BACK FROM UNDERCOVER

Police work can be a thankless, dangerous and stressful job.

The public too often is unaware of the many heroic sacrifices by
officers who do their jobs well out of the media spotlight.
Unfortunately, it's the corrupt cops -- of which there have been far
too many in Memphis -- who make the headlines.

The compelling story of Memphis Police Det. April Leatherwood,
however, is one that should make all residents appreciate the
commitment that officers make to protect and serve the public.

According to the story Sunday by Commercial Appeal reporter Kristina
Goetz, Leatherwood spent about a year deep undercover living as crack
cocaine junkie Summer Smith.

During that time, her work resulted in more than 280 arrests, ranging
from street-level pushers to big-time drug dealers.

While undercover, Leatherwood was separated completely from the
department and her family. Working alone, she experienced firsthand
the seedy underworld of the drug trade in Memphis where the lives of
children are often put at risk.

Leatherwood was among a small number of Memphis officers who work
under deep cover to help rid the community of the scourge of dangerous
drugs.

Their work may go unnoticed, but all Memphians should be gratified by
what they do.