In times of extreme tension, individuals tend to act upon impulse and later regret the action they took in the heat of the moment. But when circumstances allow, such actions can be reviewed and potential problems can be remedied.

Fortunately, this was the case in the detainment of Northern Star photographer George White.

White was at the West Lagoon Thursday night when the uprising of students against police took place. He was simply doing his job, photographing the incident, when a University Police Sergeant asked him to leave because, the officer said, White was “inciting” the crowd.

White identified himself and refused to leave, citing his right under the First Amendment. It was then that the seargant, perhaps acting on impulse in the heat of the moment, had White arrested.

White was correct in pursuing his rights to cover the fracus. It was his job to do so, just as it was the job of the police officer to disperse the crowd.

The sergeant shouldn’t have had White arrested. But in that pressure-packed instance, that’s what resulted.

Later in the evening, the UPs released White while charges were pending. Upon review of the situation, with the assistance of DeKalb County State’s Attorney Phil DiMarzio, it was decided Monday that no charges should be brought against the photographer.

Despite the fact that White had to be put through the tension of waiting nearly four days for his fate to be determined, the right decision was made. The police had no grounds on which to charge White, and by taking time to review the situation, they discovered this.

In the aftermath, a few things must be considered. There has to be some sort of understanding reached between the police and the media.

The police have to understand it is the job of the media to cover incidents such as the lagoon disturbance. Without this realization, there is a risk that similar incidents could happen in the future.

The media, too, must realize the police have a job to do. And while no photographer or reporter should be expected to stop doing his or her job at the whim of police personnel, it should be understood that a little cooperation between the two forces in such instances would be beneficial to each.

A lesson no doubt was learned from how the entire fiasco was handled. Hopefully the valuable lesson learned by all parties through the experience will prevent a repeat performance.