My final Dispatches column offers reflections on 20 years at the Post.
I received the following e-mail today:
Would you please explain to me why Harry Delgado is routinely also described as “South Brunswick Police Capt. Harry Delgado”, when other incumbents or others running for the school board for the first time are not also identified by their jobs? (see “Deadline Looms for Board“)
The answer has nothing to do with qualifications, Capt. Delgado’s or anyone else’s as the rest of the e-mail implied. Capt. Delgado — and all police officers — is identified by rank in all stories in the same way that all religious leaders carry their honorifics with them (it would be the Rev. Francis Hubbard whether we were writing about something going on at St. Barnabas Epsicopal Church or happened upon him while doing a story at a local ice cream shop).
We also refer to school board member Matthew Speesler as Dr. Speesler on second reference, even though his medical degree has nothing to do with his service on the board.
Politeness is part of it, but there is a practical reason for this with police officers, as well. Officers, though they work in shifts and can be said to be “off duty,” are always on the job.
I’m comfortable with the policy, but i’m willing to hear what everyone else thinks. Send me an e-mail.
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Hank Kalet 