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WEST VALLEY CITY — The West Valley City Police Department's Neighborhood Narcotics Unit was disbanded more than two years ago and soon became the focus of intense scrutiny from both the public and the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.
On Monday, the department under its new chief, Lee Russo, will relaunch the drug unit for the first time since the controversy began.
"We're not going to do business the way we had done business and we're not going to use the same personnel that was in it previously. We're starting fresh, from the ground up," the chief said Thursday. "It's about close management and accountability and really methodical procedures on how we're going to do business."
In November of 2012 following the fatal officer-involved shooting of Danielle Willard, an investigation was launched into the department's drug unit. The unit was disbanded by former Chief Thayle "Buzz" Nielsen in December of 2012. What officials found were cases of undisclosed amounts of missing drugs and money, small amounts of cash and other items taken from the seized vehicles, officers taking "trophies, trinkets or souvenirs" from drug-related crime scenes, and officers using GPS trackers without first securing a warrant.
We're not going to do business the way we had done business and we're not going to use the same personnel that was in it previously. We're starting fresh, from the ground up.
–Lee Russo, West Valley City Police Chief
Because of growing allegations of systemic corruption, cover-up and public perception about the actions of the embattled unit, a total of nine officers — including detectives Shaun Cowley and Kevin Salmon who were involved in the shooting — were placed on administrative leave.
In addition, a total of 124 state and federal cases investigated by the former drug unit were thrown out of court because of credibility issues.
The well-publicized event gave the police department a black eye and resulted in a loss of confidence from many residents.
Now, starting Monday, the West Valley Police Department will launch its new Vice Narcotics Unit. The team will include six detectives, one sergeant, and will be headed by West Valley Police Lt. Matt Elson, who was personally selected by Russo to lead the unit.
Russo described Elson as a "no-nonsense" guy who is "very well experienced" in investigations, including internal affairs cases.
"He understands how the department operates," Russo said. "He's not afraid to hold people accountable."
The detectives selected to be on the drug unit were put through a tough application process that included job performance histories and internal affairs investigations. Several previously worked in the patrol division and have little experience conducting drug investigations.
That's why before the new unit even hits the streets of West Valley City, the officers will first receive field training for several weeks, and then the entire unit will be assigned for six months to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration's local Metro Strike Force.
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WEST VALLEY CITY — Two people who were arrested by former drug officers with the West Valley Police Department have filed a civil complaint against the city, even though their criminal cases were dismissed"It is an organization that is well-recognized. They do their investigations very well," he said. "I want our staff to get that experience, to get that insight, to get that knowledge, and to get that understanding while at the same time building a professional network between the DEA here in Salt Lake (and us)."
When the new Vice Narcotics Unit is ready to start working full time in the city, Russo said it will have training and experience from the DEA as well as important partnerships already developed.
"The big fish always start from the little fish. Every drug arrest that we make, every corner dealer that we arrest is an opportunity to start an investigation and follow it up the chain," he said.
In addition, Russo said he is increasing the number of West Valley officers who work for the DEA Metro Task Force from one to four.
The chief realizes that the unit will be under scrutiny for awhile and that it will take time to prove to residents that things are being done the right way.
"We know the next couple of years we are going to be under the microscope. And we need to set a very clear tone about how we are going to conduct these types of investigations and do business. We're going to have to prove ourselves to our community that we are doing it right and we are doing it well."
Contributing: Andrew Adams
