Re: Front page article Whyalla News, April 28, 2008 "Thriving city attracts crime".

I noticed with interest the report of the recent attendance by SAPOL representatives in Whyalla recently and the comment that it was to hold a public forum in conjunction with the Whyalla Police.

My query is, was the public forum advertised, or was it an invitation only 'feel good' show to create the illusion of public communication.

Prior to the closure of the Iron Knob Police Station last year, the Iron Knob community was given an undertaking that there would be an open and transparent review with consultation and communication.

An important section of the community was not even invited to submit comment and the predetermined outcome was steam rolled through.

SAPOL advised us of that outcome about three weeks after we heard the news from other sources.

One good thing did come out of the process though, the Minister for Police, Mr Holloway MP advised this community that the level of reported crime had dropped in Iron Knob since the police station had closed!

Mmm! Just think of the cost savings if this bit of intelligent logic was applied statewide.

Bryan Lock

Iron Knob