Firefighters suspended over crime scene image leak
(CNS): Three serving officers from the Cayman Islands Fire Service have been suspended from their jobs in the face of the investigation into a leak of graphic crime scene images at a murder-suicide in Bodden Town earlier this month. On Friday the RCIPS confirmed that it had passed a report to the acting chief fire officer and the chief officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs stating that the source of the leak was believed to be the fires service. On Monday, the Home Affairs Ministry released a short statement saying the officers had been “placed on required leave pending the outcome of an ongoing police investigation”.
At least two images which were taken at the scenes where the bodies of Nichelle Anna-Kay Thomas and Devon Roy Campbell were discovered found their way onto the local social media circuits within 24 hours of the incident being reported.
Thomas, the victim of a brutal machete attack, was discovered at her home in Lookout Gardens in Bodden Town and her estranged boyfriend, the man believed to be her killer, Devon Roy Campbell’s body was found hanging from a tree not far from the murder scene, on Sunday 9 February.
Category: Crime
Crime or no crime……..We have a sick and demented society to think it is ok to film and post pictures of other individuals on social media. It does not matter if it's a crime scene, a motor, vehicle collision or any other unflattering or horrible moment in someone's life. YOUhave NO right to make it your business to share it with the world. Remember the victims and their families have a right to privacy!
first responders have a duty to act and within that duty a responsibility to maintain a level of professionalism and privacy. Their duty was breached! How can we trust the people who are there to help if there is no standard for accountability.
a message to all……….regardless the situation how would you like for your worst moment to be forever on the internet for the world, family and friends to see. Before you pick up a camera phone take a moment to ask yourself does this benefit anyone other than your own sick pleasure and would you want the same done to you if the tables were turned!
Technology is a privilege not a right! Use it responsibly!
Could someone tell me what crime was committed, morbid maybe, very untasteful definately, but were is the criminal act, another investigation that will cost the government only to end with, NO CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED, this happens world wide, on a daily basis its the tecnology age, what needs to be done is the police make sure that no one, absolutely no one is allowed anywere near an incident with a camera or smart phone but the forensics experts.
No crime has been committed.
Yes, the crime of unethical, disrespectful, inconsiderate and disgusting behavior!
Obviously they are still being paid as the statement issued says, "placed on required leave pending the outcome of an ongoing police investigation." Therefore, they are still being paid until it is proven which one or if all three are found guilty. Let the investigation take its time and wait to see wat happens. While everyone is quick to point fingers at the accused but I am sure you were all as guilty at the prson or persons who actually took photos just by by viewing them and worst forwarding them.
The fact that this was such a bloody violent crime scene really speaks volumes of the people who would photograph and send out such horrific images.
Sick, outrageous and pathetic are thoughts that come to mind. Insensitive to the point of amoral also comes to mind.
If (rightly so that) diciplinary action is taken on the firefighters, then similar action needs to be taken with the management at Cayman27 for posting and broadcasting blurred-but not so blurred graphic pictures of the scene for their story on Valentines Day (of all the days!!).
A news organization duty is to report news. No law breaking there. A firefighters job is to put out fires not take pictures and circulate around the island. All government workers have signed a confidentiality agreement.
But still getting paid?
Why is this a police investigation rather than a fire service disciplinary issue? Why is taking a photograph a criminal issue?
It can be criminal!
How?
It is both.
I don't think it criminal or against the law. It is extremely bad taste and highly insensitive. Disgusting actually that some one would do that and then "share" the pictures, no class.
You cannot post crime scene picutres on the internet., hell you cannot even say what you think about another person.Certainly in some countries some of that is criminal, some of it civil, some can land you jail time. And posting these pictures is just gross, and a lack of respect to any familiy or any sense of decency.
First, were you allowed on the crime scene?
Second, were you authorized to take photos on the crime scene?
Third, do you have anything to do with the crime? Why would you take the photos?
Fourth, did you get permission from the decease family to circulate Ms. N's body? Where is the respect or decency?
You see … there are alot of reasons why the police should get involved!
But what criminal offence has been committed.
I understand the case has went to our Legal Department of lawyers. It will interesting after reveiwing the case what their ruling is. Can they detect a criminal offence or should this be a civil and displinary issue?
You are missing the point. Common decency dictates what they did was wrong.
Very unprofessional and insensitive! They need to be diciplined so it sends a strong message and is a deterrent.
Imagine how you would feel if the pictures were of a family member of yours?!
Suspended with (back)pay. LOL.