In the days following the Vancouver riots, the sadness and disappointment felt by most British Columbians was a tangible thing - on radio callin shows, in letters to the editor, and around the water cooler and the dinner table, most people were shocked by what had occurred.
As the disbelief wore off, a wave of anger rode in to take its place and with it came an aggressive vigilante mindset that seemed to take root and grow. Within days, the "name and shame" websites were overflowing with digital images and videos taken that night.
While some observers called for a calm and reasoned approach, others were a little less inclined be peaceful.
The mantra became clear: The punks and creeps who had done this should pay for their actions - even if those consequences were meted out by an angry public and not by lawful routes.
But this is not the Wild West. It's never wise for the public - especially an angry public, partially protected by the anonymity of the Internet - to start making calls for retribution.
Since then, thankfully, the fervour has died off, but the work of the police and the courts has only just begun.
And though we wouldn't wish for that over-the-top anger to come back, we also don't want people to forget that there are, undoubtedly, many people who have yet to be identified.
This week, the Vancouver Police Department released updated numbers on how many alleged rioters have turned themselves in - including three from right here in Burnaby - and how many more are being investigated.
We have no doubt that there are people - parents, friends, co-workers - who recognized someone in a photo, or who have evidence yet to be handed over.
Do the right thing: share what you know, and then let the police do their work.
