Police note growth in ‘trials by keyboard’

SOCIAL media attacks are becoming “commonplace” in the digital world, the police union says.

The comments were made by northern district representative Peter Thomas in his latest union journal column.

It’s understood Mr Thomas’s comments were in reference to an alleged incident on Magnetic Island last year, where two officers were attacked via social media following the arrest of a juvenile.

The Bulletin understands the post has since been removed.

“Trial by social media is fast becoming the new normal with many keyboard warriors achieving their five minutes of fame by attacking anyone who disagrees with their thoughts and opinions,” he wrote.

“It is also becoming commonplace for members of the public to personally attack our own members on social media platforms.

“In many instances the factual basis to the story has no resemblance of truth to the real story.”

Queensland Police Union general secretary Mick Barnes said it wasn’t frequently raised among officers but it did happen.

“Quite often because of the role police officers play within the community, from time to time they have to take enforcement action against various members of their respective communities,” he said.

“People who feel aggrieved turn to (social media site) Facebook to portray a version of events that doesn’t necessarily (reflect) the facts as portrayed in the relevant court of law.

“I can certainly appreciate that there’s a lot of personal angst when a family member is put before the courts but, of course, they need to be mindful that everybody is accountable for the things that they say and do.”

He said each instance had to be put into perspective.