Chapel Hill has filled pages with commentary about the Chapel Hill Police Department’s response to the occupation of the Yates Motor Company building in November 2011. Yet another take on just what, exactly, happened that night might seem superfluous.
But if it is done correctly, an investigation by a private firm could provide a much-needed catalyst for coming to consensus about the raid — and more importantly what should be done to avoid these situations in the future.
At its meeting tonight, Chapel Hill Town Council should vote in favor of looking into hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation.
As they debate the pros and cons, however, council members must bear one crucial caveat in mind: cost.
If the cost of a private investigation is exorbitant, it should bear in mind that there may be other, more efficient, less expensive ways of effecting this goal.
The situation is complicated, to say the least. Both sides make credible claims, and the truth, if there is one, is probably somewhere in the middle.
It boils down to a question of whether anyone was breaking the law. A good investigation will piece together an objective account of the Yates incident, providing a starting point for a productive conversation about what, if anything, went wrong that night.
Once these basic questions are answered, it will be up to the town to ask tougher ones: Why isn’t there a more specific protocol regarding the appropriate use of riot gear? What is standard procedure for dealing with trespassers? How can police more accurately assess whether these trespassers pose a threat?
Those who objected to the police’s actions should evaluate what they hope to accomplish by pressuring the town to conduct another investigation.
