Inside Mesa

As I turned on the news this evening…. breaking news! Interim Mesa Police Chief G.T. Fowler, announces they have picked up 28 year old William Craig Miller this evening at a Scottsdale Restaurant. Miller was transported to Mesa and booked in connection of the tragic deaths of a household of five near my neighborhood. Sgt. Chuck Trapani, Public Relations Officer, continued answering questions from reporters immediately afterward. I sat glued to the news for information and the immediate response of the City.What I saw was an immediate response and an excellent method of communication in a timely fashion. First, to the family and friends of the loved ones lost, then quickly to the community. This was a vital and intregal part in relaying critical information to inquiring minds, residents of Mesa, that were shocked and stunned that something like this could happen in a family oriented community. The Mesa Police Department has been criticized at times; more for a lack of information. People naturally get anxious. No news can foster a sense of mistrust…a long delay in responding to the public with information can be frustrating. The immediate news this evening to Mesa citizens with the details they could give was essential and important. I feel connected, informed, and have a sense of expectancy of the Mesa Police Department and officers involved in this incident; are doing an outstanding job. Keeping our city safe is something we’ve come to expect but don’t always "see" in action or know the results—even though it is being done. I saw a department that was conscientious, accountable to Mesa and its people, and as a result was able to bridge the gap between police and citizens. The thorough investigation and quick arrest a week after the incident was timely and very effective for me; I hope the same encouragement is felt in the immediate neighborhood. Sgt. Trapani stressed the investigation continues as they look for others involved. Our Mesa Police are doing an excellent job and will no doubt continue to successfully bring resolution to crimes in our community.