Violence Fears Prompted Probe of Activists, Police Chief Says

Washington Post Staff Writer The Maryland State Police surveillance of death penalty opponents and peace activists was prompted by concern that the pending executions of two men on death row could cause violent protests, Col. Terrence B. Sheridan, superintendent of state police, said today after a review of the controversial operation. At a news conference, Sheridan said he strongly disagreed with the 14-month spying program ordered by a top police commander during the administration of former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (R). He said that after a week-long review of the undercover surveillance, which was revealed in documents released to the American Civil Liberties Union, he saw no reason why the activists' meetings, rallies and e-mail group lists were monitored by undercover state police officers, since they were not a... [read full story]