One could legitimately question whether the police have the right to remain silent about recent arson-related vandalism at NIU.

Apparently, last weekend’s fire in the Holmes Student Center was not the only arson to touch NIU lately. Several other similar situations have occurred, involving attempts to vandalize university buildings. But the University Police have, for one reason or another, chosen to clam up concerning these other incidents.

After he denied knowing of any vandalism besides the student center’s fire, UP Lt. Ron Williams came to admit later on Monday that there could be an investigation of other campus arsons. A memory lapse, perhaps?

If the reason for suppressing information about arsons and vandalism on campus is prevention of “copycat” situations, the UPs could be inadvertently creating a disservice. If students and NIU employees are aware of the immediate vandalism threat, they can keep their eyes open for “suspicious characters” to aid the police.

Further, the UPs did not see fit to tell the DeKalb Fire Department about these other attempts to start fires. Such information could aid the department in its investigation and prepare them for possible fires.

The public has a right to know about fires (particularly those set deliberately) in public buildings—it’s a matter of public safety and concern. And if information is kept from the press and public concerning fires, a dangerous precedent is set for even more important matters.