Keeping the Peace: A Cop's Call to Stop Fake News
In a small town in Alabama, the police chief is asking for help to stop the spread of fake news. Chief Kenny Hallmark of Hackleburg wants people to think before they post on social media. He believes that sharing wrong information can cause panic and make his job harder.
Recent Incident Sparks Concern
Recently, a false post on Facebook caused a stir. It claimed there was a threat near a local school. The post said someone was suicidal and shots were fired. But the chief quickly cleared things up. He explained that two different incidents happened at the same time. One involved shots fired, and the other was about a suicidal person. But neither was near the school. The chief wants people to check facts before posting.
Old Case Resurfaces Amid Rumors
The chief also talked about an old case. Jessica Hamby disappeared in 2018. Some people online think the recent post might be connected to her case. But the chief says he can't share details. He hopes the attention might help solve the case, but he warns against spreading rumors.
Chief's Message: Share Facts, Not Fear
The chief is a big fan of the First Amendment. He knows people have the right to share their opinions. But he also believes people should be careful. Spreading wrong information can cause fear and mistrust. He encourages everyone to use social media responsibly.
The chief's message is clear: Share facts, not fear. By doing so, people can help keep their community safe and support real investigations. It's a reminder that words have power, and using them wisely matters.