SPD Chief: misinformation degrades public trust

Chief of the Sheridan Police Department, Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program to address false comments made on social media platforms.

A few times a year, the Chief and Captain appear on Sheridan Media’s news talk program to publicly address myths and misconceptions regarding the SPD’s policies and procedures. The appearance allows the department an opportunity to debunk many of the misconceptions and reinforce trust within the community.

Koltiska said locally, social media plays a large part in perpetuating many of the misbeliefs. Most social media platforms do not vet the statements made by users that spread false information and suggested residents rely on more traditional sources of news if they would like to get the story. 

Relationships between law enforcement and traditional media sources have ebbed and flowed over the years. Both professions are seen as watchdogs for the greater public good. Both professions require proper training and when operating at their best, follow practices and procedures in the pursuit of truth and justice.   

Both the Chief and the Captain expressed disappointment from a percentage of commenters on social media. According to Koltiska some of the comments made, even comments obviously based on false information, a misbelief or fabricated, still degrade public trust in the department, its policies and its officers. 

Chief Koltiska and Captain Ringley said they understand that police officers are still human, mistakes can be made. They not only invite but encourage the public to file a complaint with the SPD if the individual feels an investigation is required regarding an interaction with an SPD officer.