Why haven’t questions about police department procedure raised more outcry from citizens? And when will the city act?

Recent shootings and killings in Lawrence should make it clear there is a serious problem in the city. When questioned about the shootings, law enforcement spokesmen have indicated drugs probably played a role in most of the cases.

The situation is likely to worsen unless residents and officials make it clear they are not going to sit by and let those engaged in illegal drug trafficking have the freedom to conduct business without consequences.

Unfortunately, apparent infighting among those engaged in the sale, distribution and use of illegal drugs seems to be increasing at the same time the Lawrence Police Department is being questioned about its intent and ability to come down hard on those in the drug scene.

Several weeks ago, a Lawrence police officer was put on administrative leave due to possible misconduct in investigations. The officer claimed he had operated within bounds and done nothing wrong. He also said he had reason to believe there could be a police department insider who has helped drug dealers escape.

This is a serious charge.

As a result of the officer’s firing, a number of criminal cases in which he was involved have been dismissed. The current known total of dismissed cases — most all involving drug charges — is about two dozen. Chances are good there will be more.

Those in the drug business must be happy that law enforcement officials are likely to be far less vigorous in pursuing illegal drug activity. The dismissed officer was known for his effectiveness and a no-nonsense approach to identifying and charging those engaged in the drug business.

A hearing to determine whether the officer’s dismissal was correct recently was conducted before a small group of city employees. The dismissal was upheld. Now the matter is in the hands of City Manager Mike Wildgen.

The charge of an “insider” within the police department who may be helping dealers escape is a serious matter. It is puzzling and disturbing that residents have not pressed for a closer investigation of this matter. Why haven’t city officials, city commissioners or citizens demanded a thorough investigation of the police department? This isn’t something that should be slipped under the rug. Otherwise, there’s a good possibility the shootings, killings and level of illegal drug activity will increase.

Over the years, the Lawrence Police Department has compiled a fine record, with excellent citizen support. It would be naive, however, to think corruption never could tarnish local law enforcement efforts.

This is why questions raised by recent events in the police department demands a much closer look.

City officials so far have done nothing to give the public reason to believe everything is operating as it should within the police department. The longer such inaction continues, the greater the justification for Lawrence residents to wonder what the truth really is.

Meanwhile, where’s the next shooting likely to occur?