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Citizens and residents have been warned against filming and posting videos of suspected crimes on social media.
Instead, they should immediately contact the police by calling 999, reiterated a top official.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman radio show on social media, head of Hidd Police Station Colonel Dr Osama Bahar encouraged people to report suspected criminal activities directly instead of filming, as false information could lead to innocent people’s reputation being tarnished.
As a case in point, he highlighted an incident where someone tried to break into a car, but instead of calling the police immediately, a passer-by opted to film a video instead.
“There was a situation where a man tried to break into a car in front of a shop, and a woman saw him,” explained Col Dr Bahar.
“What she should have done in that situation was call 999, as it was an emergency.
“Instead, she decided to record a video of the act, and instead of submitting it to the police, she sent it to the shopkeeper.
“Additionally, there have been a number of instances where people film individuals they believe are violating the law, taking photos of their face
or car plate number, then an investigation by the authorities reveals that the person was innocent and a subject of defamation.
“In such a case, you do not have the right to be upset if the aggrieved party decides to complain or file a case against you, demanding their rights after what you did to them.
“Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you always file a case with the authorities if you suspect a crime is being committed and leave it to them to deal with it.”
Col Dr Bahar also cited an instance where a viral message spread to multiple people on WhatsApp about a child who was allegedly being abused, which in the end turned out to be false.
He urged people to use social media wisely to avoid causing trouble for others.
“There was a message being circulated about a child who was supposedly being beaten in a car,” he said.
“It included the licence plate number and the brand of the vehicle, along with a request to share the message with others so that it reaches his parents or guardian.
“So many people, whose hearts bled for the child, and concerned that the child was in danger, wrote and shared the message.
“While it is crucial to rescue children from horrendous situations, what should have happened in this instance is the witness should have immediately called the police and let them handle the investigations.
“In the end, the contents of the WhatsApp message turned out to be untrue, and the child’s family was bombarded with texts all day.”
Even in the case of emergencies and situations that require immediate attention, people are urged to call 999. This includes instances such as accidents, injuries, fire or drowning.
For less urgent cases, people can either go to their nearest police station or file a
complaint on the government’s suggestions and complaints system, Tawasul.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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