KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Police Service is making some major changes to its media policy.
The discussion began at the January board meeting when Chief Mark Mitchell brought up the idea of no longer releasing the names of people charged with crimes.
The police service drafted new language to be added to the media relations policy with guidance relating to the release of an accused person’s name.
“I think this is a matter of balancing different perspectives.” Chief Mitchell told Kawartha 411 News. “The philosophy of transparency and openness versus the risk of stigmatizing and public shaming individuals. I think the new policy strikes an appropriate balance.”
Going forward it will be the policy of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, not to release the name of an accused person for less serious criminal offences.
Unless there is an investigative or privacy (i.e., publication ban or protecting the identity of a victim) reason, the name of an accused person may be released for the following offences:
- Incidents resulting in serious bodily harm or death to another person
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
- Robbery
- Firearms offences
- Other incidents with a significant public interest as determined by the Chief of Police or designate.
In all media releases, the Police Service will continue to release the age and place of residence of accused persons.
The names of the accused are public knowledge in Ontario and can be found on the court docket at the courthouse.
The Police Services Board adopted the policy at its monthly meeting on Thursday. The policy will come into effect immediately.
