I'm a huge fan of "Forensic Files," the cable show that condenses complicated criminal investigations into a 30-minute program.

I also understand that real-life casework move much more slowly.

If you've been concerned or impatient about the investigations of Boise's three recent cycling fatalities, take a close read of today's paper. Patrick Orr's story and Police Chief Mike Masterson's Reader's View take a good step back from the heat of the moment.

The fact is, it often takes months to investigate a fatal accident and to decide whether to press charges. This isn't unusual. This is standard procedure.

Law enforcement needs to take its time. Even when — especially when — public scrutiny is at its peak.

It seems like everybody in the motorists-vs.-cyclists debate has some horror story about some jerk in a hurry. Some motorist who races to make a turn in front of a cyclist. Some cyclist who rolls through a red light without even slowing down. Now, can we all just slow down and let the police and the prosecutors do their jobs?

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