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Six criminal investigations follow threats on social media

When comments of a threatening nature are conveyed and the police learn about them, in the interest of public safety, investigations are launched and involved persons are held accountable
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Over the past few weeks, Ontario Provincial Police Detachments within the Central Region have been involved in six criminal investigations that have focused on posts made to various social media platforms.

These investigations have taken place after a picture and in some cases inappropriate comments in relation to a school were made.

Given the nature of these threats, the OPP treats them very seriously and conduct thorough and detailed investigations which often require the utilization of significant police based resources, in order to properly evaluate the content and the intent of the threat. In five of these investigations, the OPP has laid criminal charges.

Social media platforms provide an individual an audience to express personal opinion which can often generate online conversation. When comments of a threatening nature are conveyed and the police learn about them, in the interest of public safety, investigations are launched and involved persons are held accountable.

The OPP encourages parents to remind their children about the need to be respectful when posting comments or images upon any social media platform. The electronic world provides an incredible array of opportunities for people of all ages to communicate, express their opinion or seek input from others, but is certainly not a place for violent threats in any form to be posted.

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