience that you need a volunteer to assist you in playing a carnival game. At this point, you can actually have volunteer attempt a game such as darts or tossing a ring around a peg. When they win, and think they are getting a good prize, have them reach in the bag and pull out the fake plastic poop.
Explain that many games show good prizes, but to win them, you have to attempt and win several games to trade up to the grand prize. Let them know that there are also games that won't even allow trade ups as the odds are so astronomical that the patron cannot win.
Magical effect shown: Magi places a large die into a hat and shows a box having two doors and a wooden partition dividing each side. Die is taken out of hat and placed into one side of box. Box is tilted to different sides causing audience members to think the large die is in the side tilted down. After some by play, Magi opens both doors to show die has vanished.
Message shown: Flat games such as Point Conversion games that have prizes such as televisions, stereos or camcorders (represented as the large die) are out of players reach. The only time they are taken down is to dust them off or pack up for the move to another venue.
Show the box with large die in one side. Take die & die shell out and place in a hat which keeps it out of view of audience. Show box to have two sides and a wooden partition in the middle separating the sides. Take die shell out and place into box, being careful to show only the full back, sides and bottom.
With the shell resting inside, the part that will be shown to the audience, when door is opened, is flush with the inside showing it to be empty. Close the door, turn the front of the box toward the audience and ask which side has the die.
When they answer, tilt the box to one side. They should hear a sound as if the die is sliding to the other side. Open the door that is tilted upward to show it empty. Repeat this as many times as you want, but not so much that it bores them.
Tell the audience about the Flat games that are on the midway and ask if they think they can win a TV, stereo or camcorder? Let them know the die represents these prizes.
When finished, open both doors to show the box empty. Have a volunteer come up and produce the large die from inside the hat. Explain that the only time these prizes are taken off the shelves is to be dusted or packed away for the move to a new location.
Magical effect shown: Magi will attempt to read a volunteers mind to ascertain the correct answer thought of by the volunteer.
Message shown: To make sure that the Fool the Guesser game gets 100% profit, without using a shill, they cheat by using a magic prop to correctly guess the age, month of birth or weight of the patron.
Secretly place the thumb or nail writer on your thumb. Have a small pad and pencil in your hand. Choose a volunteer and ask them to think of a number, a name or a date that is significant to them, but do not reveal it as of yet.
As the volunteer does this, pretend to write the answer down on the pad and keep it from the view of audience members. Put the pad in the hand having the thumb or nail writer.
Ask the volunteer to tell you the name, date or number thought of. When they do, secretly write the answer down on the pad with the thumb that has the writer on it.
Ask if anyone thinks that you will match or come close to the answer given by the volunteer? Solicit responses from audience members. When finished, tear off the paper and hand it to someone other than the volunteer to attest that you wrote the correct answer given by the volunteer. Keep writer from view of people.
Explain that those working this type game may use a device that magicians use to cheat the player so they get a 100% profit. Worked honestly, you pay a couple of bucks for the guesser to ascertain your weight, birth month or age. If they are within the set limit shown, they win and keep your two bucks. If they lose, you get a prize worth 50 cents and they keep you two bucks. Either way, they win.
Magical effect shown: Magi shows a black in color sponge ball which is placed into his hand. Upon opening his hand, the ball has changed into a red in color sponge cube.
Message shown: Games that are altered to give player little or no chance of winning block out any hope of player successfully accomplishing the feat.
Show a black in color sponge ball and explain when people go to a carnival and play the games they have an expectation of winning if they have a good amount of skill. Tell the audience that some people go to the carnival to have a ball and forget about any problems they have during the time spent on the midway.
Push the black in color sponge ball into your other hand that secretly hides the inverted red in color sponge cube. The black in color sponge ball will go into the inverted red in color sponge cube. As you push it in, invert the cube, in your hand, to bring the outside showing, thus leaving the black sponge ball hidden inside. Do not open hand as of yet.
Mention that some games give little or no opportunity for a player to win. These are known as altered or Flat games. When encountering such a game, the player loses a lot of money and adds more problems to their life. Tell the audience that entertainment should not be a burden to a person, but a blessing where they can forget about other things for a while and enjoy time spent away from their problems.
Let them know that when they have been cheated, it can BLOCK OUT the enjoyment a person should have had. At this time, open your hand to show the red in color cube in the place of the black in color sponge ball.
Close by adding that knowledge of how some games work and the method of cheating used can help a person avoid this type of incident.
ACTUAL CROOKED GAMES PLAYED
For the next segment, you can purchase these items from Bruce Walstad to show some of the actual games played on the midway from yesteryear or make up some yourself. Some items may not be available.
