🚨 New police guidance aims to fight disinformation! 🚨
Big changes are happening in how police share information about suspects! Under new guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, forces are encouraged to reveal the ethnicity and nationality of suspects in certain high-profile cases. This move comes after incidents where disinformation led to significant public unrest.
Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, highlighted how misinformation spurred chaos during the Southport incident last year. Despite hoping to curb false narratives, she acknowledged that disinformation is a broader societal challenge. The recent shift is about being more transparent when it really matters!
Misunderstandings in the heat of the moment have sparked widespread panic, as seen when Merseyside Police faced backlash for withholding key details about a suspect’s background following a tragic event. Immediate transparency can help stop such rumours from spiralling out of control online. In fact, after a separate incident in Liverpool, prompt sharing of details helped defuse rumours of a terror attack.
Some criticism has arisen, but the police maintain that keeping the public informed, while ensuring a fair trial for suspects, is their priority. Emily Spurrell from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners stressed the importance of updating procedures to reflect today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Sam de Reya, Deputy Chief Constable, emphasised the need for police processes to adapt to the fast-paced spread of information in our digital age. Cracking down on disinformation by filling the vacuum with facts is key to maintaining public trust and safety.
As this guidance rolls out, it’s clear the conversation around public safety and fair trials will continue. It’s all about finding the right balance in this dynamic information era! 🕵️♂️🌐
What do you think about these changes? Let us know below! 👇 #PoliceTransparency #Disinformation #PublicSafety