NARCOTICS UNIT SUPERVISION GETS BAD RAP

Comments from jurors and testimony in the recent trial of four Buffalo
narcotics officers triggered editorial page commentary and other media
coverage that criticized a lack of supervision in the Narcotics Unit as a
reason for corruption and events in this case.

It should be noted that on two out of the three occasions where federal
authorities recorded or observed wrongdoing during a time when the officers
would have been on duty, there was a supervisor working in the unit. On
other cited occasions the officers were not on duty.

During the time frame of these events, we did have a lieutenant from
Narcotics off sick for a period of five months. However, when search
warrants were to be executed a lieutenant was called in to supervise.

Over the last few months the department has developed qualifications for
officers wishing assignment to Narcotics. We are currently in litigation
with the union over this issue. The Narcotics Unit captain has been
improving the unit by making it more accountable and responsive, along with
coordinating with the District Attorney's office to enhance case preparation.

Police officers are placed in a position where they are responsible for the
public trust. Those who violate this trust must pay the consequences. There
are many things that contribute to someone going bad. Values instilled
while growing up play a large role. Supervision may only play a small part
in preventing it. Our hiring process along, with the training process that
follows, is key. Over the past few years we have made improvements in these
areas.

We currently have some fine supervisors and officers in our Narcotics Unit
and the department overall. I personally believe that this finger-pointing
is a disservice to them and to the leadership of this department.

HAROLD LITWIN JR., Chief of Operations/Investigations, Buffalo Police Department