Taking criticism to a whole new level

Someone really, really thinks that the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police Department is corrupt.

They think this to such a degree that they spent about $600, plus $75 in postage, to send three very nicely done wooden plaques to "honor" three officers, including Chief John Romero, for being just so corrupt, in the sender's opinion.

The department's (over)reaction to the criticism? They have contacted the local postal inspector to investigate whoever sent the package, and state that he or she "could face federal charges for using the U.S. Postal Service 'to threaten, harass or intimidate'".

Please. What is possibly threatening or harassing about a complaint such as this, however strangely (or expensively) done? Based on the chief's definition, any complaint about his department could be labeled "intimidating" or some such nonsense. I see no threat here, merely opinion, which is protected speech, the last time I checked.

Maybe Chief Romero shouldn't dismiss his critic out of hand, but instead should take a good long look at his organization to make doubly sure there isn't actually something to gripe about.