Wilkes-Barre has been experiencing a crime problem lately. We asked Wilkes-Barre Police what they're doing about it. A lieutenant was willing to speak on camera, but he had to get clearance from the city's spokesperson first. When the spokesperson called back Sunday afternoon, we were told the crime issue is "not something we are prepared to comment on."
Huh? Not prepared? Prepare yourself. That's your job.
Hiding under the Cone of Silence is not the answer. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. The citizens deserve to know what's going on. I know the officer who was willing to speak, before the muzzle was applied by the city's spokesperson. He would have reassured people that the police department was doing its best. People are safe, and the culprits will be caught. Wilkes-Barre is lucky to have some very good policemen and women. Residents should know that, and hear that.
Unfortunately, city government thinks silence is golden.
