DPS deserves praise for a job well done

You don't have to tune into television to see real crime in action, just take heed to the Sikeston Public Safety's weekend apprehension of a convicted murderer from East St. Louis. Public Safety personnel, acting on a tip from the Missouri Highway Patrol, set up surveillance for Carl Wayne Wilson on Friday. After a several tense hours and some excellent police work, Wilson is now back in jail in Illinois to face murder charges.

Sometimes the coffee shops in Sikeston wonder aloud over the need for additional Public Safety funding for personnel or equipment. But when you have incidents like the weekend arrest of Wilson, you have to argue that the money is well spent.

Wilson, by any definition, is indeed a bad guy who was simply traveling through Sikeston, though he had some connections here. Public Safety personnel acted professionally and, when the dust had settled, captured their man without incident.

These acts of courage don't happen by accident. Police here are trained and respond appropriately. The weekend incident could have just as easily turned ugly. But Public Safety knew exactly what they were doing and they accomplished their mission without incident.

If you're one of those who enjoys Public Safety bashing as a hobby, maybe you'd better rethink your criticism. Their job is a thankless and difficult one, to be sure. But when you have something like this weekend happen and the ending was peaceful for everyone, you begin to realize the level of service and expertise we have in Sikeston.

It may be trite, but you can indeed rest easier tonight because Public Safety is on the job.