news-record.com

GREENSBORO - A highly decorated African American detective has been appointed the No. 2 officer in a Greensboro police unit at the center of internal accusations of racial profiling.

Norman Rankin, an 18-year veteran of the city force, moved to the Special Intelligence Section earlier this year. A memo announcing his promotion to corporal over the unit, effective Oct. 16, went out to police staff this week.

Rankin did not return a request for comment Wednesday.

The move was met with cautious optimism by at least one critic of the department's leadership, who accused the Special Intelligence Section in June of trying to entrap black officers - including one of his clients.

"It's a step in the right direction," said Joe Williams, an attorney who represents a black lieutenant on a paid suspension. No official reason has ever been given for the discipline. "I think he'll bring the kind of credibility (Special Intelligence) needs during this period."

Dubbed the "secret police" by rank-and-file officers, Special Intelligence was assailed this summer after Lt. James Hinson spotted a retired detective, on contract with the unit, trailing him on a shift June 3.

The squad's regular duties include dignitary protection, monitoring hate groups and investigating threats against city officials. It also tracks gangs.

Hinson was initially told he was being investigated for conducting personal business on company time. Within days, his lawyer was alleging that Special Intelligence was trying to entrap black officers.

Police Chief David Wray never mentioned Hinson's name in a June 17 news conference. He said that he had cleared Special Intelligence of wrongdoing after his personal review of its actions.

Hinson is not charged with a crime. He remained suspended with pay - roughly $64,000 a year - as of Wednesday.

Rankin, who was then in the homicide squad, was one of a handful of officers present at a June 16 meeting between Wray and the Greensboro Police Officers Association.

An hour after that meeting, the officers association issued a news release pledging its full support to Wray as he investigated allegations. The chief cleared Special Intelligence the next day.

Within weeks, Rankin moved to a temporary assignment with Special Intelligence. By late summer he received his permanent assignment there.

Wray said the detective's record indicates he was more than qualified for the Special Intelligence position.

"Norman certainly has a great deal of (investigative) experience," Wray said Wednesday afternoon.

Rankin was named the department's 2003 Officer of the Year for his work tracking down a suspect in the death of an N.C. A&T student. He has helped solve dozens of homicide cases over the years.

"It's all I believe in: Doing my job," Rankin told the News & Record in 2003. "I work every case the same. "

Contact Eric J.S. Townsend at 373-7008 or etownsend @news-record.com