American Notes FLORIDA

The Ku Klux Klan's quest for respectability has taken a new turn in Lakeland, Fla. Since last spring, members of local klaverns have been on a "Krush Krack Kokaine" campaign, patrolling the streets for evidence against suspected drug dealers. Though authorities say they welcome all tips, the Klan angered blacks by posing as police officers when they detained two black women, one of whom turned out to be a cop impersonating a hooker. Says Earl Shinhoster, southern regional director of the N.A.A.C.P.: "Any way you look at it, it still spells K.K.K."