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Let's Not Forget The Missing Child

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

Are the colorful characters involved in this latest series of media sideshows concerned about the fate of Sabrina Aisenberg, or are they simply interested in drumming up publicity for themselves?

Sabrina is still missing; that is what's important.

There is no news value in the protestations of lawyer Barry Cohen that he got his feathers ruffled. Cohen thrives on controversy, and I hate to see the news media play into his hands.

There is no news value in lawyer John Trevena angling to keep a prominent public profile. Some lawyers buy television commercials; Trevena makes moves that get all over the news.

Then there's our beleaguered sheriff's office, "caught in another series of lies," reporter Mike Deeson of WTSP, Channel 10, said on the air. The sheriff's office seems to be as much interested in self-protection as child protection, as much vested in proving itself right as actually doing what is right.

"Either way, it doesn't look good for the sheriff," Trevena told WTSP.

"One thing remains consistent," Deeson went on to say. "In this case, the sheriff's department has never looked good."

Like it or not, public image is critically important when it comes to law enforcement. We all want to see results, but even the appearance of impropriety seriously undermines investigations. Community trust is necessary to effective policing, especially in long-term cases relying on confidence, hope and cooperation.

My experience with the sheriff's office has been positive. Deputies moved quickly and efficiently when our daughter was lost for several hours in 1996. She was found by an enthusiastic police dog, Little Rex, who went on to win deputy of the year honors along with his handler.

We can't talk about the Aisenberg case without also acknowledging the good work that's accomplished day in and day out. We can't allow public spectacle, bizarre accusations and defensiveness to distract us from the reality of a little girl who is still missing. We can't allow our love of controversy to be played by people with agendas unrelated to what really matters: the life of a missing child.

Columnist Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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