BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ON Tuesday (Jun. 20), social media was abuzz with fictitious information and events which had not only caused mainstream media practitioners to keep pestering the Police Press and Public Relations Officer, but also invoking the wrath of Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley.
According to a police press release, Commissioner Queeley is appealing to members of the public to take their social responsibility more seriously and cease from the manufacturing and distribution of fictitious incidents of criminal activity in social media.
The Commissioner’s appeal came in light of events following the shooting-death of Darnel Govia at the JNF General Hospital, to which the release stated that “police responded and quickly apprehended a suspect”.
The release indicated that persons began circulating postings of a robbery at Western Union, a shooting incident in the Keys/Cayon area and the killing of a female, among others; none of which was true.
The Top Cop emphatically stated that all reports of incidents of crime are investigated by the police and it takes resources to respond.
“A team of officers were dispatched to the Keys/Cayon area in response to these reports and did extensive searches only to find no evidence to support the claims. Resources were also expended to verify the validity of the other stories. Not only does it take resources, it also disrupts the normalcy for residents going about their day to day routine and instils fear in the community.”
There is truth within the Commissioner’s statement; for indeed there is a cost attached to verifying the validity of such reports.
Not only do these reports require the police’s response but also media practitioners, whose role include keep the populace informed on events and issues that can affect them either negatively or positively.
On many occasions, media practitioners have been led on wild goose chases to investigate postings on social media that had proven to be false. Like the police, it had been a waste of resources, including human, transportation and phone calls.
Commenting on the manner in which social media is being used by some people in the Federation, Commissioner Queeley said: “The use of social media is an indispensable part of our modern day living; however, it must be used responsibly. We all have a huge moral and social responsibility when using social media. Before you press the button to send, verify if the incident is true and consider the potential consequences of your messages on the community.”
He also said that persons need to be compassionate, respectful and show empathy to victims of crime.
The Commissioner advised that instead of creating fear among the populace, those who are interested in sharing information on criminal activities should seek to utilise the safety tips that the Police Force offers on a daily basis.
“If persons must share information regarding crime and criminal activity, please share our daily Crime Safety Prevention Tips that can help reduce the risk of you, your family or friends becoming a victim of crime, rather than information that detracts and brings the fear of crime into our communities.”
Queeley reminded that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has pledged to provide reliable and accurate information in a timely and consistent basis through regular press releases and postings on its Facebook page - www.facebook.com/RoyalStChristopherAndNevisPoliceForce.
He is also encouraging local media practitioners to contact the Public Relations Department to confirm reports of incidents prior to having same in their broadcast and or publications.
The Top Cop also reiterated the Force’s appeal for citizens and residents to partner with the police in the fight against crime and is encouraging them to share whatever information they might have regarding crime by using anonymous means such as Crime Stoppers at 1 -800-8477 (TIPS) or by using the SKN Crime Reporter App on their Smartphone.
