Baker's challenge: Pr. George's police

In the three weeks since Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson was handcuffed by federal agents, plenty of tongues have wagged and plenty of ink has been spilled about the county's dirty politicians.

Less often mentioned: its dirty cops.

Sadly, law enforcement wrongdoing has long been par for the course in Prince George's, with its long history of police corruption and brutality. So when the feds fingered three county cops on extortion, drug and gun charges, you might forgive the good people of Prince George's for reacting with something less than shock and outrage.

And so while incoming county executive Rushern L. Baker ran on a platform emphasizing jobs, economic development, and education, it's clear that after his inauguration Monday, the county's law enforcement still demands his attention.