It seems fashionable to be critical of the police in this day and age. Before being critical, perhaps those criticizing should perhaps ask themselves a few questions. I am referring to a recent article entitled,”Informing the public.” Before you see any medical test results your doctor thoroughly reviews them for accuracy and underlying issues that may exist prior to revealing the results to you the patient.

The Alpena Police are being criticized for not revealing enough information to satisfy some residents. In an ongoing investigation of this magnitude there are numerous moving parts. Surprise, at times the victims are not even honest. Reports are written and reviewed. Statements are taken and scrutinized. Evidence is located and processed. A department the size of Alpena is seeking the assistance from other agencies and that alone requires a high degree of coordination. This information must be collated and your next move must be determined. To comment on an ongoing investigation is foolish.

The defendant was found in Arizona, do you think a birdie flew on Chief Jett’s shoulder and told them where the defendant was located? Of course not, it was the investigational process that led them to the defendant. This process included multiple agencies and hours of work.

What would have been the outcome if the police department made a statement without all the facts and the details were incorrect? The department would have been lambasted for their careless actions.

Speaking as a retired Chief of Police from a suburb of Detroit, I applaud and support the actions of Chief Jett, the Alpena Police Department and all agencies that supported this investigation.

MIKE SUMERACKI,

Presque Isle