While hydrants sit broken, infrastructure crumbles, and corruption echoes through the halls of city government, the Falmouth Police Department has apparently decided their biggest threat, is a journalist. Yes, you read that right. Because I am hurting the feelings of people who can know longer get away screwing over the public. A detective on the public dime, is now allegedly trying to build a criminal case against The Whisper. Harassing people while they are working that are protected whistleblowers and other citizens.’
Not against a violent offender.
Not against financial misconduct.
Not against the rot that’s been plaguing this town for years.
Against me. Because I asked questions. Because I printed what others were afraid to say out loud. Because I told the truth and now, they want payback.
What Exactly Are You Investigating?
The facts are public.
The sources are documented.
The stories are backed by open records and citizen voices.
So what are they trying to prove? That a Facebook page hurt your feelings and ego? That they can’t hide anymore? What are you trying to intimidate this away? Well CVS and both dollar stores sell tissues for your tears, because you do not want to make this personal. I have not even gotten started yet.
We’ve reported on fire hydrants that don’t function, budgets that don’t add up, and elected officials that don’t answer. This morning we asked a mayor if it was THC she was smoking in her office, and a State Rep if he would comment on his knowledge and inaction on hydrants during his political career. Instead of answers they want to spread intimidation.
Let me be very clear:
This is retaliation.
This is harassment.
This is abuse of authority.
This Is Not Just About Me
If this is how they treat someone asking public questions with public sources, what happens to people without a platform? This is the kind of behavior that silences whistleblowers, journalists, and everyday citizens alike.
Too bad for them, I’m not quiet.
Freedom of the Press Is Not Optional
Let’s be clear on this:
Under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, freedom of the press is not a courtesy, it is a protected right. Journalists, yes, even those reporting digitally, independently, or via social media are legally recognized as part of the free press, and therefore shielded from harassment and intimidation for lawful reporting. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, any government official, including law enforcement, who uses their authority to interfere with constitutionally protected rights can be held personally liable. Kentucky’s own laws offer additional protection under KRS 421.100, which protects journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources.
We’re not just talking about Facebook drama anymore. We’re talking civil rights law.
I Am a Watchdog, Not a Criminal
A watchdog press is supposed to make the powerful uncomfortable. It’s supposed to shine a light in places they want kept dark. That is exactly what The Falmouth Whisper does.
I am the press.
I am the founder of The Falmouth Whisper.
And this is journalism.
It may be unconventional. It may be loud. But it’s also accurate, documented, and clearly making someone nervous. So guess what? Now it gets much louder. You want to prove me wrong? Do it with evidence. You want to challenge the story? Offer your side. But if your only move is to try to intimidate the press, you’ve already lost.
My name is Chris Collins.
I am Whisper One.
And I’m just getting started.