PROVIDING INFORMATION WITHOUT HYSTERIA

There is a fine line between useful information and hysteria-inducing hype when suspected serial killers are roaming at large, possibly even in our own community. News organizations, particularly, must decide how to give folks the facts they need to take appropriate precautions without fanning a blaze of fear and overreaction.

It was unfortunate that a shooting in our very own city may possibly be connected to reports that Rafael Resendez-Ramirez could be lurking among us. But the other extreme would be not to do anything.

When the Illinois State Police received criticism for jumping on every unconfirmed sighting of the Mexican national who is wanted in connection with at least eight killings in three states, the response was to the point:

Police will overreact to any such sighting report, because the aim is to catch this man, not let him get away.

For all practical purposes, what choice do law-enforcement agencies have? They are certainly in no position to second-guess which reports are legitimate and which ones are far-fetched.

Most law-abiding citizens would rather too much law enforcement than not enough.