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GREENSBORO - The FBI started a "preliminary inquiry" into the Greensboro Police Department this week after city officials admitted internal racial profiling may have occurred.

There is no timeline on the inquiry. If agents find credible civil rights violations, the bureau will launch a full-blown investigation with added manpower and resources.

FBI officials confirmed their involvement Friday afternoon. It was the latest development in a turbulent week for the city, starting Monday with the resignation of police Chief David Wray.

"It's kind of like a look-see," said FBI spokesman Ken Lucas, whose office in Charlotte is conducting the inquiry. "Let's take a look, ask questions and see what this is about."

FBI officials in Greensboro requested assistance after reading news accounts of recent events. Greensboro officials did not seek their help.

"The bottom line is we recognize that civil rights violations, even allegations of civil rights violations, is a serious matter," Lucas said. "We're going to investigate all credible allegations."

City Manager Mitchell Johnson said local officials learned Thursday of possible federal involvement. The FBI is sending him written notification.

"I think they've been following it, from what I understand, for a long time," Johnson said.

But it appears federal agents will not have access to detailed reports commissioned by the city at a cost of at least $70,000. The reports summarize allegations of personnel irregularities, possible racial profiling and the interaction Wray had with the city manager's office.

The officers interviewed for those reports lacked the rights inherent with a criminal investigation. Unless given a court order, the city would maintain possession of that information, Johnson said.

Action is already under way within the department to regain public confidence and address problems with how officers are investigated.

Interim Chief Tim Bellamy, who took over for Wray, placed the controversial Special Intelligence Section under a new command and forbade it from conducting criminal investigations of officers.

Dubbed the "secret police" by rank-and-file officers, Special Intelligence under Wray trailed officers accused of misconduct.

When a black lieutenant spotted the unit following him in June, the officer's lawyer soon alleged the squad was targeting African Americans.

Lt. James Hinson was put on paid administrative leave two weeks later. He returned to active duty this week.

Other changes are also under way.

Two Special Intelligence officers had their duties temporarily changed Thursday, Bellamy said Friday. He would not confirm the names of the officers or their new roles.

He remained vague on the report he has seen from the city on Wray and Hinson, or other possible consequences of recent findings.

"There could be some more changes," Bellamy said. "There could be more investigations. There could be some more interviews."

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