Cops chided over social media use

The Police High Command is chiding members of the Force and the public about their irresponsible use of social media and the internet.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Glenmore Hinds, said the posting of erroneous and incorrect reports on social media sites have impacted victims in a very negative way.

He did not identify any particular case but said yesterday social media sites and the popular BlackBerry messenger platform were bombarded with various stories about the death of the eight-year-old girl, who was raped in St James.

DCP Hinds reminded citizens that inaccurate and unsubstantiated information increase the pain and suffering of the victims.

He is pleading for more responsible behavior.

In this week’s Force Orders, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington also scolded members of the force for their use of the internet and social media sites.

He noted that he is aware that photographs of a colleague, who was murdered recently, were being circulated via social media.

He said the circulation of their dead colleague’s photographs was also grossly irresponsible and insensitive to the dignity of the deceased and his family.

The police commissioner said in another instance a member used a Jamaica Constabulary Force web page to verbally abuse another.

Commissioner Ellington said this incident may result in disciplinary action.

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