Ask Bruce if he has any other items that are not mentioned here. Have fun, but remember not to take anyone for money as it would be theft by deception.
The following are some items you can make to demonstrate to the audience.
Bottle Up: Take a clean coke or beer bottle and place it on a level platform. Using a dowel stick that has a string running from the stick to a ring at the bottom, have volunteer attempt to lift bottle and stand it up. After they attempt it, show how the bottle has a heavy side and a light side. With the heavy side up, the weight will cause bottle to roll off platform, thus making it a fraudulent game. With the heavy side down, player has opportunity to win.
Counter Balance: Using one small block of wood, place a nail in the middle. Show ten other nails and ask if anyone can balance ten nails on the head of the one nail sticking up? Most carpenters can do this, but the majority of people do not know the secret. Explain that knowledge of some of the games and how they are played can help a patron to decide if they have the skill needed to attempt it.
This is only on those legitimate skill games as many do require practice to win. After letting someone attempt to balance ten nails on the head of one, show them how it is done.
Take one nail and lay it flat on the table. Place one nail on one side, with the head resting on the nail you laid down first. Do the same on the other side and continue until you have one nail left. Invert this nail so the head is facing the pointy end of the first nail you first laid on the table. Carefully lift the nails and gently place the center of balance on the top of the nail stuck in the wood.
Explain that knowledge of how something is done will guide a person in their decision making process so they can make a responsible choice on the midway.
Fire Wallet: A.J. Olson (themagician.tv.com) mentioned a routine with this to show what can happen if pickpockets clip you. As this is a comedy routine, you can pull the wallet out of your pocket, open it to show the money and mention if a pickpocket does lift the wallet from you (close the wallet and open on the fire side & ignite), this could be the consequences they encounter when opening the wallet.
Bruce may have this item in stock for sale.
As you learn about carnival games, you can make more of the easier ones to demonstrate during a lecture. One such demo can be two hollow plastic balls. Fill one with cotton and leave the other like it is. This shows how the ball with the cotton rebounds short, but the unaltered ball rebounds long.
Use it with an angled board and a basket underneath where the player tosses the ball at the board and attempts to have it land in the basket. The ball with cotton is switched in the basket and the player gets the unaltered ball, which makes the second attempt a loser.
There are many more items you can make for demonstration purposes. Just look at some of the games and build them yourself.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP**COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HOME SECURITY
Magical Effect Shown: Two silks, of the same color, are tied together and tucked in a volunteer's pants or shirt. A single, different color, silk is vanished. When Magi pulls the tied silks from the volunteer, the vanished silk reappears tied between the two same color silks.
Message Shown: The one different color silk represents a criminal. The two same color silks represent the police. The volunteer represents a good citizen who can be the eyes and ears of the community and report suspicious acts to the police. The police, using the information from the good citizen, apprehend the criminal.
Note: You will need a device to vanish the silk, such as a devil's handkerchief or a change bag.
Bring out a single silk and mention that this represents the criminal element. Tell the audience that criminals don't like good citizens witnessing their activities, so they try to be sneaky about breaking into homes, cars and businesses. Mention that not being involved and reporting suspicious activity makes the situation reactive for the police; which is after the fact.
Vanish the single silk as you say this and remind them that the criminal could have been apprehended had someone gotten involved when first witnessing this act. Take the two same color silks and mention that these are the police officers. Tie the two silks together and place the tied ends in the top of the volunteer's shirt or pants.
Explain that their being involved as the eyes and ears of the community helps the police do their job. Remind them that they know what is suspicious in their area as they live there. What seems out of place to them may not appear out of place to the officer, so we rely on their assistance when criminal activity is afoot.
Go over to the volunteer, grab the end of one of the tied silks and explain that good citizenship is looking out for others and helping law enforcement catch the criminals. At this point, yank the silks away from the volunteer so the single, different colored silk appears tied between the two same color silks.
Hold these up and tell the audience that their assistance is vital in helping police keep their area safe.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows one piece of rope, untied, and gives it to volunteer. He does the same with another piece of rope. Magi takes a rope for himself and advises the volunteers to tie a square knot in the rope, which closes the rope in a circle. Magi then takes the tied ropes and links them together.
Message Shown: Being involved and community oriented creates a bond of police, residents and businesses working together to make their area safe.
Have two volunteers come up and give each a single piece of rope. You take the gimmicked rope and ask them to tie a square knot in their rope. While you and the volunteers do this, explain that people sometimes get wrapped up in their own world which causes them to be oblivious to what is happening around them.
