HEGE PROMISES CHANGES TO AVERT MORE PROBLEMS

Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Hege said Tuesday he has increased
supervision of undercover operations.

That's a start toward restoring public confidence in his department after
last week's arrests of three vice-narcotics officers on drug charges and
other allegations.

Hege held a news conference to address concerns about his management
practices, or lack of oversight. Although he couldn't quite admit personal
responsibility for what went wrong, blaming "rogue cops" who were skilled
at evading detection, his vow to do better amounted to an acknowledgment of
past shortcomings.

Hege also did not lash out at the State Bureau of Investigation or Federal
Bureau of Investigation, which kept him outside their months- long probe of
the three officers. Nor did he blame political enemies or the media for the
damage done to his image.

No doubt, this has been a humbling experience for Hege, who has worked to
build a reputation as the best and toughest lawman around.

This sad episode also has shown that Gerald Hege is not the supreme
law-enforcement authority in Davidson County. Other officials and agencies
have jurisdiction there as well, and they will step in when necessary.

Hege conceded the point Tuesday when he advised residents who have
complaints against his officers to notify his office, or the district
attorney's office or SBI. People who are afraid or distrustful of Hege -
and he can be intimidating to those who displease him - have somewhere else
to turn.

Hege has a big problem to overcome. Success requires him to set the right
priorities and work harder and smarter.