Pat Jenkins’ column (Sept. 15, “No need for clashing interests in murder probe”) exposed two respective interests that should mesh, not clash. This certainly should be true, but when Kaua’i Police chief George Freitas, inspector Mel Morris and the dedicated
Pat Jenkins’ column (Sept. 15, “No need for clashing interests in murder
probe”) exposed two respective interests that should mesh, not clash.
This
certainly should be true, but when Kaua’i Police chief George Freitas,
inspector Mel Morris and the dedicated Kaua’i policemen are as eager to
apprehend the criminal or criminals as anyone and have called for assistance
from the Hawai’i Police Department and the FBI, it seems they are doing
whatever is possible.
The handling of displaying the artist’s sketch of a
possible suspect should be approved by the Police Department, not the media.
And when the media in their zeal to sensationalize will jump on leaks or
unfounded information as channel 8 did by wrongly reporting that a suspect was
in custody, it not only jeopardizes the police work, but may make some
unsuspecting citizen feel safe and cause them to be another victim.
On an
island as small as Kaua’i where news moves faster from Waimea to Hanalei than
from my house to my neighbor’s, it is very possible that someone out there has
information that can help the police capture this murderer before he strikes
again. Anyone can call the Police Department and choose to be anonymous or give
your name. It could save a life.
GLENN MICKENS
Kapa’a