Take one of the volunteers rope and explain that not being alert and getting involved in the community will do nothing except separate us from others. As you do this, bring both ropes together and drop the volunteers rope to the floor as you mention that some communities have fallen by the wayside due to lack of interest of residents and businesses. Pick it up and explain that we all need to be involved in the community in some way. As you say this, link the two ropes together and show them interlinked. This symbolizes us working together, rather than apart.
Take the other volunteers rope and mention that the more people involved, the better the community as there is strength in numbers. Link the rope to the other two and show all three linked together as you mention that a well informed community with active member's links us all together to work for the good of the area.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi makes a silk vanish, only to reappear in a volunteer's jacket. He then lights a cigarette and attempts to put it out in the jacket. He shows that the cigarette had vanished.
Message Shown: Shows how the Neighborhood Watch programs keep a neighborhood safer.
Note: You will need a thumb tip, silk, cigarette and a volunteer with a jacket for this one.
Explain the premise of the Neighborhood Watch program and how neighbors help neighbors. Ask for a volunteer to assist. Make sure he/she has some type of jacket on as this is essential for this trick.
Have thumb tip on thumb and the small silk in that hand, which covers the thumb. Show the silk and explain that this can represent their valuables. Place thumb tip in other hand and push silk down into thumb tip as you explain that neighbors who don't communicate with each other or look out for one another stand to be victimized by burglaries.
Retrieve the thumb tip on the same thumb as before. As you do this, state that losing valuables makes a person feel violated, and sometimes items they lose cannot be replaced. As you say this, open your hand to show it empty. Tell them neighborhoods that are active and communicate with one another stand a better chance of keeping their homes safe.
Have volunteer remove their jacket and give to you. You hold it showing the inside area and ask volunteer to point to any place on it. After they mark the location, stick your thumb there and push down, leaving the thumb tip inside. Tell them that Neighborhood Watch programs have been successful, only if the people make it that way.
Pull the silk out of the jacket but leave the thumb tip there. Explain that watchful neighbors help the police in their investigation to catch the criminal and recover property.
Light a cigarette and place it inside the thumb tip already in the jacket. Explain that those who do not involve themselves with crime prevention matters may have their valuables disappear like smoke. Push the cigarette into the thumb tip and crush it, making sure it is out before sticking your thumb in it. Retrieve thumb tip.
As you do this, explain that people using this program, or being involved, active neighbors, can crush crime before it burns them. Open jacket to show it empty.
Magical Effect Shown: Same as first routine.
Message Shown: The Public Safety Exception. You will understand this one if a law enforcement officer.
Props Needed: One handed change bag, plastic gun and the 20th Century silks.
Explain the Public Safety Exception and how law enforcement can question suspects, for the safety of the public, without violating suspect's constitutional rights. If need be, go into detail about this case and how it came about. Tie the blue silks together and tuck in volunteer's pants. Explain these silks represent the police.
Take the plastic gun, put it in the one handed change bag and vanish it. Show the bag empty. Now take the single silk of a different color and put it in bag explaining that the suspect tried to escape. When you vanish the silk, the gun will reappear inside bag. Do not show to audience yet. Hold bag in one hand while doing the next segment.
Pull the silks from volunteer's pants to show the two blue silks having the duplicate single colored silk tied between them. Explain that when the suspect was apprehended, he was questioned on the location of the gun.
Pull the gun from the bag and show bag empty. Explain this is how the Public Safety Exception came about.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows a box with a large die in it. He takes die out, places it in a hat, and shows the box to the audience. Magi reaches into hat and places die in box. After closing the doors, Magi tilts box and asks the location of the die. Each time a door is opened, it reveals the side empty and each time box is tilted, they hear a sliding sound as if the die went to the lowest portion of the box. After a few times doing this, Magi opens both doors to reveal it empty and reaches into hat to show die has reappeared in hat.
Message Shown: Home security is a must now a day.
Talk to the audience about crimes of opportunity and how being careless with home security can make them victims. Show the box, open the doors and show the die inside. Take die & shell out, place in hat and show the box to the audience.
Explain that the box represents their home. The die represents their valuables. Reach in and take the die shell out and place in the box, leaving the full die in the hat. Mention locking up valuables and not leaving doors or windows unlocked or houses unattended.
Tilt the box so they hear the sliding sound and ask where the die is located. If they point to the bottom part, tilt the box again before opening that door. If they point to the upward part, open that door. Either way, they will see it empty. Continue this for a few times as you give tips on not leaving boxes out in the front showing televisions, stereos or other expensive.
Open both doors to show both sides empty. Tell the audience members that practicing good home security measures allows them to safeguard their valuables. Not being concerned about these measures can make them lose valuables. As you say that, reach into the hat and pull out the large die.
You can end by giving some pointers on measures that they can take, but never recommend any brand alarm system as a representative of your agency. If something were to go wrong with it, they would call you instead of the company.
