RCMP upset by ‘unkind’ comments after vague lost child alert sparks confusion
Following an unclear alert about an unidentified child in their custody, Alberta RCMP expressed disappointment with the subsequent social media reaction.
Following an unclear alert about an unidentified child in their custody, Alberta RCMP expressed disappointment with the subsequent social media reaction.
After initially seeking the child’s parents, RCMP later issued a statement asking the public to “be kind.”
They urged the public to remember that not all investigation details are known, and expressed concern over the uncharitable comments received online.
“We are also asking that people be kind,” they said in a release.
“You don’t know all the circumstances surrounding an investigation. Comments on social media have not been kind,” the statement reiterated.
The initially alarming press release came early morning on May 30, around 9 a.m., when Red Deer RCMP said they were “looking for the family of a young child located alone at the Hunting Hills High School on Lockwood Avenue in Red Deer.”
The police described the child as “medium complexion” while declining to offer any details on their gender, race or name to help with identification.
It’s not clear what “comments” the RCMP found ‘unkind,’ but a cursory search of social media shows most of the criticism surrounded the police rather than the child or their family.
Shanda Davis on Facebook said, “Asking the public’s help is difficult if we literally have no idea who this child is.”
“I fully understand that because he’s a minor you protect their identity but it’s literally impossible to ask strangers to identify a child with no information to identify them. Surely he’s got a first name,” Davis continued.
Another Facebook user, going by James Sway, similarly chimed in: “This safe speech nonsense is ridiculous. Medium complexion? What even is that?”
Sway also questioned, “And how about Boy or Girl?”
“You’re not going to offend a 5 year old by providing a thorough and accurate physical description.”
Red Deer police confirmed the child was returned to their guardian that evening.
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Thus PC has become a real threat to society especially our kids. If police can't properly describe a child how do they expect the public to assist them? Are they truly that stupid? (I'm being kind).
I see it as not necessary for a complete description. If someone is missing a child, all they need to know is that the police found a child and call the police dept. I think this whole thing is blown out of proportion. But they should of given the gender and approximate age.