TROY – Three law enforcement agencies have agreed to fill the gaps in drug enforcement in the city while the police department's drug unit faces an internal affairs investigation, a city spokesman said Monday.

The city's six-member Firearms Interdiction and Narcotics Suppression unit was relieved of duty Thursday after one of its officers reported the unit had entered a residence without a warrant, various city sources confirmed Friday.

The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office, the State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will provide coverage until the insestigation is completed, said John Salka, a spokesman for Mayor Patrick Madden.

The deputies, troopers and federal agents often coordinate drug enforcement activities with Troy police. "We'll help them out however we can," Sheriff Patrick Russo said Monday.

"We have some ongoing investigations," Russo said. He added it's important to ensure public safety.

The State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team also is assisting the city, said Trooper Mark Cepiel, a spokesman for Troop G.

"CNET was asked to provide more of a presence by the police department," Cepiel said. "If there's a need for CNET service in Troy that will be done."

Both the sheriff's offices and the troopers conduct independent drug investigations in Troy as well as working with the city police. The city is Rensselaer County's most populous community and drug investigations starting elsewhere in the county often lead to activities based there.

The city police department is conducting its own internal affairs investigation of the alleged filing of a false burglary report to cover up the warrantless search. Sources said the drug unit was pursuing a tip provided by another police agency. The removal of the city drug unit from active duty when it was placed on paid administrative leave had many officials and residents concerned about what that would do in the area of drug crime enforcement.

Councilwoman Kim Ashe-McPherson said she was in contact with Madden's administration and Police Chief John Tedesco to express her concerns about enforcement issues during the internal affairs investigation. She said she was advised that steps were being taken to provide for continued enforcement.