Photo by B. Shakyaver
It’s a challenging time in today’s society as we try to figure out what’s real and what’s fake on the internet. Recently, a video has circulated online showing two OPP officers appearing hostile toward someone who was trying to do a good deed. However, the OPP has confirmed they have seen the video, and OPP West Region Sgt. Ed Sanchuk issued a statement confirming that the video was completely false news.
With the advancement of editing software, it has become increasingly easy for people to create misleading or entirely untrue content in an attempt to gain viewers. In this case, the creator took a clip from OPP bodycam footage from a completely unrelated call, then edited it together with his own content and a voiceover designed to tell a misleading “sob story.”
It’s important to remember that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet. It can be difficult to tell what’s true and what’s false, which is why the OPP is encouraging the public to stop creating and spreading fake stories — especially those involving law enforcement authorities. Sgt. Ed Sanchuk explains more about the risks associated with online misinformation.
As the video’s popularity continued to grow rapidly online, police were relieved that it was brought to their attention when it was. The more the video spread, the more realistic the situation appeared, increasing the risk of mistrust within the community. Police were grateful they could intervene early to clear things up before any lasting damage was done. Sgt. Sanchuk expressed his gratitude to community members for reporting the video promptly.
In a time when it’s easier than ever to manipulate videos and spread false information, the public plays a critical role in helping authorities maintain transparency and trust. The OPP is reminding everyone to think critically about what they see online and to report suspicious or misleading content when they come across it. By working together, we can protect trust between police and the communities they serve.