Magical Effect Shown: Water, that is free flowing and clear becomes cloudy and solidifies after pouring a white powder into it. Magi pulls out 15 feet of colored plastic coil from the slush.
Message Shown: Water representing your brain shows clear thinking when drug free. Putting drugs into your body clouds up your reasoning and common sense. Mouth coil represents living a longer life staying free from illegal drugs.
Show a glass of clear water and mention that this represents your brain. Tell them that being drug free allows you clear thinking and reasoning. Putting drugs in your body can cause you cloudy thinking and making the wrong choices that may kill you.
Show a plastic bag with white powder in it and tell them that this represents any type drug. Pour the amount of powder needed into the glass of water and mix it by moving the glass in a circle with your hand. When the powder has caused the water to solidify, show the inside of the glass and take a scoop out with your hand to show the mush your brain could become.
Put the glass on a table and proceed to wipe your hand off with a towel. As you put the towel back, secretly palm a mouth coil in your hand. As you reach for the glass, put your fingers inside the glass leaving the coil in the mushy stuff. Make sure you use plastic mouth coils as paper will tear when wet.
With you fingers still in the glass, tell the audience that staying drug free will allow you a longer and better life. As you say this, start to pull the colorful stream of the coil out until all has been removed. Mention that as this has many different colors, your life can have many different opportunities when you are drug free. Tear off the part that was the outside wrap and give the colored stream of coil to a person in the audience.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi is cuffed by the wrists with shackles or his thumbs are secured in thumb cuffs. He escapes from the restraints and gets back into them. He then escapes from them altogether.
Message Shown: When a person is addicted to drugs, be it illegal or prescribed medication, the drug becomes their master, leaving them with no life of their own.
Using either the thumb cuffs or shackles on this, bring one of them out to show to the audience. Have someone place the shackles or thumb cuffs on you. Enlist another person to assist the first volunteer by holding a cloth in front of you, hiding your hands.
Explain that using any drug to the point of being addicted to it makes the drug your master. Show yourself in restraints and ask if they could do anything if restrained such as this?
Let them know that they could not swim, play ball, or conduct business if bound by drug addiction. Tell them that those who are addicted live for the drug. That is, they think about it, how to get it, when and where they can use it and think about nothing else.
This makes them a drug addict as they are slaves to the drug. Put your hands behind the cloth and have one hand escape. Bring the free hand out so the audience can see it by pretending to wipe your forehead or moving the cloth up a bit. Put your hand back behind the cloth and get back in the restraints.
Someone should say something about your hand being free for the moment. Tell them that what they saw was an illusion. The same illusion many think is reality when they take the drug. That is, they feel free from their problems. Remind them that problems don't disappear on their own; a person must work on solving them and drugs are not the answer.
Show yourself still bound and remind them to say NO to any offers of drugs. Put your hands behind the cloth once again, release both hands from the restraints and bring them out to show the audience you are free. Mention that being your own master in life is better than having the drug as your master.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows a single blue colored rope and has volunteer place it in a bag. Volunteer then reaches back inside bag and brings out a red in color rope tied together & in three different size pieces. Magi shows the bag empty, unties rope, shows the three different sizes, rolls it up and gives it to volunteer who places them in the bag. Volunteer takes out the rope and shows it as one single, blue in color rope. Magi again shows the bag to be empty.
Message Shown: The blue in color rope represents a person drug free. The bag represents the world of drugs. When entering this world, the drugs change the way we think, look, feel and act. The red ropes represent how drugs can change our appearance, tear apart our lives, the different people it can affect and the red color is significant of danger. To stay a whole person; that is a drug free person, make the right choice in life now instead of having your life torn apart by drug use.
Note: you should use a one handed change bag for this routine, one piece of a 30 inch blue in color rope, a red in color rope the same length and cut into three different size pieces having one long, one medium and one short. After tying these red ropes together, place them in the secret fold of the bag. Have the blue rope in the other side where it can be seen.
Show the blue in color rope and mention that this represents a whole person; one who is free of drugs or any other substance that impairs their health. Have a volunteer come up to assist. Have them check the blue rope to see that it is one solid piece and then have them place it inside the bag.
Mention that the bag, at this time, is the world of drugs and anyone entering this world will act, feel, look and think differently than before. Have volunteer reach in bag and produce the red in color ropes tied together. Show the bag empty.
Untie the red ropes and say that drugs change the way we look, feel, act and think. As you show the three different size red ropes, explain that it makes no difference who we are, how much money we have, who we know or our status in life, drugs can affect anyone getting involved with it as it tears our lives and the lives or our loved ones apart.
