Editorial – It’s been a long 24-hours for the community of Cobourg.
Fear, confusion, and many more questions still remain.
Since shortly after a stabbing on Elgin Street East at 1:30 a.m. on August 31, 2018 Today’s Northumberland and Beyond has tried to keep the public informed of the developments.
For more than six hours Today’s Northumberland and Beyond was the only media on-sight giving updates about the incident.
At all times speaking with police and confirming what could or shouldn’t be released, to protect the integrity of the investigation.
During the investigation Cobourg Police, who called for the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police and canine unit, did an exceptional job.
When the canine unit and Emergency Response Team members began their track, there were numerous people in the area watching at 4 a.m.
The investigation is likely in its infancy, but we believe and have faith the perpetrator/s will face justice.
The victim of the vicious stabbing is in, not only our thoughts, but also the thoughts of many in our community.
This area, this province and this country are not immune to crime. We can only hope there are more good people than bad throughout it.
Police officers who risk their lives every minute of every day who keep our communities as safe as possible, should be commended for their work. Sometimes they get berated, criticized, hurt and sometimes tragically killed, but officers still stand tall to protect us.
Since Today’s Northumberland started in early 2018 it has been extremely difficult to get on the media list for Cobourg Police when others with much fewer credentials have had access to this.
Senior staff at the Cobourg Police Service, namely the Chief and Deputy Chief, have been severely difficult to communicate with and it’s only getting worse.
For several weeks Today’s Northumberland has been blocked from the entire police service, which comes as a shock to even some of the officers.
Today’s Northumberland will not apologize for asking questions that need to be asked. Raising concerns members of the public bring forward.
We have always stood by “education through communication.”
Two parties don’t always have to agree, but as long as there is “communication” there is “education.”
One definition of a media release is, “a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something ostensibly newsworthy.”
It states nowhere in the definition that management has to like or dislike a person, organization or company they are issuing a release to.
Today’s Northumberland will always listen to concerns. Therefore, if there is an issue with Today’s Northumberland, the Chief or Deputy Chief should bring forward their concerns to TN in a professional manner via call, e-mail, text. We at Today’s Northumberland will always listen to concerns – otherwise, remain professional.
This is a public police service, not a private one and senior management need to understand this fact. The Police Services Board also needs to be held accountable.
With Today’s Northumberland being the only media on-site after a serious stabbing in Cobourg, until the forensic investigation was completed at left the scene, being taken off the media list that informs the public, is a disgrace to the proud men and women who wear the Cobourg Police Service uniform and our citizens who need, and have the right, to be informed as to what is going on in their community.
A release did eventually come out approximately ten hours after the stabbing took place, long after Today’s Northumberland was informing the public.
Since the stabbing tens of thousands of people have followed Today’s Northumberland looking for updates.
Today’s Northumberland and Beyond informs the public about news. Everything from the good and the tragic.
Today’s Northumberland listens to people. We go where the story leads us. If information comes forward, we ask. If there are tough questions, we ask.
We take great pride in this and that no other media locally covers news as in-depth, 24-hours, seven days a week throughout the year. In fact, many local media look to Today’s Northumberland for breaking stories.
Whomever at the Cobourg Police Service blocked or banned Today’s Northumberland from this release and future releases, seems to be acting in a petty and unprofessional manor and needs to be held accountable, by the Cobourg Police Services Board, Cobourg Council and the citizens of the community.
Cobourg deserve better and so do the men and women who wear the uniform of the service.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
