In a recent development, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has issued a cautionary statement to the public, urging them to refrain from sharing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of criminal activities on social media platforms. Instead, the GPS is encouraging individuals to directly share such footage with the police to aid in their investigations.
This approach is believed to significantly contribute to the effectiveness of police investigations and ultimately lead to the apprehension of perpetrators involved in criminal activities. By directly providing CCTV footage to the police, the public can actively participate in ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice and not left at large.
During an interview on Face to Face on Citi TV, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the mutual benefits of this approach for both the public and the police service. She highlighted that sharing footage directly with the police would expedite the investigative process and enhance the prospects of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi further explained, "In the event of any incident, instead of circulating the CCTV footage, they should first share it with the police to help in our investigations. Sometimes, putting it out there makes our investigative efforts difficult because if you are a suspect and you know that there is footage of you, it reveals your identity and the like. So we want to entreat everybody; in case there is an incident, please share it with the police instead of putting it out there."
This directive underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in addressing criminal activities. By working together and following established procedures for sharing crucial evidence like CCTV footage, both the community and the police can contribute to creating a safer environment for all.
It is imperative for individuals to recognize their role in supporting law enforcement efforts and to exercise discretion in handling sensitive information related to criminal incidents. The decision to share CCTV footage directly with the police aligns with efforts to uphold the integrity of investigations and safeguard the interests of all parties involved.
Ultimately, this proactive approach advocated by the Ghana Police Service serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility shared by law enforcement and the public in maintaining law and order within society. It is a call to action for individuals to engage responsibly when confronted with situations that require cooperation with the authorities.
As we navigate the complexities of modern-day policing and crime prevention, let us heed the advice of the GPS and prioritize collaboration with law enforcement agencies when it comes to sharing vital information that can aid in the swift resolution of criminal activities. Together, we can contribute to building a more secure and resilient community for everyone.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Mawuli Agbonu | Ghana Crimes
