Attorney General Michael Carpenter went to Old Town recently and was given his political baptism in the continuing legal and personal controversy involving police officer Norman Harrington and District Attorney Christopher Almy. The AG returned to Augusta with a clearer understanding of this case, which has:

Created bitter divisiveness within the law enforcement profession in the region.

Rent the Old Town community.

Placed Harrington in a position of continuing personal and professional jeopardy — guiltless, but punished by the system.

Spawned a civil case with a price tag of $2 million.

Enticed the Legislature to do the unusual, if not unprecedented, and pass a resolve asking the attorney general to prosecute Harrington’s cases.

Caused average citizens to have serious doubts about the integrity of the legal process.

Michael Carpenter, as a human being and state resident, should be concerned about the case because of the first two impacts listed above.

This is an ugly matter that should be cleared up to restore balance, order and decorum to a community, and among members of a profession. Important social institutions now are dysfunctional. Too many residents feel cheated, angry and betrayed.

Attorney General Michael Carpenter, as the state’s top law enforcement official, should be deeply disturbed about this case for the last four reasons.

This issue is hot. The Legislature took what it felt was a constructive and humanitarian stand when it passed the resolve. However, in doing so it stumbled into a hideously complex legal situation, and took the rest of the state along with it. The lawmakers’ action, taken by people who did not appreciate their impact on pending criminal and civil cases, has clouded the issue further and has imparted a new sense of urgency to untangling this matter.

Most important for Carpenter: Average people are questioning the integrity of their system of laws, arrest, procedure and justice. For that reason, he must step in and immerse himself in this case, which he is entitled, if not obligated to do, under state statute.

As attorney general, Carpenter would be in control of this case. His presence would confer credibility on a damaged process that at the moment is suffering in the court of public opinion. Through the weight of his office, he might be able to act as arbiter, resolving the myriad issues without further damage to the legal system.

After he obtained access to all documents, many of which are held by the federal district court, and studied them, worked with officer Harrington and studied the performance of District Attorney Almy, the people of Maine could be confident that at least one person in a position of power and authority was knowledgeable about this case and could act in their behalf. That individual should be Attorney General Michael Carpenter.