The practical demonstration of three big principles of law enforcement was laced before the people of Yltah County this week when three police departments combined resources to take into custody a suspect in a murder case. Such a demonstration might not have been possible just a few short years ago. But it is hard to recall when there has been a as much cooperation of controlled activities that showed thorough preparedness by police in Utah Valley. When the shooting was reported in Provo leads came quickly from Orem and the Orem Police Department willingly moved as if the case were their very own. When the. leads carried the manhunt into Pleasant Grove, Provo Chief Swen Nielseu and Orem Chief Robert Wadman and their men were welcomed by Chief Mike Ferre and his Pleasant Grove officers. Two observers from the Herald could detect not a shred of petty jealousy only a sincere desire to get the job done in the best possible way. At one point there were no less than 21 patrol cars at the Pleasant Grove site. A few years ago to have mustered this kind of a force would have required drawing from agencies all over the county. The 21 units were only a part of the force available and the rest of the county was still being protected and served. There was a definite feeling of control and purpose about the search. N he men were assigined positions and they took em ike a well oiled machine. It was not an evening of ill-disciplined amateurs playing war games, it was a demonstration of professional skill. Taking its position in a strategic place was Provo’s SWAT team – Special Weapons and Tactics. Since its inception some time ago there have been undertones of criticism over this part of the police department. But its special training and organization provide the operation with a stability. The team’s ultimate contribution was to observe the suspect driving away from the scene. But it was prepared to act according to the information that had been received. It was thought at the time that the suspect was in the house with a man, his wife and two children – all potential hostages. Part of the operation involved an assigned negotiator. His skills were tried first. While all hoped that he would be successful, every man was prepared to do his own job. ‘ Chief Nielsen said that a police dpeartment needs to prepare for the unexpected – not for the everyday. Because they all were prepared, they were able to unction efficiently, in a critical situation. A warm thanks to officers and leaders of the Provo, Orem and Pleasant Grove Police Departments and to the Higway Patrol.