Posted on December 21, 2009 by by valerirojas

Victoria Police has published a media release stating how disappointed and concerned they are with mainstream media after a story was published in this weekend’s SHS about an alleged attempted abduction in Church Street, Brighton. Victoria Police

This is the Victoria Police media release:

Victoria police is disappointed and concerned with a story printed in this weekend’s media about an alleged attempted abduction that occurred in Brighton on Friday. (Kidnap Sketch Appeal – SHS 20/12/09).

It’s important for the community to know that the face sketch that featured in the article has been done without police consent. Police do not endorse this sketch and remind the media that taking investigation-related matters into their own hands could lead to serious circumstances. A false identification could set back the investigation significantly – a result no one wants.

We once again are reminding reporters to avoid taking on police work without assistance from police. Investigations could be jeopardised as a result and reporters who insist on doing so could be responsible for a miscarriage of justice.

Police are still appealing for a man to come forward after the incident on Friday. Investigators are still trying to ascertain whether this was an attempted abduction or whether this man was trying to help the child to locate her parents. In line with the processes of proper investigation an authorised police photo fit will be released early this week.

The investigation is continuing and we are working with witnesses to determine the identity of this man. It would be appreciated if the media allow us to do this without interference.

The media release can also be found at Victoria Police. If Police in Australia are having problems with mainstream media and their stories then I wonder what would happen if Social Media was popular in Australia? I guess we have to wait a few years before we know the answer to that.

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