Lack of police transparency can endanger public

A local woman was shot to death at the end of April, and more than a week later, we still know virtually nothing about how it happened.

A 911 call about a shooting brought police to the Babbling Brook Estates around 12:45 a.m. April 29, 2020 (DP-04-29-20). A female victim was taken to Ruby, where she later died from her injuries.

Later that same day, the sheriff’s department stonewalled reporters, citing an “active investigation.”

We understand there are some things police can’t — and shouldn’t — tell the public during active investigations. But the fact Sheriff Palmer wouldn’t say anything about what had happened is alarming. He wouldn’t talk about the weapon used, nor what it appeared had happened, nor anything about the victim other than her gender, nor if there were any suspects and, if so, if any suspects had been detained. Nothing.

Here’s why this is concerning: What if it had been a home invasion? What if the crime had been committed by a predator on the prowl? What if the suspect was still out there and targeting the next victim?

The public has a right to know if they should be on the lookout for possible danger — if they are in danger.

It is our responsibility as your local paper to keep you informed about what is happening in your community. And when public officials won’t speak to us, we can’t do our part to keep you up-to-date and safe.

If it was a possible domestic incident — as later reported — fine. We don’t necessarily need to know all the details. But just telling the public the crime was committed by someone the victim knew indicates it was likely an isolated incident. And as such, the community at large isn’t in immediate danger.

And if that’s too much information for the sheriff’s department to give, then the sheriff needs to at least tell the public if he believes the community is under threat or not. Otherwise we’ll all be peering through our curtains for a crazed gunman, wondering if we’re next.

There are certain things law enforcement should tell the public immediately, instead of hiding behind “it’s an active investigation.” Like if there are suspects and if those suspects have been detained. If not, then the public knows to keep their eyes peeled. If the weapons used were legal or illegal, because illegally obtained guns are a concern for the entire community. The nature of the crime, because regardless if it’s a domestic incident, a robbery or other assault, the crime might be a one-off or a pattern and the public will know if they need to watch their backs, or maybe they can even help.

We respect that law enforcement often needs the space and privacy to conduct an investigation. But our officers are sworn to serve and protect the community, and they do us a disservice when they keep us totally in the dark. Sometimes the best way to protect us is to give us the knowledge we need to protect ourselves.