TROOPERS STRIVE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT

On May 19,1998, the same day that two Tampa police detectives and Florida
Highway Patrol Trooper Brad Crooks were murdered, troopers were assisting
the Federal Bureau of Investigation during an undercover narcotics
investigation in Polk County. Recent newspaper articles in the Tampa Bay
area, as well as recent events in federal court in Tampa, are troubling and
have given the public an erroneous perception of the policies and practices
of the FHP.

Without commenting specifically on the pending legal matters in U.S. vs.
Flynn, suffice it to say that the FHP does not endorse, condone or encourage
conduct that is outside the realm of professional law enforcement practice.
Under no circumstance would we tolerate the misrepresentation of facts to
anyone - especially the courts.

The FHP plays a vital role in the interdiction of illegal drugs into the
country.

This is due mainly to the fact that the highways of Florida are a conduit
for the flow of these drugs and contraband to other states and communities
of the nation.

While it is important that FHP troopers assist in the removal of this plague
from our streets and highways, we cannot and will not employ any strategy
that has a perception that "the ends justify the means."

There are times when it becomes necessary to protect confidential informants
and/or undercover law enforcement officers while actively engaged in covert
investigations. This is a method of operation that must be retained in the
law enforcement arsenal, but we can never allow the integrity of the agency
or its officers to be compromised by engaging in covert operations that have
not met the professional standards test (i.e., proper planning, legal review
and full disclosure to prosecutors and the courts).

As a result of this case, we have ordered that additional safeguards be
instituted statewide to provide enhanced oversight to all enforcement
actions.

Additional training and instructions concerning joint investigations
involving requests from other agencies have been disseminated to all FHP
field commanders. This oversight includes direct responsibility and
accountability at all levels of FHP supervisory command, involvement of FHP
attorneys, specific coordination with state and federal prosecutors, and the
development of clearly defined operational plans prior to joint agency
enforcement actions.

Strong comments and statements made as a result of this case have attacked
the integrity and trust of the FBI and the FHP. Let me assure the citizens
of this state that the Florida Highway Patrol is deeply committed to
restoring those essential qualities and continuing to provide the type of
law enforcement service citizens of Florida have grown to expect since 1939.

[The writer is a colonel and director of the Florida Highway Patrol.]