Though many outstanding cops applied for a tryout with the SCU, only a certain number made it. Members of the squad had to vote on whether to accept the newcomer. This was very serious business for them because their lives might depend upon the individuals they were working with.
The success of the SCU prompted police brass to seek to expand it. The inspector in charge, a highly decorated street cop, argued against the proposal. He knew this kind of work wasn’t for everyone. When headquarters ignored his advice, he resigned from the department. In 1997 the unit was expanded from 138 to 438 officers. Meanwhile Joey Galeno had passed the sergeant’s exam and was promoted in December 1998. Joey’s exit from SCU came in the nick of time because in February 1999, disaster struck. Four street-cri
