First Place Best Promotion of the Public's Right to Know, 2016
Originally Published June 24, 2016
The following was part of an investigative and editorial series that was recognized for investigative reporting and promotion of the public's right to know.
There’s nothing we can put on this page to further illustrate our opinions that a freer release of information is needed in Farmer City.
Monday, it was made clear that the majority of the council feels the same.
It was also made clear that the police chief does not.
If you want the entire picture, watch the June 20 council video at farmercityil.org. If you want more details, flip to page one.
In sum, when Chief Andrew Denno was asked by councilmen to elaborate on the police department’s use of “Station Adjustments” as a law enforcement tool, he responded in three ways: First, “it is a way that we handle juvenile cases,” second, “it’s a procedure,” and third, “no comment.”
There was never any request for information that would jeopardize any investigations or identify any specific juveniles or the cases pertaining to them. Just a simple question: “What is a station adjustment?”
For the rest of this editorial we could write, rewrite, craft and polish words to try to reiterate the importance of a free release of information and of dialogue within the council chambers.
But we’ve done that and we have put those words on this page before.
When it comes down to it, it is not going to be the Press or an editorial that will bring about answers from a public employee. It will be up to the public and the council they have elected.
If a clearer picture of law enforcement is something the public wants, they will have to demand it.
In the council chambers.
The two public commenters at Monday’s meeting offered level-headed approaches as to how more information could flow through the city to the public. There was no police-bashing involved.
One public commenter—who happens to be involved in almost all things good in town—even chose to look at the broader picture: a city-wide approach to helping wayward youth.
More of that is needed, but sadly, there was not much “give-and-take” to come from their suggestions as information remained scarce and the vocal public numbered just two.
If we’ve said it once, we have said it a thousand times: a body in the council chambers is worth 1,000 Facebook posts. While using social media isn’t entirely futile, it is not a substitute for civic engagement.
Finally, lets be clear that juvenile problems are not a product of poor police work in Farmer City. And there’s no magic remedy to juvenile vandalism, especially in Illinois.
But the public will need to decide if “no comment” is a satisfactory response to questions of that police work from the council that oversees the department.
If it isn’t, it is your right to demand a better one.
It’s your right to ask questions, give suggestions, do research and contribute to the conversation. Explore and discuss the issue on Facebook if it helps lend understanding, but don’t overlook the power of civil town hall discussion.
We just need to figure out a way for that discussion to be information based.
The council will next meet on Tuesday, July 5 at 7 p.m.