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Conversation 253-034

TapeTape 253StartWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 6:50 PMEndWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 6:58 PMTape start time02:59:11Tape end time02:59:17ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operatorRecording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover discussed the need for an aggressive legal and investigative strategy regarding individuals apprehended for violent acts against police officers. Expressing frustration over lawlessness, the President directed the Attorney General to prioritize the collection of unlimited security information and confirmed plans for a meeting with law enforcement leaders. Nixon also signaled his intention to address a police academy as part of a broader effort to emphasize a tough stance on crime, explicitly rejecting sociological justifications for criminal behavior.

Law and OrderJ. Edgar HooverPolice brutalityCriminal justice policyInternal security
AudioNARA Description

On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:50 pm and 6:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-034 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 253-34

Date: May 26, 1971
Time: Unknown between 6:50 pm and 6:58 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with the White House operator

[See Conversation No. 3-144]
                                             33

                          NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS STAFF

                                      Tape Subject Log
                                         (rev. 9/08)
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

You're probably way ahead of me, but may I tell you that in terms of the VR situation, in this particular time, since these people are apprehended, the security information we seek is unlimited, okay?
Yes.
And you tell the attorney general that that's what I suggested to the lawyer, and you do it, okay?
Don't you agree with this?
By and by, let's get these bastards.
And we'll follow that up with the, on their recommendation, the meeting of, say, 100 cops, police, and sheriffs from around the country.
Oh, good.
Good.
Oh, you have.
That's great.
That's the way it works.
And then we'll get at this, and I'll come by the academy and give them a little pop.
Okay.
Let's get these guys.
By God.
You know, it just sickens me to see people shooting policemen in the back.
Doesn't it, you?
I mean, of course it does you, but it does me as just an ordinary citizen.
Say this.
Say this.
That's right.
The New York Times will probably write an editorial pointing out that the guy that shot him was raised in a bad neighborhood.
That's right.
That's right.
That's right.
But that isn't the reason these people are bad people.
Right?
Okay, Edgar.
Thank you very much.
Hey!
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