INVESTIGATE USE OF FORCE

Denver is owed a thorough investigation of police officers' treatment of
two suspected drug dealers following a rush-hour chase. It is essential
that police conduct the probe in a timely and open fashion that doesn't
encourage more public skepticism.

The Monday evening chase ensued after drug enforcement agents requested
that Denver police stop a red Toyota 4Runner. The chase and subsequent
arrest was captured on tape by KMGH-Channel 7 helicopter personnel. Several
dozen residents and the ACLU criticized the police officers' handling of
the traffic stop following the station's broadcast.

It appears that the suspects were beaten, stomped on and pistol-whipped by
the officers. Two different officers were allegedly involved in a
pistol-whipping administered to the right side of one suspect's bead.

Granted, the suspects were not cooperative, but police are supposed to
avoid striking the head, neck or spine of combative suspects. If force is
necessary, they are trained to direct it to the legs and arms.

The handling of the arrest brings to mind two issues: one is the public's
concern about police using excessive force and the other is how the
investigation will be conducted.

Through the internal affairs bureau, the Denver police will, basically,
investigate themselves. They will pass their findings to District Attorney
Bill Ritter, who will decide if a crime was committed and if prosecution is
in order.

Two words: Jeff Truax.

Following the Truax shooting, in which two Denver police officers fired 25
bullets into the car of Truax on March 20,1996, hitting him, Ritter
declined to file charges against the officers.

Later, a federal jury awarded Truax's family $500,000, saying police
violated his rights by using excessive force. The federal judge presiding
over that case said he was worried about a "faulty or covered-up
investigation."

The Denver Post also criticized the probe because it was slow and took a
heavy toll on public confidence. But that doesn't have to be the case here.

Because of the symbiotic relationship between police and prosecutors, many
question the impartiality of both in such cases. Nonetheless, the system of
checks and balances must also be given a chance to work before we pass
judgment.

We encouraged by the fact that Mayor Wellington Webb will review the
internal affairs report before it goes to Ritter. Webb's action alone helps
restore public confidence.

Information gathered during the probe should be shared quickly, and as
completely as possible, with the public. If questions then remain, we urge
Sanchez and Ritter to give serious consideration to referring the case to
an impartial, outside party for resolution.