The tragic, frustrating death of Andrew Finch will remain with Wichitans for some time. No decision on filing charges against the Wichita police officer who shot him, and no decision on the man charged with involuntary manslaughter associated with fake calls to police, will let us forget about a senseless death.
The district attorneys decision not to file criminal charges against the officer who fired the only shot in the Dec. 28 incident is already receiving widespread criticism, and whos to say the criticism isnt valid? Believing an officer shouldnt shoot someone unless he can identify with certainty that the suspect has a weapon and is threatening others is a completely logical opinion though Kansas law disagrees.
Now comes an absolutely vital point in the investigation, one that will determine for many the confidence Wichitans have in their police force: The police internal investigation needs to be the most exhaustive, comprehensive effort the department has seen, and the citys new Citizens Review Board should scrutinize it in public.