PUBLIC NEEDS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHOOTING OF GVSU STUDENT DURING DRUG RAID

It's been 11 days since an unarmed Grand Valley State University
student was shot by police during a drug raid at his off-campus
apartment. The public knows little more now about the circumstances
surrounding the shooting than when it occurred. Law enforcement
officials need to move with more dispatch in making the facts of this
case known. The longer authorities remain silent, the more time for
rumors, speculation and even anger to grow.

We entrust officers, State Police troopers, sheriff's deputies and
others with considerable power, including the right to use deadly
force when circumstances warrant. That extraordinary authority needs
to be balanced by a heavy dose of accountability and public
disclosure. But details from the authorities have been in short
supply regarding this case.

We know Derek Copp, a 20-year-old GVSU student, was shot in the chest
by police March 11 during the execution of a drug-related search
warrant. We know he was unarmed. We know the 12-year Ottawa County
sheriff's deputy who fired his weapon is on paid administrative leave.

We know. . .well, that's about all we know.

The deputy's name has not been released. There is no information
regarding why Mr. Copp's apartment was targeted by the West Michigan
Enforcement Agency, a regional drug unit. Nothing has been released
about what, if any, drugs were seized in the raid or in what quantity
they were present in Mr. Copp's home. No details have been revealed
about exactly what circumstances lead up to a veteran officer
shooting an unarmed man.

It's understandable that the State Police's complete and thorough
probe of the shooting could take weeks, and that some information
will have to be protected while that process occurs. But what would
be difficult about saying what prompted the drug raid -- the probable
cause necessary for a search warrant -- and what was recovered from
Mr. Copp's home? And why should the public not know whether drug
charges are being filed against Mr. Copp?

Absent answers from law enforcement, Mr. Copp's lawyer and family
have provided details. His attorney, Fred Dilley, said authorities
found "a few tablespoons" of marijuana in his client's apartment. Mr.
Copp's father has said his son was shot while raising his arms to
shield his face from authorities' flashlights. Law enforcement
officials have not refuted or confirmed those statements. They have
remained silent.

Mr. Copp, who suffered injuries to his ribs, lung and liver, was
released from the hospital Wednesday. But the incident continues to
cause an uproar on campus, spawning several student protests,
including one in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday. GVSU President
Thomas Haas rightly is seeking a full explanation from law
enforcement about what prompted the raid and shooting. He and the
public deserve more answers than have been provided so far.