To the editor:

I am writing about something that I have been thinking a lot about lately: the police reports published in the Barrington Times. Publishing the police reports with no concern for the people involved in the calls is a gross lack of compassion, a violation of privacy, and a hindrance to people who want to call the police, but do not want to be part of next week's rumor mill.

Personally I have had a family member who got the cops called on them, the charge was wiped from their record but everyone with a Barrington Times knows their full name and the address which they can be found. Why? It wasn’t a theft, it wasn’t a dangerous crime? But you know what it did? Put shame and gossip around the innocent members of my family not involved in the call.

God forbid there is a domestic violence issue. You call the police, you need help — but rest assured that coming Wednesday, your address will be in black and white with the words domestic assault. Personally, that would stop me from calling. I would rather deal with it myself than get the police involved just so the entire town could know about my issues.

A theft is one thing. If someone is breaking into houses or cars, that’s a public threat and the public needs to know about it. If a threat is stopped, we also need to know that. If the police need assistance locating a stolen item, person or pet, that is also vital information for the weekly news. But someone calling someone names? And then you tell the address of who? I am pretty sure none of these people have consented to have their name smeared in the paper. Especially if it is on charges or a dispute that can be settled or proven false.

Frankly, I didn’t like it when the Times published my college graduation status. I did not give consent to have my name, school of attendance and graduating degree status. But this is a letter to the editor which I have to submit my name and address and so I consent to do so.

However, that is one issue, and the police reports is another.

I don’t believe the Times should continue to publish police reports with names and/or addresses. It is a violation of privacy, and only starts a vicious gossip mill. It hurts more than it helps. If I have to I will take it up with whom I need to.

Thank you,

Kelly Brown

Barrington