[Vinomori]

I think LE has known since early who the kidnapper is and they haven't told Ed Smart.

Why would this be, though? Why would law enforcement be in an adversarial relationship with the victim's own father? Do you have a theory for this?

[Sherlock]

Why would this be, though? Why would law enforcement be in an adversarial relationship with the victim's own father? Do you have a theory for this?

Maybe because they fear how he would react and are afraid he won't go along with the plan they feel they need to follow in the case. I.E. Ed might want the guy arrested and LE has implicated they probably will not arrest the abductor until Elizabeth or her body are located.