Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 27, 1991                   TAG: 9103270391
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROANOKE WON'T BLOCK PROBE OF SHOOTING

A federal probe "might be a good idea to ease people's minds, although I don't say that it is needed," Councilman James Harvey said.

Harvey said an outside investigation could help resolve the NAACP's concerns and determine whether police used excessive force in the shooting of Leonard A. Morris.

But an internal investigation by the Police Department and Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell should be finished before a third-party probe is started, Harvey said.

"I don't have any problem with the Justice Department coming in, working with the city and making recommendations," Councilman David Bowers said.

Evangeline Jeffrey, president of the Roanoke branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, called Monday for an investigation by the Justice Department. She said there was a "grave possibility" that police used excessive force in shooting Morris on Saturday.

Mayor Noel Taylor didn't want to comment on the case until the internal review has been finished and the Justice Department has decided whether to investigate. But he said he wouldn't object to a federal probe.

Council members said they had not been briefed on the shooting and most were reluctant to discuss details. But they expected to receive a report from City Manager Robert Herbert and Police Chief M. David Hooper after the internal investigation.

"If the case warrants [an outside investigation], I have no fear of it. But I just don't know enough about the situation now to know whether it's needed," said Council member Elizabeth Bowles.

Councilman William White said he understands the NAACP's concerns but was hesitant to discuss the case because there could be litigation.

"I can look at it from both points of view. Growing up as a young black in the South, the police were there for safety, but I also had to be sure not to get in their way," White said. Blacks have to "deal with police officers in a dual role and it can be a tough line to walk sometimes."

Because of the history of police and black relations, White said he can understand why the NAACP has raised questions. He also said he has told the city manager he wants a briefing on the case when the internal investigation is finished.

Vice Mayor Howard Musser said it appeared that police officers "handled the case properly." But if the NAACP wanted an outside investigation, he said, "I don't think the city has anything to hide.