The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s help in identifying people of interest through a new online reporting portal designed to support ongoing investigations.
The initiative will post crime bulletins featuring photos or video stills of individuals sought in connection with incidents after all other investigative leads have been exhausted.
Police say many investigations involve security camera footage from homes and businesses, and while most individuals are eventually identified internally, some cases require public assistance.
The new system will allow crime bulletins to be shared through a dedicated section of the police website under “Media Section – Help Us Identify.” Each bulletin will remain online for up to 30 days, unless the individual is identified sooner, at which point it will be removed.
Chief Stuart Betts said the goal is to enhance community safety while using modern tools to assist investigations.
“Community safety and feelings of being safe is our top priority,” Betts said in a statement. “This new portal builds upon the success of the Community F.I.R.S.T. initiative… and is a way to reach into our community to achieve this goal in a timely way.”
He added that while the public can assist by providing information, individuals should not attempt to confront or detain anyone they believe they recognize.
“The Criminal Code authority for citizens to effect an arrest does not extend to situations where people identify someone from these bulletins,” Betts said. “No one should confront or attempt to apprehend anyone they may recognize.”
Instead, tips are to be submitted through Crime Stoppers at www.stopcrimehere.ca or by calling 1-800-222-8477, with reference numbers included where applicable.
Police also reminded the public that individuals featured in the bulletins are considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.
