“Something else to consider here. If this is simply a cut and dried case of self-defense (and perhaps it is), then why would the local law enforcement, knowing the firestorm this incident would create, not be bending over backwards to release every possible piece of information which validates self-defense? I would think they would be doing everything possible to calm things down. But, instead, the Chief is taking a self-imposed resignation? That does not inspire confidence that the police have done their job.”
Some information is kept confidential because it could be evidence in future court proceedings, whether civil or criminal.
The Chief has little choice. His department is being lynched in the court of public opinion (honestly, even you are here saying they’ve not done their jobs) so he is stepping down because he hopes riots will be less likely if the black community feels people are “doing something”.
While I fully know that evidence that may be needed in court is rarely released to the public, they could provided a report to the public of what steps have been taken to obtain that evidence which supports self-defense, since that appears to be the official position in this case. And, if it’s the position of the local law enforcement that the shooting was self-defense, and no charges are going to be filed by the local LE, then there is more that can be released to the public. Given the highly volitile nature of the case, I’d think it would be in the public’s best interest to release as much information as is warranted to assauge potential anger.