I’ve veered away from the basics of social media series to focus on an interesting story that I just came across.

Ogden police seek to quell online rumors about student’s death

Quick notes of the above story.

• A 14-year-old girl died Tuesday night.
• Rumours quickly spread speculating the cause of death
• Bullying had been specifically cited
• Social media use fuel
• led the speculation

The Ogden police chief spoke up to set the record straight.

• No clear indication of bullying
• No arrest
• The investigation is ongoing

One of the best parts of the article was a quote by Chief Nordquist

“I don’t want to minimize this in any way, but right now we are dealing with the facts,” he said. “And we do have an active investigation. I’m not saying that nothing like this happened, but we have no clear or solid evidence now that this was related to bullying.”

The Chief has done absolutely the right thing here.  Recognizing the role social media is playing in maintaining a clear and concise investigation has to be recognized but also ensuring that the facts remain paramount.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  Social media is a tool.  A resource.  It is not the end all and be all of anything! In this case, the Chief recognized the role that social is playing and that when things are going off track that cloud the issues, the facts and the realities, they have to be addressed.

The Ogden investigation as stated will look into all the rumours, but here is a good tip:

If you recognize a problem such as rumour and innuendo creeping in, remind your audience that the facts have to remain clear.  Ask people to contact investigators with information and leave it out of the social streams.  In a case like this there are two prime considerations

1.) The investigation is the last voice for the deceased and everything must be done to ensure that voice is understood perfectly.

2.) Don’t leave a single post unturned if that’s what it take to get to point number 1.

Kudos to Ogden police for their attention.