You can. But you can't tell me what to do

Abby Taylor:

[to Jessie Stone]
Larry, Curly, and Moe want to talk with you. Comden:
On behalf of the town council, Jim, and Carter, and I thought we ought to get brought up to speed on things. Hansen:
So, what's really going on? Chief Jesse Stone:
We have two killings. We're not sure whether it's the same weapon or weapons. Hansen:
That's all you know? Chief Jesse Stone:
Correct. Hansen:
You don't have any clues, nothing? Chief Jesse Stone:
Correct. Jim Burns:
Well, hell. Comden:
I told you he wasn't a talker. Hansen:
So what do we tell the press? Chief Jesse Stone:
I like "no comment." Comden:
Well, what is it you have your officers doing over at the high school? Hansen:
Maybe you could allocate your personnel a little better. Jim Burns:
Damn it, don't you talk? Chief Jesse Stone:
Only when I have something to say. Hansen:
Couldn't we get this thing resolved quicker with F.B.I. or state help? Chief Jesse Stone:
The F.B.I. and state police bring the national media. You won't like this town when they're through with it. Hansen:
Look, we think you should take all the resources you have and concentrate on the killings. Chief Jesse Stone:
I'm a cop. I've been a cop for a long time. I'm good at it. I know how to do this. You don't. Jim Burns:
Damn it, we can fire you. Chief Jesse Stone:
You can. But you can't tell me what to do