In writing the Souls On Board series, I interviewed local authorities for additional information. Although it is highly irregular that the Agency would work with civilians in this manner today, it was once standard procedure that law enforcement and civilians worked together to fight crime and the potential danger to others. The following interview with Agent Krahl explains.
Newspaper reporter: How did you first meet flight attendant Casey Click?
Agent Krahl: We had an incident on board a flight that originated in Minneapolis, with a final destination in Denver.
Newspaper reporter: Can you share any details about that incident?
Agent Krahl: I cannot share details of the investigation. What I can share are the remarkable skills brought forth by civilians, primarily Casey Click and her closest friends, whose names must remain confidential.
Newspaper reporter: Can you describe these skills?
Krahl: Certainly. These women used their nascent investigative skills, going beyond what seems obvious upfront, continually searching for more information. It was like peeling back the skin of an onion until they revealed information we might never have found. It was an amazing act of citizen responsibility, without which, we’d still be back in Denver looking for clues.
Newspaper reporter: Are you saying that Ms. Click and her friends surpassed the investigative skills of the FBI?
Krahl: Without public input during any investigation, the process is slow and tedious. Ms. Click and her friends exploited their own curiosity to search for information. Each woman brought her own interpretation of the facts. They pieced these bits of information together to lead us to the perpetrator.
Newspaper reporter: Is there a lesson in this?
Krahl: The public sees more than they realize and could be of extraordinary assistance to us if they would share their observations. We live on this planet together and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect one another from the actions of criminals. Stepping forward is a step of bravery and honor.
Newspaper reporter: Honor, sir?
Krahl: Turning a blind eye to criminal activities perpetuates the crime. It unwittingly makes you an accomplice. To say nothing, in effect, ties our hands. We can’t protect the general public without the public’s help. Women like Ms. Click and her friends are fearless advocates for justice.
Newspaper reporter: What would you suggest to the public?
Krahl: When out in public, be more aware of what’s going on around you, and around your neighborhood. Join a neighborhood watch group or citizens on patrol.
National Neighborhood Watch Institute
Keep up with the Souls on Board series – follow my blog and please share it with your friends. If you haven’t started the Souls On Board series, please visit one of the websites below to get started reading. Reviews are appreciated.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!