L.A. Dragnet Season 1 Episode 5 The Cutting of the Swath

The Cutting of the Swath is the fifth episode from the first season of L.A. Dragnet. The show follows the cases of the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide Division, known as RHD.

In this episode, the RHD detectives investigate the murder of a construction worker, who was shot dead inside a building site for a new high-rise under construction. The victim's wallet and personal belongings were also missing.

The RHD detectives, under the leadership of Detective Frank Smith (Ed O'Neill), start their investigation by questioning the victim's coworkers and his boss. The coworkers inform the detectives that the victim, Tom, was an ex-convict who had recently turned his life around and was using the job to support his family and start a new, honest life. They also mention that Tom had a conflict with another worker, who threatened him a few days before his murder. The detectives interview the employee, but it leads them nowhere.

The investigation continues, and the detectives discover that the construction site was a prime spot for theft, and similar incidents have happened in the past. They start questioning the owner of the construction company, who hired Tom. The owner denies any involvement and points to the head of the construction site security, who he suspects might have taken a bribe to let the murderer in.

The prime suspect becomes the head of security, who also happens to be a former cop and has a suspicious history. The detectives track him down and discover that he has a gambling problem, which led him to taking bribes. The detectives believe that he might have let a robber in, who accidentally killed Tom while committing the crime.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives uncover several twists and turns, leading to a dramatic conclusion that reveals the killer's identity and the motive behind Tom's murder.

Throughout the episode, the show provides a glimpse into the life of LAPD detectives, highlighting their dedication, work ethics, and their commitment to solving cases no matter how long it takes.

The Cutting of the Swath is a well-written and suspenseful episode, providing a clear insight into the working of RHD and their investigations. The show offers an authentic portrayal of the gritty streets of Los Angeles, providing a captivating watch for crime procedural enthusiasts.