Yes, I would think so too. I’m baffled as to why you would witness police misconduct and not tell the newspaper. And you’re right – the dispatcher logs I get contain only skeletal information. I didn’t read the blog post you had made on the incident.

Others are not so reticent, and have forwarded complaints. Since we won’t tolerate police misconduct, we always follow up on these issues. Over the years, we have done stories on allegations of misconduct by APD, HSCO, and the CHP, then followed up with editorial opinion condemning the inappropriate conduct.

But we also contacted all involved parties before doing so. Did you get APD’s explanation prior to writing your blog blast linked above? As an experienced reporter, I’m sure you know that you’re compelled to do so before forming an opinion, and certainly before presuming to report on the matter.

There’s a saying in the biz that some stories are “too good to fact check.” Because usually doing so shows that there is more than one side, and fewer invocations of “eye-burning terror.” But then again, it could also cut down on the sadness afterward.