Are We Making Life More Difficult For Crime Fighters?

Monday’s police press conference was the first attended by Police Commissioner Severin Monchery since his controversial declaration about the local media and crime. To remind: At a point at a November press meeting Monchery said: “I have asked the question. What contribution are the media making in crime fighting? Just last night I saw a clip of a crime committed in Piaye, and I really want to ask . . . The footage that I saw, is it of any consequential value to the public or is it going to help the police solve crime? I know and I will be the first to say the media have their role and we as police officers have our role. Report fairly and be responsible in your reporting.”

At this week’s presser he was invited to elaborate. “I did not make any statement that was admonishing the media.” he declared. “I asked a question. Let me make it clear, before I asked the question I said I have absolutely no problems with the media. We have a very good working relationship. I understand, perhaps more than anyone else, that the media have their job and I have mine. So I have absolutely no problem with the media. I asked a question and it was based on a scenario. I never accused, and would never accuse the media, of causing crime.” He sounded this close to apologetic.

In recent weeks, there have been a number of worrying incidents posted on social media.  Remember the footage of a young man hogtied to a motorbike and accused of theft? Remember the fight over a girl allegedly bullied at school? There was no related account to the police. Then there was the young man who allegedly was caught breaking into a home. The public learned about this incident via social media. The handcuffed young man gave his captors what were supposed to be his personal details. It soon transpired nothing the public learned was true.

Police on Friday had this to say on the matter: “On the 4th of December we received a report of a burglary during which a minor was detained. This morning he was charged with the offense of burglary and he should be taken to the District Court for a bail hearing. Although he is a minor, by law he’s at the age of criminal responsibility. Social media now tend to broadcast a lot of incidents which are inappropriate for social media. But it’s difficult to control the actions of people; especially when they find themselves in particular circumstances. But we as law enforcement can also use what’s broadcast on social media to our advantage.”

Unfortunately, by the time Friday’s police statement went out, it was two days too late. The quick trigger media had already broadcast in full the story with all the false information, further spreading the fake news. It seems Commissioner Monchery had a point after all.