Dear Editor:
I would like to address certain issues that have occurred on Facebook.
This past week, a post was made public on Facebook about an alleged incident that occurred in downtown Winona. This was not reported to the police department, but was instead posted on Facebook.
The post caused several citizens to become alarmed and fear for their family’s safety because of what was alleged. After the police department invested the allegation, it was found to have never even occurred.
Post such as this and others that have been made public on Facebook could have easily led to an innocent person or persons being injured.
Instead of taking the time to post about an incident on Facebook, call 911 PERIOD and let the police handle the situation within the law like it is supposed to be handled.
The law does not allow hearsay in court on misdemeanor crimes or in circuit court on felony cases. Police have to personally witness an incident in order to charge someone with a misdemeanor crime. If the incident is witnessed or videoed by a citizen, then it is up to that citizen to sign a criminal affidavit.
People want the police to do more and provide more safety. That is impossible if the public isn’t willing to do its part.
A perfect example of the public doing its part is when several auto burglaries occurred at two local churches. A citizen witnessed this crime and immediately called 911, giving a description of the suspects and the direction the suspects went. That led to the quick apprehension of these suspects.
Captain Dan Herod
Chief Investigator
Winona Police Department
