DRUG SQUAD DETECTIVES REINSTATED

FOUR West Australian Drug Squad detectives suspended for leaving a
marijuana plant with an informant have been reinstated.

"Although they have been reinstated, it has been a nerve-wracking 10-month
ordeal for them," said WA Police Union president Michael Dean.

"Their good names have been smeared and they and the union have had to
fight every inch of the way to achieve justice".

Detective senior constables Pryce Scanlan, Larry Park, Steve Clark and Paul
McMurtie will resume duties next Monday.

Another two detectives who were also suspended were still awaiting a
decision on their futures, Mr Dean said.

The six detectives, who were not officially charged with disciplinary or
criminal offences, were at the centre of a row with the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC).

The ACC found the detectives guilty of misconduct, but the Supreme Court
later ruled that the commission had exceeded its authority by recommending
the sacking of the detectives.

They were later suspended after Police Commissioner Bob Falconer said he
had lost confidence in them.

Their suspensions triggered an industrial dispute, with claims they could
not respond to the allegations because of secrecy provisions surrounding
the ACC.

They were investigated after seizing a capsule of heroin and a marijuana
plant during a raid on a Perth heroin addict's home.

Their lawyer, John Quigley, said they dropped the raid and left the
marijuana plant behind after the Organised Crime Squad said the addict was
an informant against a major crime figure and should be left alone.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski