The officials declined to be named, under department rules.

Changes in department rules do not require Congressional approval.

"To the best of my knowledge, department rules were followed," he said.

The gloves, he said, were unauthorized equipment whose use was forbidden by department rules.

Under department rules, officials would not comment on the steps the department has taken.

The officer added that shooting at a fleeing suspect would have violated department rules.

No criminal charges have been filed, the chief said, because such behavior - while a breach of department rules - is not illegal.

After all, isn't it a department rule that detectives work in pairs?

Instead, he said, department rules let them be walked by in groups of six.