Our tone not appropriate say Facebook-rap police

POLICE who came under fire yesterday over Facebook comments say they accept the tone of their posts “may not have been appropriate”.

Comments were posted by one of the Failsworth and Hollinwood neighbourhood policing team on Saturday night, claiming officers at the KFC fast-food restaurant in Failsworth had challenged a 12 year old who was threatening to “take on” the police, but had gone silent when challenged to show officers what he meant.

A barrage of comments for and against the police officer’s actions were posted on the site: some critical of the officer’s bullying attitude against a 12 year old, others supporting his attempt to put the child in his place.

Sgt Jonathan Martin said: “A number of posts were not a true reflection of how we normally use social media to interact. The tone of some of these posts was not appropriate. We strive to use social media to the best of our ability but we will not always get it right.”

Sgt Martin added: “While we won’t look to target young people simply for being there, clearly anyone intent on causing trouble, regardless of age, will be dealt with robustly by police.” he added.