This letter is in response to the March 21 article about the Police Report. I have often wondered about the purpose of this column. At one point I thought perhaps it was an effort to demonstrate the use of our tax dollars at work. But if that were the case then there would likely be a reporter stationed at our hospital chronicling those who access service at our emergency room department, and probably someone checking in with our schools to report on who got sent to the principle’s office that week.
I would agree that “lots of things… are “pointless to call in because there’s nothing that can be done”, nothing legally perhaps. But police are sometimes called in as a last resort, for those who simply don’t know what else to do. The mere presence of an officer is sometimes very helpful indeed. And then there are others who end up being reported on who suffer from mental health issues, struggle with substance use, are involved in a domestic violence situation or are victims of bad luck. I fail to see how shame (disguised as “quiet humour”) is a motivator towards “guiding readers towards good behaviour”.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Ewashen | Creston