BONNYVILLE – RCMP in the region are reminding residents that what they say and do on social media can have very real consequences outside the virtual world.
In a statement released by Bonnyville RCMP detachment on Friday, S/Sgt. Sarah Parke wrote, “With all the opinions on current affairs flooding the social media waves, the Bonnyville RCMP would like to remind the public that the RCMP’s duty is the enforcement of the law and protection of the public.”
She added, "Words spoken on social media and the interpretation of them can lead others to act in a manner not intended by the person who spoke them, leading to unintended dangerous situations. Please be mindful of what comments you may be contributing to any social media conversations.”
Speaking to Lakeland This Week, Parke clarified that the statement was made in regard to comments shared on a social media page based in Bonnyville that was brought to the attention of RCMP.
The Bonnyville RCMP detachment has now initiated an uttering threats investigation into the matter that occurred online.
“Because it is still under investigation, I can't really comment on which or whose Facebook page it was on, or what was said at this time. But if we end up laying charges, we can certainly reveal that information down the road,” explained Parke.
She said the statement was made more for people to be cognizant of what they're saying online, because messages can be misconstrued when people are typing on social media.
“They tend to have more confidence in what they're writing without fear of retribution,” she said. “We need people to be mindful of their comments and not necessarily be a keyboard hero.”
RCMP officers are now determining whether or not criminal code charges will be laid in connection to comments left on the Facebook page.
