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crime3h ago
Alabama police chief calls for accountability over unverified crime posts that spread fear
- Hackleburg Police Chief Kenny Hallmark urged Alabama lawmakers to study a law restricting unverifiable social posts about crimes that spread fear.
- Officials clarified there was no threat to Hackleburg School after a false online post linked to a 911 call circulated locally.
- Hallmark urged verification of information through official law enforcement channels to prevent public chaos.
- He acknowledged First Amendment rights but warned about consequences for spreading wrong information.
- The remarks followed a separate incident where a social post claimed a 911 call involved a suicidal person and shots were fired.
- Hallmark said the investigation had no link to Hackleburg School and that details should not be prematurely released.
- Officials indicated there were ongoing efforts to contact the person who posted the misinformation.
- Hallmark connected the issue to broader concerns about misinformation hurting trust in law enforcement.
- The discussion touched on possible links to the Jessica Hamby case, though officials did not share new details.
- The police chief emphasized responsible crime reporting that verifies facts before posting.
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