Citizen's Alerts
The Takoma Park Police Department prides itself on alerting its citizens, when the information becomes available, to crimes, and other newsworthy events, large and small. It has come to the attention of the Chief that there is dissatisfaction over the timeframe that these alerts are being given. An alert is not just to “warn” but to “inform” the citizens of incidents that have occurred. These alerts cannot always be given at the time of the act. To have an officer stop an investigation to put out an alert, or contact the PIO to put out the alert, could impede his or her efforts in finding the criminal, thus doing the City and its citizens a huge disservice. Information is disseminated when the facts are clear and concise. To alert on every activity as it unfolds could prove harmful and misleading. We hope our citizens understand that our job first and foremost is to catch the “bad guy” and then give out information as quickly as possible thereafter when the facts have been confirmed. The Takoma Park Police Department continues to welcome questions and comments from its citizens. After all, the purpose of the alerts is to inform and promote involvement of the citizens.
Posted by Cathy at September 18, 2007 11:42 AM