(hd) Time and again, posts, photos and videos of alleged suspects that were not initiated by the police or other law enforcement agencies are circulating on social networks. Last week, the management of a daycare center in Herford sent a letter to parents informing them that children had been approached by a suspicious person in the vicinity of the facility. The Herford police were informed of the facts and immediately launched an investigation. At the same time, the letter to parents was circulated by several private individuals via social media. Attached was a photo of a man allegedly suspected of the crime with a request to "join the manhunt". However, this appeal is not based on an official public search. Based on what we know so far, it must be assumed that the person depicted has no connection to the incidents described in the letter to parents. The person concerned has now contacted the criminal investigation department on his own initiative, as he feels that his personal rights have been violated. The Herford police fully understand that a report of a possible suspicious approach of children triggers strong emotions in many citizens. Every initial suspicion is taken seriously by the police and investigated by lawful means. In this context, the police ask for restraint when distributing private appeals for information. These can interfere to a considerable extent with the rights of persons against whom no suspicion of a crime can be established. This can have serious consequences for those affected. Official public searches by the police, which are published on the basis of corresponding investigation statuses, can be found on the police website https://polizei.nrw/fahndung and the official channels of the police authorities in the social networks.
Please send any queries to:
Herford district police authority
Press office Herford
Phone: 05221 888 1250
Email: %20pressestelle.herford [at] polizei.nrw.de (pressestelle[dot]herford[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de)