Roll the red ropes up and hand to volunteer and have them place it back in the bag. Explain that we can avoid such a life by staying drug free. Have volunteer reach into bag and pull out the single piece blue in color rope. You show the bag empty as you explain that we all should be the whole person we are meant to be.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows a board with one dot on it. He turns it over to show four dots on it. He turns it over again to show three dots on it and then turns it over again to show six dots on it. He then shows the secret to it by showing how his hand hid certain dots and gave the impression there were other dots there when, in reality, there were none. As he turns it over again to further explain, the audience sees one side with six dots actually showing. When he turns it over again, they see three dots actually showing. When he turns it over for the last time, there are eight dots actually showing.
Message Shown: Using hallucinates like PCP or LSD can make you flip out.
Bring out the board and explain that mind altering drugs can make a person see things that are not really there and not see things that are really there. Go through the routine with the board as per the instructions shown in the trick by showing one dot, four dots, three dots and six dots, while your hand covers certain portions of the board.
As you do this, explain that someone who is not on this type of drug will see things as they really are. Show them the secret by letting them see that there are only two dots on one side and five dots on the other. Show how your hand covers different areas to give the illusion that they see one, four, three and six dots.
Explain that someone on PCP or LSD would see things that are not really there. With the side showing the five dots facing the audience, and the two dots facing you, slide one of the dots off to make it three. As you turn the board over to show the audience the other side, tell them if they were on a hallucinogenic drug, they would actually see three dots. While this is facing them, slide one dot off to give the end facing you six dots showing.
Turn the board over showing the six dots and repeat if they were on LSD or PCP, they would really see six dots. Turn the board over and slide the other two dots off to make it eight dots showing. Tell them that those who have experimented with these type drugs have really flipped out as you turn the board over one last time to reveal eight dots showing.
JAIL** REHABILITATION**SELF-ESTEEM**ATTITUDES**PEER PRESSURE
Magical Effect Shown: Magi makes a silk vanish. He brings out a clear fully inflated balloon. He makes the vanished silk appear in the tied up fully inflated balloon and then pulls the silk out of the balloons bottom end without breaking the balloon.
Message Shown: The consequences of breaking the law and having to be locked up.
Note: you will need a sponge cube that can be inverted to hold the silk you vanish.
Have the sponge cube hidden in your hand that holds the silk. Show a silk and tell the audience that this represents a person. Explain that when we break the law, and it is serious enough that we can lose our freedom by being taken from society, we are not allowed the freedom that a law abiding person can have.
Push the silk into your hand that holds the inverted sponge cube. When all the silk is in it, invert the cube to show the outside, leaving the silk hidden inside. When this is done, open your hand, making sure you hide the side that has the opening in the cube from the audience, and show the cube in your hand. Explain that those who break the law tend to block out opportunities for themselves as no one can trust a person who does not obey the law.
Bring out the tied, fully inflated balloon and tell them that this represents a jail cell. Tell them that a person who is arrested is booked, fingerprinted, photographed and put in a small cell for the remainder of the time they have to go to court. At this point release the balled up duplicate silk so it rapidly appears inside the balloon.
Show the balloon with the silk inside to the audience and say that this is not a pleasant experience and, for those who have years to live in this small cell, it can be a long and tedious life. Tell them they can avoid this by being law abiding citizens.
As you say this, start to pull the silk out of the balloon until it is completely out. Show the silk in one hand and the balloon in the other. Tell them that freedom is taken for granted until we no longer have it. It is much better to be law abiding then law breaking and having to live in a controlled environment that dictates when we eat, sleep, shower, have visitors, recreate or use the phone.
One handed change bag with thumb cuffs, handcuffs and leg irons
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows bag empty, shows thumb cuffs, places it into bag and produces a regulation set of handcuffs. Magi places handcuffs in bag and produces a large set of leg irons. Bag is shown to be empty.
Message Shown: Children starting off doing crimes such as shoplifting small items will continue on the path of breaking the law until they work their way up to the bigger crimes as a teen and an adult.
Show the change bag to be empty and pick up the thumb cuffs. Explain that these represent children doing crimes such as shoplifting small items from a store or even taking some property of a friend, like a toy, without permission.
Put thumb cuffs in bag and produce the regulation set of handcuffs. Explain that the cycle of breaking the law will continue into their adolescent years if they do not change. Put handcuffs back into bag and produce the large leg irons.
Explain that children who have gone through life breaking the law will continue as an adult who commits bigger crimes.
Note: You can also do this to music, without any words, and produce the restraints from the bag. When you get to the leg irons, and have shown the bag empty, place your hand into the cuff and start to rotate it around in a circle. When ready to finish, place other hand next to the one that has the leg iron on it and cause the cuff to stop rotating and start wrapping around both hands. Kneel on one knee with your head bowed when this is done. Note: Choose music that is in tune to this and is timed to go with your routine.
