The local newspapers and radio stations recently provided extensive coverage and editorial comment regarding the latest developments in the ongoing investigation of the March 2006 shooting incident at the Homer Airport. The city of Homer has concluded that it is necessary to comment on this coverage because of the manner in which the news was presented and released by the Alaska Department of Law and the Office of Special Prosecutions and Appeals (OSPA).

When OSPA announced that the state had concluded its investigation and forwarded it to federal prosecutors, the spokesperson stated, “The Department of Law concluded that certain facts of the March 2006 shooting may constitute violations of Alaska’s criminal statutes.”

The city of Homer was very disappointed with this statement because of what it might unintentionally imply to some, and because of what it did not say. For example, the statement did not mention that criminal investigations are standard procedure whenever law enforcement officers are involved in a shooting incident.

It also did not mention that referring this investigation to federal prosecutors was necessary because it was federal agents who planned this operation and carried it out.

Finally, it was not mentioned that this investigation is especially complex and sensitive because investigators employed by the state of Alaska are reviewing the actions of federal agents.

Mark Marones, a spokesman for OSPA, clarified some of these points in subsequent interviews but the damage was already done. The initial news release which simply said that Alaska criminal statutes may have been violated unnecessarily spread another cloud of uncertainty and suspicion over the Homer Police Department and its officers.

This statement, in the city’s view, was ill conceived and very damaging because it inadvertently provided fuel to those who would engage in speculation about the actions of the officers involved in this incident without knowing most of the facts. It also unintentionally reinforced the views of those who assume that some sort of cover-up must be taking place. This is very unfortunate for all involved in and affected by this incident. That includes the entire Homer community.

The city of Homer is very proud of the Homer Police Department and its officers. The Homer Police Department is one of the most professional and well trained departments in the state of Alaska. The city again urges the community to refrain from jumping to conclusions and engaging in idle speculation. Please be patient and wait until the investigations are complete and the facts are released for public consumption.

The city recognizes that the long wait for details is frustrating. It is frustrating for the city and the police department as well. But it is very important to be thorough and to get it right. The family involved, the officers and the public at large deserve nothing less than a comprehensive investigation and ultimately, accountability from their government.

The city of Homer deeply appreciates the strong and consistent support the police department and its officers have received from the community during this very difficult year.

Walt Wrede is the city manager for Homer.