SHORT LETTER ABSOLVES POLICE IN JUNE MELEE

A three-paragraph letter from the U.S. Department of Justice should put an end to an investigation that alleged two Cape Girardeau police officers violated the civil rights of Greg and Kenneth Campbell.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Rick Hetzel received the letter Monday afternoon via facsimile. Another copy is being sent in the mail.

A sister of Greg and Kenneth Campbell alleged that racial slurs made by police officers provoked a confrontation June 11 in the 400 block of Good Hope Street. That allegation initiated a federal investigation of the event.

A crowd of 150 people gathered along Good Hope Street while about a dozen people threw rocks and bricks at police officers. Both Campbells were injured, along with six law enforcement officers.

Eight people were arrested after the riot. Both Campbells were charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

While an FBI report was submitted to the Justice Department, the letter is "all we got," said City Manager Michael Miller.

There were no other reports or information made available to city officials. City officials said they haven't seen any of the FBI reports.

The Justice Department sent letters last week to police officers Rollin Roberts and Robert Rippee clearing them of criminal prosecution.

Hetzel had to request a letter from the Justice Department outlining the status of the investigation. The letter was written by Tamara L. Miller, deputy chief in the department's criminal section.

Because the Cape Girardeau Police Department was not named as having violated civil rights, no official notification was given to it. Only the direct parties involved received letters, Hetzel said.

The Justice Department said in its letter to the police chief: "We have concluded that there is no prosecutable violation of federal criminal civil rights statutes. Accordingly, no further action will be taken by the Department."