Magical Effect: Same as in the last routine using these props.
Message Shown: Shows how a person can change if they really want too.
Note: set up bag as was shown in last routine except use a single piece red in color rope the same size as the blue one instead of the cut up three red pieces of rope shown in the last routine.
Bring out the change bag and have a volunteer take out the blue rope. Explain that the blue rope represents a law abiding person. Have volunteer put blue rope into bag as you explain that some people, for whatever reasons, decide to break the law. Have volunteer take red rope out of bag as you show bag empty.
Tell the audience that people can change if they really want too. First, they must pay their debt to society if arrested and convicted. Have volunteer place red rope back in bag while you explain that some can be rehabilitated while others won't give it a chance.
When you have finished saying this, have volunteer reach in and pull the blue rope out as you show the bag empty. Tell them that the decision is theirs to be good or bad. Just as we decide things in our life, it is up to us to do the right thing in life so we don't have to go through a rehabilitation process.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows three different stained handkerchiefs and a box. Magi places each one into box and turns box over. Magi produces three unstained clean handkerchiefs from bottom of box. Magi then tears up box to show no other handkerchief inside.
Message Shown: People with low self esteem show a variety of different attitudes. We can help them change by the way we treat them.
Have box set up per instructions. Show three different stained handkerchiefs. Explain the problems with each one.
If you have the different color paint handkerchief, explain that this person is a colorful character who looks at life as a joke and does not take life seriously. Show the ink stained handkerchief and mention how this person was abused throughout life. You can mention that he or she was picked on and made fun of at school or physically abused. The lipstick handkerchief can represent someone who hates life and tells everyone to "kiss off" so to speak.
Place each one, individually, in the secret gimmick inside the box as you explain how attitudes affect the way we think and act. After all handkerchiefs are in box, close it and turn it upside down. Explain that some people's world is turned upside down by events that happen to them.
Tell them that some have a low self esteem and will not change. Sometimes it takes a good friend or counseling to help that person. Open up the bottom of the box as you produce, individually, three clean white handkerchiefs. Place each into a hat.
End with the thought that people can change if they really want too. Sometimes it takes us raising their self esteem and showing them the good within.
Ball to Cube & Growing Sponge ball
Magical Effect Shown: Magi pushes a sponge ball into hand. When he opens hand, a sponge cube is in its place. Magi then shows a small sponge ball that is pushed into his hand. When he opens his hand, a larger size sponge ball is in its place.
Message Shown: Shows how negative peer pressure can cause problems in our life, but positive peer pressure opens up bigger and better things for us.
Have inverted sponge cube already in hand as you show small sponge ball. Explain that those who involve themselves with negative peer pressure only cause problems for themselves and block out opportunities that could have made a difference in their lives. As you say this, push sponge ball into hand and invert the sponge cube so the ball is hidden inside. Open hand to show the sponge cube.
Put sponge cube down and pick up small, inverted sponge ball. Explain that those who involve themselves with positive peer pressure have bigger and better opportunities open up for them. Push the sponge ball into hand as you say this and invert it. Open hand to reveal a larger sponge ball.
Close by saying that peer pressure will always be with us. Which one we choose to follow will decide our lives.
Magical Effect Shown: Magi shows a large sponge ball which he folds, creases and breaks apart into two smaller sponge balls. He continues doing this until he reaches the smallest size.
Message Shown: People who refuse to follow rules or laws not only endanger themselves and others but diminish their reputation in society as well.
Note: Thanks to Magic Ian for inventing this magic trick.
Set up sponge balls per instructions. Show a large sponge ball and explain that this person refuses to obey any rules or laws that were made for his safety and the safety of others.
Fold and crease sponge ball. Explain that those who are like this not only endanger themselves, but also endanger others. As you say this, break apart the sponge balls so there are two, the same size, showing. Place one in your pocket and retrieve the next size per instructions.
As you continue diminishing the sponge balls, give examples of acts that endanger themselves and others; such as speeding in a car, driving drunk, horseplay with a firearm, etc.
When you reach the last smallest sponge ball, mention that those who disregard rules and laws also pay a penalty for their deeds. Mention that people no longer trust them or depend on them as they have shown a careless lifestyle with no regard for the safety of themselves or others.
You can end the routine as is or follow it up with the Ball to Cube and Growing Sponge Ball trick. If using this one, mention about blocking out opportunities and being a bigger person by doing what is right.
You could also end with the Thumb Tip and Silk to show that those who disregard rules and laws end up dead or in jail by making the silk vanish and not reappear.
