Schaumburg Police Chief Brian Howerton talks about the recent arrest of three of his officers on drug conspiracy charges during an interview at the Daily Herald last week.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

The arrest of three undercover Schaumburg police officers on drug conspiracy charges this month is raising questions about how law enforcement toes that line. "If someone is of the mindset to break the regulations or steal, they're probably going to be able to do it," a Drug Enforcement Agency official says.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin, along with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Jack Riley, left, announce criminal charges against three Schaumburg police officers accused of dealing drugs.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Matthew Hudak

Terrance O'Brien

John Cichy

About this Article

Police officers exist from a recognition that people don't always obey the law. But who bears the responsibility of ensuring that officers working undercover, don't cross the line between acting like a criminal and becoming one? The arrest of three undercover Schaumburg officers is raising that question. "I personally think this is an aberration for them," DEA Special Agent Jack Riiley said of the department.