I hope people aren't sick of reading about drugs and law enforcement, because they haven't seen the last of the subjects in our paper. That's because the issue is so raw with the community and it's our job to reflect what people are talking about.
I'd venture to say that drugs and law enforcement have made it to Rock County dining room discussions this year as frequently as "What's for supper?"
The Star Herald typically covers law enforcement from the standpoint of arrests or crimes committed. We also started covering law enforcement differently with the more recent concept of community policing.
We hit a nerve within the Sheriff's Department when we followed up on the continuing coverage of that issue with a story about the departmentÕs review by community policing trainers.
The purpose of the report was to point out what needed improvement, and the article (which I wrote) reflected the contents of that report. Both the report and my story noted positive things about the department as well.
A few members of the department expressed some bitterness about the Star Herald sharing that information with the public, but we don't have regrets.
My restating this old news is just to remind everyone of the importance of openness between law enforcement and citizens. If we hadn't shared findings in that first report (published Aug. 15) the air wouldn't have been cleared to the extent it is now.
Community policing is a philosophy that holds openness and approachability as core values. And how could people feel open with a department that isnÕt willing to admit to its flaws?
It's admirable for anyone to try to do better at their jobs. It's professional to face weaknesses.... Just look at the last two issues of the Star Herald that included corrections for errors we apologized for.
The timing for implementing community policing couldn't have been more perfect because various residents, the school, the city of Luverne and parents are ready to embrace a change in how business is done in Rock County. The department members are clearly ready to accept changes, with them offering to meet with neighborhoods and parents.
I hope that from now on when people think of our Sheriff's Department and its role in local drug control, they don't only consider the things that need fixing. I hope they think of ways to help and support the people who are here to protect us.