Rotating Washer in Plastic Box
There is no magical effect shown here. Used as a gag prank, the washer is connected to rubber bands inside a plastic box. When the washer is twisted around the rubber bands, the lid is closed. When someone opens the lid, the washer rotates and unwinds very fast; causing a zip type sound that surprises the person.
You could make a sign on the front of the box that warns them not to attempt to open it. Most people, out of curiosity, will open it.
The message shown here would relate to not trying stunts that you are not prepared to do. Many children see certain movies or shows that have people doing stunts in them. Explain that these people are trained professionals and trying a stunt, without proper training, could cause the worse surprise they could receive.
Explain that hearing the washer unwind and cause a sound startled them. That was a safe surprise. Trying something they are not trained to do could cause them to receive a serious injury or worse, death.
Remind them that unsafe practices, like trying stunts they are not prepared to do, have serious, negative consequences. We are not super people; we can be injured or killed.
Magical Effect Shown: Characters head is taken off, vanished and replaced with a balloon. Magi makes balloon burst and head reappear.
Message Shown: Learn from your mistakes.
Show the character, Freddie, and mention that we all make mistakes as it is a part of life. Explain that some people do not learn from their mistakes which could have negative results.
Take the head of Freddie off the body and place into a devil's handkerchief or some device used for vanishes. Tell the audience that those who continue to make the same mistakes over and over again do not use their head. Make head vanish.
Put an inflated balloon in place of head and explain that these type people are known to be "Airheads"; that is, they do not learn from mistakes which could cause them, or others, to be hurt or worse.
Mention the quote from P.T. Barnum, Everyone is a fool for five minutes a day; wisdom comes from not exceeding the limit. Mention that this quote simply states that we should learn from our mistakes and try not to make them again.
Talk about how important staying in school and learning is for them to develop into a mature, responsible adult. Tell them that we never stop learning or trying to better ourselves.
At this point, prepare to burst the balloon as you state that we should always strive to be the best within our limitations. Tell them to use their head so they can grow up safe and be examples to others. Remind them that learning from mistakes made shows that we have a good head on our shoulders. Now, release the head on the spring and the balloon will burst. Freddie is now shown with his head on his shoulders once again.
Magical Effect Shown: Red ball is mixed up in tube and not in order it was placed. Magi takes red ball out, places it in a box and makes it disappear only to have it reappear back in tube.
Message Shown: Learning rules of the road is important for those riding bikes or driving cars.
Set up trick as per instructions and go through routine already shown.
As you do this, explain that laws for vehicles and bicycles were made for all of us in order to stay safe. Mention that many who ride bikes need to obey the same rules as those who drive cars or trucks.
Mention that one area people take a risk is at traffic lights. Those on bikes disregard the signals by going across through the red light instead of the green light.
Mention that some in vehicles will run through the yellow light instead of coming to a stop. Mention that both act as if the red light is not there at all. At this point, put red ball in box and vanish it.
Explain that traffic lights are put there for our safety and to disregard them could cause property damage, injury or death. Show red ball back in tube and remind them to follow directions given by these signals to ensure safe driving habits.
Glenn Hester has been performing and instructing Police Magic for over twenty years. He has always enjoyed learning about unusual things and being different with his style of presentations.
Hester likens himself to his idol, Houdini, who used his talents and skills to train law enforcement on the fraudulent mediums of his time period. Glenn enjoys using magic to teach lessons on a variety of subject matter such as con games and carnival game fraud. He has demonstrated how it is used in paranormal phenomenon scams by fraudulent faith healers, psychics and fortune tellers.
Combining his knowledge and talents in the fields of law enforcement and magic given him an opportunity to develop programs that have been educational, enjoyable, entertaining and exciting for audience members. His shows, lectures and seminars have been attended by many civilian and law enforcement officers/agents from local, state and federal agencies.
Glenn has been associated with many magical and law enforcement organizations; such as the Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians, World Alliance of Magicians, Fraternal Order of Police, Police Benevolent Association, Law Enforcement Alliance of America, Professionals Against Confidence Crime, National Association of Bunco Investigators, TheMagician.tv.com, PoliceOne.com and a host of other magic and police sites.
Glenn was the Magician of the Year in New York States Mid-Hudson Region in 1984-85 when he competed in a contest sponsored by Magic Ian's Magic Shop and Assembly # 147 of the Society of American Magicians. He was known as The Southern Gentleman as a magician in New York and as The Andy Griffith of Sullivan County as a deputy sheriff in the Catskill Mountains. His southern style, demeanor and mannerisms charmed many in the Northern regions.
