Transparency is much like dieting: People spend more time talking about it than actually doing it.
All too often, the idea of transparency is something public officials talk about at length, but fail to put into practice on any meaningful level.
That is why we are encouraged by the Columbus Police Department’s most recent effort to follow through on rebuilding relations with the community in the wake of the officer-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball on Oct. 16.
Obviously, much work remains to be done, including hiring a new chief to replace Tony Carleton, who announced his resignation on Nov. 1.
Two weeks ago, the CPD launched a Twitter account: @Columbus_MS_PD.
Having a Twitter account is one thing, of course. Using it is often another.
If the past two weeks are any indication, the CPD intends to make the most of its account.
Since its launch, CPD has used Twitter to regularly inform the community of its actions — everything from notifying residents of street closures to updates on crimes, videos of suspects that appeal to the public for any information they might have to real-time updates on investigations.
This marks a welcome change for the department, which had previously been slow to release information to the public and tended to release the bare minimum of information.
Residents have noticed, and the response has been predictably positive.
“One person said we’re actually being more transparent and letting people know what’s going on so they don’t have to guess or think we’re hiding something,” Interim CPD Chief Fred Shelton said. “If we’re working a murder investigation, we’re working a murder investigation. That’s not going to change and there’s nothing that’s going to be hurt from the public knowing that. If we haven’t caught a suspect or they’ve fled and are on the loose, the public certainly has a right to know that.”
We are encouraged by the CPD’s use of Twitter and hope the openness we see in its use is duplicated in other ways – from how officers communicate with residents during their shifts, to the search for a new police chief. Respecting residents’ rights to be involved and informed is an important step toward a better community.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.