FIRST OFF . . .

Hundreds of police officers and American Indians are expected to converge on two Willie Nelson concerts this weekend in Warwick, R.I.--drawn by the singer’s support for Leonard Peltier, an Indian convicted of killing two FBI agents. Joseph Penza Jr., a lawyer for police unions planning to picket Nelson’s appearances, said he has heard estimates of 500 to 600 officers planning to picket tonight and Saturday night outside the Warwick Musical Theater. Police are upset with Nelson because he played a benefit concert in California last fall for Peltier, now serving two life terms at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan. A local organizer for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee--which believes Peltier was framed for the murders--said he expected up to 500 representatives of Indian councils across New England and New York to attend the concerts.