NEW YORK, NY June 06, 2009 —Governor Paterson says he'll convene a commission to explore how often race is a factor when a police officer shoots a fellow officer. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: Governor Paterson says in the aftermath of officer Omar Edwards' death, he wants a statewide examination of incidents in which white officers mistook officers of color as criminal suspects. Paterson says based on media accounts and his own first-hand knowledge, there've been at least eight such shootings. He says the panel should look into the circumstances of the cases, and develop recommendations to prevent any future friendly-fire incidents. Paterson also left the door open for the appointment of a special prosecutor in the Edwards case that is currently being reviewed by Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. Paterson announced plans for the commission in his Manhattan office, and was joined by Reverend Al Sharpton, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, and dozens of civil rights leaders.

For WNYC I'm Bob Hennelly.