Kudos to the Cape Gazette for its May 9 editorial calling on local governments and police departments to improve communication with the public.
As noted in the editorial, “Transparency and accountability are not just ideals; they are necessities for a safe and informed community.”
But news about police activities, including responses to incidents and arrests, is only half the story. Genuine public safety requires not only that those who violate laws be arrested, but also that they be prosecuted and appropriately punished if convicted.
It is important for a well-informed public to know how cases are handled once they reach the court system. Are those accused of crimes prosecuted as initially charged? Or are charges reduced, dropped or plea-bargained away? What sort of sentences are requested by prosecutors and imposed by judges?
With the exception of high-profile crimes such as homicides or incidents involving prominent individuals, we seldom hear about the disposition of criminal cases. This is true even in instances where the media report arrests for serious crimes such as theft, robbery or assault, among others.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, shouldn’t the public also be informed about how state prosecutors and judges deal with those accused of crimes? Judicial outcomes are just as important to public safety as arrests by law enforcement.
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