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A couple of recent incidents involving alleged misdeeds by former Grand Junction Police Department officers drew widespread media coverage ranging from fair to the usual over-the-top reporting.
The first incident came in late August when former police officer Courtney Crooks, 24, was arrested for physical harassment against his wife. He has since resigned.
On the heels of that incident came the recent arrest of former police officer Glenn Coyne. For one local media outlet it sparked the issue of confidence as it raised the question of whether the community felt its trust had been betrayed.
The coverage seemed like a reach given the random nature of the incidents, and the fine reputation of the department.
But the timing appeared right, at least for the broadcaster, and the issue was broached in a manner that smacked of over dramatization.
The trust issue could have been handled in a more dignified manner rather than playing it like the community might be losing faith in the department because of the incident.
Some exercise of caution could have gone a long way considering it is a department of about 200 people.
As it stands the situation worsened at least for the family of Coyne. The married father of two children was arrested and subsequently dismissed from the department for suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and first-degree burglary. The former officer posted bond and was released from jail.
A few days after his release the body of Coyne, 35, was discovered in a Jefferson County hotel room. A preliminary investigation by Jefferson County authorities indicated Coyne died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Meanwhile, an investigation into the allegations against Coyne continues to move along. The allegations stem from an incident at a woman's house about two weeks ago although it's not clear exactly what happened because information is limited. She apparently called the police department regarding a family matter. Coyne was one of the officers who responded to the scene. The woman later contacted Coyne for additional help the day after the incident, the police department said. He returned to the residence Sept. 29, which is when the alleged sexual assault reportedly took place.
While the likelihood of the Mesa County District Attorney's Office filing charges would seem remote given the circumstances it seems this is a good time to let the authorities do their work.
In the meantime let's recognize there is tragedy in this situation. And it is far too early to proclaim trust has been lost in our local police force.
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Members of the Free Press Editorial Board are Publisher Valerie J. Smith, Managing Editor Tracy Dvorak and Staff Writer Wyatt Haupt Jr.
The first incident came in late August when former police officer Courtney Crooks, 24, was arrested for physical harassment against his wife. He has since resigned.
On the heels of that incident came the recent arrest of former police officer Glenn Coyne. For one local media outlet it sparked the issue of confidence as it raised the question of whether the community felt its trust had been betrayed.
The coverage seemed like a reach given the random nature of the incidents, and the fine reputation of the department.
But the timing appeared right, at least for the broadcaster, and the issue was broached in a manner that smacked of over dramatization.
The trust issue could have been handled in a more dignified manner rather than playing it like the community might be losing faith in the department because of the incident.
Some exercise of caution could have gone a long way considering it is a department of about 200 people.
As it stands the situation worsened at least for the family of Coyne. The married father of two children was arrested and subsequently dismissed from the department for suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and first-degree burglary. The former officer posted bond and was released from jail.
A few days after his release the body of Coyne, 35, was discovered in a Jefferson County hotel room. A preliminary investigation by Jefferson County authorities indicated Coyne died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Meanwhile, an investigation into the allegations against Coyne continues to move along. The allegations stem from an incident at a woman's house about two weeks ago although it's not clear exactly what happened because information is limited. She apparently called the police department regarding a family matter. Coyne was one of the officers who responded to the scene. The woman later contacted Coyne for additional help the day after the incident, the police department said. He returned to the residence Sept. 29, which is when the alleged sexual assault reportedly took place.
While the likelihood of the Mesa County District Attorney's Office filing charges would seem remote given the circumstances it seems this is a good time to let the authorities do their work.
In the meantime let's recognize there is tragedy in this situation. And it is far too early to proclaim trust has been lost in our local police force.
----------------------------------
Members of the Free Press Editorial Board are Publisher Valerie J. Smith, Managing Editor Tracy Dvorak and Staff Writer Wyatt Haupt Jr.
