Pubdate: Fri, 21 Apr 2000
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2000 The Clarion-Ledger
Address: P.O. Box 40 Jackson, MS 39205-0400
Fax: (601) 961-7211
Feedback: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html
Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/

POLICE CORRUPTION

Rigorous Investigation Warranted

A series of disturbing allegations in the Jackson Police Department 
culminated Wednesday with the indictment of a police detective on charges 
of accepting bribes.

A federal grand jury accused narcotics Detective Alvaline Baggett, a 
15-year veteran, of bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion from drug 
dealers.

It is the most serious charge arising from allegations of police corruption 
that surfaced last spring.

Both police brass and city officials were puzzled last May when the 
Linder/Maple consulting group reported a serious perception of police 
corruption by the department's rank-and-file.

Some 76 percent of officers surveyed said they believed up to 25 percent of 
the force was taking money from drug dealers.

Acting on that perception, the department expanded its Internal Affairs 
Division and enlisted the aid of the FBI, leading to Wednesday's indictment.

The department has seen other troubles within the past year, including 
allegations of drug payoffs to a former officer who was handed a federal 
prison sentence for selling drugs.

Another officer was allegedly involved in the attempt to extort money from 
a cable TV provider in the federal corruption probe of the Jackson City 
Council.

The allegations of police corruption are serious, and the indictment 
Wednesday shows city and federal prosecutors are taking the claims seriously.

The indictment and continuing investigation of corruption allegations 
should not be seen as damaging to the department, however, but as positive 
developments in rooting out wrongdoing.

When corruption allegations surfaced, the city didn't try to sweep them 
under the rug. It acted quickly and commendably. Vigorous investigation and 
prosecution is warranted.

A thorough housecleaning benefits police and the community.
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