Information has been scarce regarding a suspected kidnapper at large in Lethbridge following a two-month investigation.
However, the public desire to become aware of potential criminals on the loose can sometimes conflict with the police necessity to investigate with a low profile.
On April 23, a 72-year-old woman was kidnapped by a man claiming to be a police officer, then she was brought to a bank on Mayor Magrath Drive before she withdrew an undisclosed amount of cash for her kidnapper. Although she was then taken home unharmed and there was no weapon used during the kidnapping, the crime went unreported by police to the public for two months before LPS released a request for public assistance in finding the suspect.
LPS released a statement saying they value public safety chiefly among all issues, but the situation is not always black and white.
“Our primary concern is public safety and in any case involving a major crime, police consider a news release to inform the community. Each situation is managed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis considering all the information, details and evidence we have,” read the statement released to the Lethbridge Herald on Thursday afternoon.
LPS says a news release will bring awareness to the public and they will always do their utmost to ensure safety.
“In some cases there is an immediate need to notify the public so adequate preventative steps can be taken by community members to ensure their safety. In cases where there is a public safety concern, police will always err on the side of caution and release information to the public without delay.”
LPS says in the case of the senior citizen kidnapping, the lack of public awareness was potentially crucial for the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, LPS says they had no reason to believe withholding information would create danger for the community.
“In this particular case, police were confident a delay in releasing the information would not cause any public safety issues and in fact, benefit the investigation by allowing officers to explore some specific avenues without jeopardizing the integrity of the case.”
However, LPS says balancing safety with their investigative needs always need to be considered under every circumstance.
“In every case, police must balance the public’s desire to know about criminal activity with investigative needs.”
They say the current investigation will, once complete, enable them to bring forward more information to the public.
“We understand the community has questions in relation to this matter and the investigation is ongoing so that we can provide answers.”
LPS says they have leads in this case, but the situation is still ongoing.
Comments