Normally I read Paul's opinions with a big grain of salt.  He has a tendency to misdirect, distract and various other dishonest rhetorical tactics.  Even in this opinion piece he writes, "Why not here?" right after stating, "because "major" media outlets in the city were not interested."  He already has an answer but he doesn't address it and instead tries to misdirect the reader as if the reports don't cost taxpayer dollar in overhead, printing, etc. that may fall on deaf ears if the statement is accurate.  Instead he plies some emotional appeal to fear of a police state.
BUT, he does raise an important point.  While some secrecy and behind the scenes communications and decisions are necessary to adequately protect police officers in the daily risks they face in their profession how much is actually needed?  Roman poet Juvenal wrote long ago, "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"  Or more commonly, "Who watches the watchmen?"  If the fourth estate will not (or cannot) it falls on us.