Editorial – Cobourg Police once again need to step it up for the citizens they serve.
With the new communications person, it was hoped things would be better and releases would be issued in a timely manner. Especially during major incidents.
But the release on March 27 seems to raise more concerns then answers.
With the communications officer just starting her new position, the confusion may not be hers, it could be the officers getting to know the system.
But a release about a robbery and sexual assault in a parking lot of a local business seems to have missed the mark with readers of Today’s Northumberland.
The release states around noon a woman was robbed and sexually assaulted by an unknown male in the “parking lot of a local business.” The release states to call Cobourg Police or Crimestoppers if you have any information.
It also adds, “the Cobourg Police would like to remind people to be aware of your surroundings at all times and if you sense danger, get away as quickly as possible,” which would stand to reason at any time of the day or night wherever you are.
The big question is where did the incident take place in town?
Cobourg has roughly 20,000 people and although there isn’t numbers, it’s safe to say there are a lot of parking lots.
So to say in general terms the incident happened in the “parking lot of a local business” is almost as bad as saying it happened somewhere in town.
The privacy of the victim is paramount, but stating where the incident took place would not in anyway identify the person.
And it would allow residents to be more vigilant if they knew the area where it was, or even whether it was the north, south, east, or west end of town.
“They ask for public’s assistance but don’t even give the location of the incident?” states one comment on Facebook.
And another, “This is so (disgusting) when are (our) police force doesn’t inform the people where the incident happen, who are they protecting the innocent or the guilty”
An e-mail sent to Today’s Northumberland read, “Do you know where this sex assault robbery took place? Might be nice to get that info out to people to trigger their memories. Thought releases would improve with new communication director and get rid of these releases that say nothing.”
Praise should be given for the communications officers release so soon after the incident took place.
It’s a refreshing change.
But the service also needs to give pertinent information on the location where the incident happened to keep the citizens they serve informed. Let’s hope the confusion with the service is temporary.
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
