1. Authorities need to release more details to the public, including descriptions, info on the tarot card, etc.But can authorities do this without compromising the investigation?
I think they can. Authorities weighed these very same questions in the Unabomber case, and their method yielded success. If the success of your investigation will rely on public tips, you must give the public enough information for them to reply intelligently.
2. Authorities should put in place a system where the public can be alerted via radio (Emergency Broadcast System) within minutes that a shooting has occurred at X - be attentive.Yes, the public must be willing to put themselves at risk. But that's always been the intent - the citizens are responsible for protecting themselves, notwithstanding Sarah Brady's press releases. If they aren't up to that task then this sniper is the least of our problems. BTW, my thought is more that people would follow at a safe distance or call the police when a strange vehicle/person passes their location. If no catch is made, at least the police could use these details to deduce a path of exit.Not a bad idea. But would it serve to foster a climate of justice, or a climate of fear? Judging how the media has been characterizing the population around the DC area, a EBS would seem to only foster fear and reclusion. Ultimately, the public would need the mindset that they are willing to put themselves at risk to catch the sniper- and ultimately save the lives of others. I want to have faith that Americans would do this. But I think fear has a pretty tight grip on many citizens in the DC area.
Thank you, NittanyLion, for your considerate reply.
And you for yours. It's always a pleasure.
And I agree wholeheartedly that it is up to private citizens to remain eternally vigilant and aware of what is going on around them. President Bush asked us to do that after 9-11. But I think that many fail to realize that his simple request should be part of our daily lives- terrorism or not.
Thanks again!