At the link the Dallas Police Department is refusing to release details regarding the deployment of their bomb robot to kill the sniper that killed five Dallas area police officers.  Numerous reporters have filed freedom of information requests.

Investigative work product is generally not covered by a freedom of information requests, at least until it is utilized in court.  I am not sure if tactical applications, means and methods don’t enjoy some level of protection.

Dallas probably cannot protect the identity of the robot, make, model number, options applied at the factory.  This information is probably out there in the public realm.  However the modifications made, the amount and type of explosive, command and control and how it was detonated serve no purpose for general public consumption and should be protected.

I would think a generalized statement at how the Police Administration, District Attorney and City attorney arrived at the deployment of a bomb as a viable alternative would serve the city’s purposes.  Of course as soon as I say that we’re smack dab right in the middle of attorney client privilege, which is just as sacrosanct for the City as it would be for an individual.

Every time the police, military or intelligence agencies employ a new tactic or deploy a piece of equipment in an unique way they are educating the enemy. Just so there is no confusion, I consider felons the enemy on par with terrorists. As long as individuals are engaged in a criminal lifestyle they are actively at war with established norms and deserve contempt and condemnation from all law abiding people.

Keep in mind the #1 priority of reporters is to sell toilet paper and tampons, the “NEWS” is just a delivery system for advertising.