Report's release a question of 'when,' not 'if'
Daily Herald readers deserve a more thorough explanation of the Village of Carpentersville's position regarding the disclosure of police reports and squad car video from a recent traffic stop where the motorist died at a hospital hours later.
A recent story and editorial in the paper mistakenly led readers to believe that the village is steadfastly refusing to share public documents related to the traffic stop. This is simply untrue.
The village has told the newspaper on numerous occasions that it fully intends to provide the documents at the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the incident by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Unit. Unfortunately, in recent coverage, the Herald chose not to inform its readers of this important fact. So, accepting as fact that the village intends to honor the newspaper's request, it is clear that the disagreement isn't over whether the documents will be provided, but when they will be provided.
The Daily Herald wants the information before the investigation is complete. The village believes, as does the Illinois State Police, that disclosing pertinent information publicly during an active investigation where witnesses are being interviewed and evidence is being examined could compromise the integrity of these efforts.
Meanwhile, it is our commitment to both the family of the deceased and the officers involved to do everything necessary to maintain the integrity of the Illinois State Police's ongoing investigation.
The village believes the pursuit of the facts and the truth outweighs the newspaper's desire to get information before investigators have drawn any conclusions. That's why it respectfully disagrees with the attorney general's nonbinding, advisory opinion.
We appreciate and understand this point of friction, as it is not uncommon. Reporters often want information as soon as possible. Investigators would rather defer disclosure until after their work is complete.
Make no mistake, the village will waste no time honoring the newspaper's request for information, but only after the important investigative efforts are complete, not before.
Mark Rooney is village manager for the Village of Carpentersville. The Daily Herald's editorial is online at dailyherald.com/discuss