DRUG RING THREAT TO POLICE FAMILIES

DRUG dealers have obtained private information about police officers
and used it to make death threats against them.

On one occasion, a drug dealer threatened to kill the child of a
Redfern detective, The Daily Telegraph has learned.

Police officers believe the dealers used a stolen police radio and
have impersonated police to obtain the home address of at least one
officer.

The death threats are believed to emanate from a group controlling a
large slice of the lucrative heroin trade in Redfern. They have
included references to the shooting attack on Lakemba Police Station
last year.

Redfern Police Commander Peter Parsons yesterday confirmed
investigations were under way into a number of death threats, but
refused to detail them.

"We certainly do suspect a certain group of people in the area,"
Superintendent Parsons said.

Last week police removed a caravan from a Redfern lane after The Daily
Telegraph reported it was being used to sell heroin.

"We currently are investigating threats against police, one of which
does relate to Lakemba being mentioned, especially in relation to a
number of arrests we have recently made," Supt Parsons said.

"We can't prove it at this stage but we are investigating whether the
threat came from a group targeted in those arrests."

Among the incidents:

Drug dealers are suspected to have noted registration numbers of
police officers' personal cars, then used a police radio to obtain
their home addresses;

A policewoman was approached by one of the gang and told her home
suburb, indicating he knew her address;

A general duties officer was confronted by one of the gang, who said:
"We're gonna kill you, we're gonna track you down. You're going to get
like David Carty.";

A telephone threat was made against Redfern Police, the caller saying
officers would be subjected to an attack worse than that on Lakemba
Police;

A death threat was issued against the young child of one detective,
again indicating the gang had obtained private information about police.

"Normal day-to-day policing at Redfern is like many other parts of the
city, it's quite dangerous, and there are threats and complaints
against police," Supt Parsons said.

"It seems specific threats against police is the flavour of the month
at the moment, particularly at Redfern.

"We've had great success in arresting a number of people who have made
threats in recent times and we'll continue to pursue those that go
outside the law, especially those making death threats against police
officers."

The drug gang has also used the tactic of making regular complaints of
harassment by police.

At least two officers who pro-actively targeted the group have been
transferred from Redfern after they were the subject of numerous complaints.

But the two said that prior to being transferred they were directed
not to patrol where the group sells drugs, ostensibly for their own
safety.

"Me and (the other officer) went out and worked and basically we were
crucified for it," said one officer.

The other officer said he received about 10 death threats, seven
complaints of harassment, and was refused permission to carry his
firearm when off duty.

He said the group showed "total disregard to legal
authority".

"They commit offences knowing they can rock up to Redfern Police
Station and make a vexatious complaint against police," he said.