If a thorough investigation had been done by Sanford PD that night, I feel a lot of problems could have been avoided. I ask myself if Sanford PD would have kissed it off as self defense if Martin was white and Zimmerman was black or If Martin had an ID showing he lived in the complex. This case should have been treated as a homicide, until proven otherwise by evidence found at the scene and witness statements.
This does not mean that Zimmerman had to be arrested that night. It does mean that Zimmerman should have been treated like a suspect and evidence taken to help prove it was self defense. Now FDLE, FBI and the DOJ will not have access to evidence and statements that would have been collected by a professional law enforcement agency.
The Huffington Post has even done an article on how sloppy Sanford PD is in their investigations. It seems to be the norm for Sanford PD.
Trayvon Martin Case Spotlights Florida Town's History Of 'Sloppy' Police Work