Glenn is but five years away from retirement and hopes that his new website, www.policemagic.com, will build up a clientele to supplement his income when he reaches retirement age. Glenn has always enjoyed instructing or doing crime prevention presentations using magic and puppets. He hopes to turn the business over to his daughters and/or grandson when it is time for him to step down.
Comments about the Presentations
You should have been a teacher. Remarks from a principal of a Glynn County Elementary school.
These programs have given me and my department a positive image. Remarks from a law enforcement student who attended the Police Magic Seminar.
People gave me a standing ovation for the routine on Home Security after my magic show. Thanks Police Magician. Remarks from a magician after using the Home Security routine Glenn wrote about on TheMagician.tv.com website.
Keep up the good work in educating the public. You are a great deal of what police work is all about. Robert Steiner, past national president of the Society of American Magicians and author of "Don't Get Taken".
Combining police work and magic has cast an effective spell on Sullivan County law enforcement. Hester has found an imaginative way to reach out to today's youth. New York State Sheriffs Association magazine THE EMPIRE STATE SHERIFF, Vol. 6, No.1, 1987.
Your program incorporating law enforcement with magic is very interesting, educational and unique. Judging from the comments we have received, everyone was thoroughly entertained and enlightened. Bill Jones III, CEO of Sea Island & past president of the St. Simons Island, Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
The workshop was considered a success by both parents and children, who had a good time and learned some valuable lessons. Article in the Brunswick News on a puppet presentation about Stranger Danger given at a Karate School in Glynn County, Georgia, July 2002.
Being a police officer and magician, I personally plan to use a number of the effects in upcoming speaking situations. Bruce Walstad, Ret. Investigator Franklin Park, Illinois Police Department, magician, past president of Professionals Against Confidence Crime, co-author of "Sting-Shift", "Keeping Carnies Honest" & author of "Caution Practical Joker Ahead" & trainer of law enforcement on con games, carnival game fraud and a host of other topics.
You have given law enforcement and magicians a new perspective with programs and presentations. Remarks from a police academy director in Georgia.
Most of these resources can be found on my web site www.policemagic.com in the links page. There are over twenty different sites to visit for magic and law enforcement related themes.
For magic tricks, books and info, contact Magic Ian at www.stagetricks.com or email him at MagicIanS@aol.com.
Bruce Walstad
Lindsay Smith
This certifies that _________________________ has attended a Police Magic
Presentation on ____________ and has made a pledge to follow rules, laws and
instructions of responsible adults. Furthermore, the above named individual
will act as a role model for others by not using illegal drugs or being involved with
negative peer pressure. For receiving this certificate, the above named individual
will teach others the dangers of talking to strangers and show how to call 911 in an
emergency.
______________________________
POLICE MAGICIAN
It is the intention of the author to show you some ways you can use magic for law enforcement presentations or shows. Although this is just a few of the routines the author has developed, it is hopeful that you have gotten a taste of this type of presentation and will seek to develop your own style and routines.
Remember that the author went through many years developing and testing these routines. You may find a better way of presenting them with your personal style. Now a days some magic dealers have tricks designed for a number of educational themes such as drug and alcohol awareness, crime does not pay or home security. Check with your magic dealer about routines already made with these and other themes.
Use the Police Magic certificate to give out to children who attend or assist in your crime prevention presentations or shows. This acts as a reminder that they pledged to be good citizens and follow rules and laws. You can download the badges from my website www.policemagic.com on the mugshots page. Just click on the photo album section and feel free to use any of the items shown.
In closing, if you are a magician, law enforcement officer or both, it is the authors wish that you grow with this type of presentation as you gain experience educating the public on issues they need to learn. If you get the opportunity to attend the 24 hour course on POLICE MAGIC, please do so. Good luck in your endeavor to entertain and educate through exciting and enjoyable methods. May the true magic within shine through you.
Please take a moment to highlight, copy, paste and print this page with your thoughts on the e-book or course, if you attended. Please email this back to me at info@policemagic.com with your comments as well. Please indicate if you are critiquing the course or the e-book. Thank you in advance for your help in this.
COURSE_________ E-BOOK___________
Knowledge ___Knows his stuff
___Just enough to get by
___His puppets have a higher IQ
Part I ___Sometimes blows it out his butt
___Pretty much on target
___Sounds like he is PMS with a handgun
Part II ___Routines I can use
___Can't use this info
___Something to think about and develop my own style
Instruction ___Excellent material
___He would be great if not preoccupied with food
___Missed his calling as an actor
Performance ___Great, as long as there is money involved
___Couldn't do less if in a coma
___Performs great. Just ask his girlfriend
Reliability ___Good only near evaluation time
___Dead dogs have been more reliable
___Someone you can really count on
Personal Comments:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you,
Glenn Hester