Bridgewater Police Shockingly Admit: Social Media Post Sparked Panic—What Really Happened?

In a recent incident that has sparked confusion and concern among residents, the Bridgewater Police Service in Nova Scotia acknowledged the need for better communication strategies after a social media post about a “dangerous male” led to unnecessary fear in the community. The post, shared on Easter Monday, April 10, 2023, sought to inform the public of a man wanted on a national warrant who had left the local South Shore Regional Hospital on foot.

The police announcement, made around 3:40 p.m., included the man's mugshot, a physical description, and advised that the hospital was on lockdown as officers conducted a search in a specific neighborhood with a police dog unit. The message strongly cautioned residents against approaching the individual, stating, “The individual is dangerous, do not approach, do not pick up any hitchhikers.”

Katherine Ernst, a local resident who works with children, expressed her alarm upon seeing the post. She received messages from friends about the situation and reported that her workplace locked their doors and closed the blinds, fearing for the safety of those inside. “That's scary for anyone,” she commented, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community during the police operation that included traffic stops in the area.

Three hours after the original post, the police updated their Facebook page to clarify that the man had left the area, had not committed any crimes locally, and “at no time was the public’s safety at risk.” Bridgewater Police Deputy Chief Danny MacPhee explained that the man had been at the hospital for medical care, and staff called the police due to his suspicious behavior. After officers arrived, the man fled the scene, prompting the initial alert.

MacPhee explained that while the man was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for violating his parole, he was believed to be unarmed. Recognizing that the term “dangerous” typically denotes someone with a violent history, he noted that it should not have been used in this context when no immediate threat to the public existed. “We can't use that [word], dangerous, just as itself. We've learned, obviously, that that's caused a lot of public worry that was unnecessary. So that's where we have to be a little bit clearer when we get that out,” MacPhee said.

The initial post drew over 2,000 shares and hundreds of comments, with many questioning why a national emergency alert was not issued. MacPhee clarified that the situation did not meet the threshold for using the Alert Ready system, which is reserved for instances of imminent danger where individuals have the intent and capability to cause harm.

Mary Ann Campbell, director of the Centre for Policing and Criminal Justice Research at the University of New Brunswick Saint John, emphasized the importance of clear police communications. She argued that messages should be tailored to the perceived threat level, aiming to inform the public without inciting fear. Given Nova Scotia’s past experiences with violence, including the tragic mass shooting in 2020, Campbell noted that public sensitivity surrounding law enforcement communications is heightened.

Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell regarded the incident as a “learning experience,” supporting the idea that it is better for law enforcement to communicate proactively rather than remain silent. “That to me is the right decision rather than being reactive later and saying, ‘By the way, this happened,’” he stated.

The police department is already in the process of hiring a civilian communications officer, a role aimed at improving public interaction and information dissemination, especially during holidays or when senior officers are unavailable. The funding for this position was recently approved in the town’s budget, highlighting a commitment to learning from this incident.

As the Bridgewater Police Service reviews this situation, the community remains alert to the importance of clear and concise communication in law enforcement, particularly in a time when public trust and safety are paramount. The aim is to provide timely information that keeps residents informed without generating panic, ensuring a balance that preserves public peace and security.