RICHMOND RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying alleged suspects with “Can you identify?” on the Richmond RCMP website.
Richmond RCMP re-launched the “Can you identify?” program earlier this year. The initiative is aimed at identifying individuals who have allegedly committed offences or are persons of interest in an investigation. A person of interest could include a key witness from a crime that police are seeking to identify.
“It’s rare now for us not to have video surveillance as part of an investigation. It’s everywhere but that doesn’t mean we as police or our partner agencies know or recognize everyone,” says Sgt. Simon Lee, NCO in-charge of Targeted Enforcement Units. “By releasing these photos we hope the public will help us identify those committing crimes in our community or identifying witnesses who may assist with advancing the investigations.”
Lee oversees the “Can you identify” program. He works in conjunction with Richmond RCMP crime analysts and the Media Relations Unit.
As part of the program, a series of checks and balances have been put in place to ensure photos that are released meet the requirements of RCMP policy as well as the Federal Privacy Act. This includes, requiring Richmond RCMP officers to exhaust all internal means available to identify an individual prior to issuing the photos publicly.
“The public play a vital role in assisting in police investigations. By utilizing this program, it increases the likelihood of identifying alleged offenders thus increasing the likelihood of solving a crime and or possibly preventing future or further crimes from occurring. It can also assist with recovering and returning stolen property to its rightful owner,” says Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer.
The photos are also available on the City of Richmond Community Safety App. To learn more about the City of Richmond Community Safety app or for instructions on how to download it visit the City of Richmond website.
The photos will remain on the Richmond RCMP website for up to six months. However, if an individual is identified, the photograph will be removed immediately from the website. To view the photos on “Can you identify?” visit the Richmond RCMP website.
