U.S. editorial excerpts -2-

Selected editorial excerpts from the U.S. press:

NEW RULES FOR UNDERCOVER COPS (The New York Times, New York)

The fatal shooting of Sean Bell by undercover police officers on his wedding day last November revealed some serious problems with New York’s undercover police procedures. Commissioner Ray Kelly has wisely agreed to heed the recommendations of a panel of law enforcement experts to make changes, including requiring a breathalyzer test if an undercover cop shoots anyone.

Mr. Bell and two companions were unarmed when they encountered undercover officers outside of a Queens nightclub. The officers, who were staking out the club, suspected the men were carrying a weapon. The Police Department has said alcohol use was not a factor in the shooting, but the officer who fired the first of 50 bullets at the car has said that he had consumed two beers.

Department rules allow undercover officers up to two drinks to protect their cover, but it is not clear that these rules are being followed. Many officers may be unaware of the limits, and it falls to commanders at shooting scenes to visually assess whether an officer has stayed within bounds.

Mr. Kelly says he would like to begin breathalyzer testing soon, possibly as early as September. The police detectives’ union is opposing the new policy, which it insists should be the subject of collective bargaining. But the unions should consider that breathalyzers would help members who follow procedures by backing up their accounts.

In any case, they are necessary. The killing of Mr. Bell and wounding of his companions demonstrated that the city is not doing enough to protect the public from life-threatening police mistakes. Requiring a breathalyzer test when there’s an undercover police shooting isn’t much different than the testing that is mandated for some federal transportation workers after accidents. (June 20)