Is it ever okay for the police to tell the public something that is not true?
Case in point. Recently, it was revealed the Bossier City Police Department intentionally told the public the suspect in a triple murder was a White or Hispanic male. When in fact, they knew their suspect was a black male.
Whatever the reason for this charade, it can not be justified and it doesn't make sense.
The triple murder in Bossier City had the entire community on edge. Accurate information is what is needed during those circumstances.
We have to be able to believe what authorities are telling us is the truth.
In the case of the triple murder, simply say you can't reveal the description of the suspect and leave it at that. Making up a fake description is not the right thing to do.
So what happens the next time the police put out a description of a suspect or a getaway car? Do we believe them or not? Do we trust them or not?
Let me know what you think. I'm James Smith.
Many of you have shared your thoughts on the issue and our editorial.
Lee Estabrook of Minden, LA writes,
Dear Sir or Madam:
I believe your editorial writer of May 29, badly confused a tactic used by the Bossier City Police to catch a suspected triple murderer with giving that same individual a fair and impartial trial once he was apprehended. I have added Channel 12, KSLA since they also commented on this issue in an editorial.
Because the police used deception to keep the fugitive from fleeing the area, does not indicate they would lie or misstate evidence once a trial was held. On the contrary, the police should be commended for capturing the suspect. Winston Churchill once said, "Truth is so precious that she should always be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies." He was referring to disclosing facts which would help one's adversaries.
You can now report on the fairness of the indictment and the trial, once they occur. Please do not critize the use of duplicity to apprehend a suspect.
I am sending copies of my letter to Shane McWilliams, Chief of Police, Bossier City (c/o their Mayor) and 26th District Attorney J. Schuyler Marvin as an indication of my support.
Gene P. let us know what he thinks:
I just watched your editorial a few minutes ago. The police are under no obligation to give you any information that might hinder the apprehension of a suspect. If you had broadcast the description, he might have fled and possibly harmed someone else. I am wondering just how important you really think you are. Your indignation is amusing.
An anonymous viewer writes:
It appears that the News Media now knows best how to run the police department. Maybe they need to spend a week or so doing just that. It might change the attitude as to what methods best serve and protect the citizens of Bossier. I have worked in law enforcement and I can tell you that the News Media does not have a clue. The Law enforcement agencies in this area are some of the best. And I can assure you that you can trust them to do their best to protect the citizens of Bossier and Shreveport and the surrounding area. It is really sad with all of the terrible things that are going on all around our area, the News Media has nothing better to do than try to cause a problem where there is none.
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