Newspaper needs to do a better job of following up on stories

I read the response from the Freehold Borough governing body, chief of police and PBA of Freehold Borough ("Readers Are Owed Responsible Reporting and Commentary," News Transcript, July 1) and it really raises a lot of questions for me for the News Transcript.

The letter from the borough was in response to (an editorial and a column by the managing editor) that the News Transcript published about allegations of police brutality.

First, I like the News Transcript. I know many people in Freehold Borough who look forward to it every week. Your paper covers our town well and is the best source of information about our town. Even with hardball topics, you are usually fair and accurate.

When I read the editorial and the column, it came across very different from past ones. In this particular case of allegations toward a police officer, I know that all level-headed people want the truth and justice to prevail.

I found the News Transcript editorial and column to be kneejerk and Johnny come lately. The News Transcript raised a lot of fair questions, but your timing is off.

The question I have for the News Transcript is, where have you been? We the people would be far more served if you had been reporting on these issues all along instead of waiting as you did.

Then your editorial and column would have had more credibility. Besides this issue surrounding Sgt. Colaner, there have been many other stories over the years that seem to have just dropped. The story comes out, and then there is no follow through.

The News Transcript would be wise to continue following up on these stories. That would be the best service you can provide for the readers.

If you had been reporting on this story and felt you were receiving a hard time from the police department or Borough Hall all along, then it would have been very good reporting and a story the public needs to see; not after a disgruntled person shows up to make noise when it is convenient for her.

I applaud the governing body and police chief for a well-written response. I have followed the issue at hand as many people have, and their response appears to be very accurate.

Sgt. Colaner deserves the support of the governing body and the law-abiding, decent residents of Freehold Borough. He has not been found guilty of anything and deserves appropriate respect. All of our police in Freehold Borough are appreciated by the good people here. They have a tough job that most people would not have the guts to do.
Brian Sullivan
Freehold Borough