BINI RETURNS TO FORCE TODAY

Feb. 13, 2001 - A year after he was suspended for his role in the 1999
death of Ismael Mena, Denver police officer Joseph Bini is scheduled
to return to work today.

"I'm excited and nervous," Bini said on the eve of his return. "It's
like the first day on a new job."

Bini pleaded guilty to first-degree misconduct, a misdemeanor, for
signing a search warrant with the wrong address, which led to a
botched no-knock drug raid and Mena's death. He was given probation in
the court case. He also got a three-month suspension as a result of an
internal investigation.

Now he's ready to go back.

He will be assigned to the security unit of the special operations
division's headquarters, a desk job, said Police Chief Gerry Whitman.

"I think it's going to be a great assignment to transition back to the
police lifestyle," Bini said. "As much as I loved my job, I don't have
the drive and the ambition to confront some of the things that I took
on. I'm apprehensive in getting involved in anything that would get me
in harm's way."

He said he hopes to keep a low profile.

"I'd like to think the major portion of the struggle is over, and I
can look forward to promotions, furthering my career and trying to
keep my name out of the paper," Bini said.

As he prepared to go back to work, Bini thanked the Police Protective
Association and his attorney, David Bruno, for their support.

"Dave Bruno is one of the most caring, passionate professionals I have
ever met," he said. "He served as a support system for our family, not
just legally but emotionally."

Mena, a Mexican immigrant and the father of nine, was killed after he
fired at SWAT officers.

The decision to return Bini to the force and give him nine months of
back pay has been criticized by members of the Justice for Mena
Committee. They wanted him fired.

"No resident can sleep at night with Joe Bini on the force," said
LeRoy Lemos, spokesman for the committee. "He's shown he's reckless
with innocent lives."

Safety Manager Ari Zavaras said Bini's punishment was sufficient
because he had been put in a role he wasn't trained for.

Zavaras said he's satisfied that Bini was dealt with fairly but that
the investigation isn't over. He said he has asked Whitman to look at
the broader issues, including the role supervisors might have played
in the botched search warrant.

The department tightened its procedures on no-knock raids after Mena's
death. District attorneys also must sign off on requests for no-knock
warrants before they're presented to a judge.