A social media campaign by Police Scotland backfired after responses to an online survey on Facebook turned into an avalanche of criticism against the service.
Tayside division posted a link to the Local Policing Consultation questionnaire on their Facebook page and encouraged users to provide feedback.
One of those who commented was the mother of Kairon McKay, who was tragically killed last October after being knocked down by a car near Longforgan.
Speaking after responding to the survey, Kairon’s mum, Laura, told The Courier that she still wonders if her son would still be alive if police had responded to calls from members of the public.
She said: “When my son was killed I got so many messages from people saying that they had let police know that kids were playing on the road.
“But the police never responded and they never went to see if there were kids there.
“If they had gone to see then maybe Kairon would still alive.”
Laura made it clear she did not blame the police for the tragedy.
“After the event the police really went beyond the call of duty – they were so supportive,” she continued.
“No one is to blame for what happened that night.
“Kairon should not have been on the road, he should have known better.
“But things could have been different if the police had responded to the calls.”
Laura had responded to the questionnaire by posting: “There was over six calls made to say my son was playing on the road with older boys concerned passing drivers.
“An hour later my son was hit and killed by a car because police ignored the calls.
“I’m not blaming the police but calls like that should be taken seriously and I hope from now on they are.”
Other critics on the site posted about what they perceived as a lack of professionalism from some police officers.
One accused officers of being “bullies and trouble makers” while others complained about a lack of officers on the beat.
Some, however, did spring to Police Scotland’s defence, noting that police do a good job at keeping criminals off the street.
Facebook user Lesley Ann Wilkinson was shocked at some of the abuse people were posting.
She said in a post: “I’ve been on the wrong side of the law for a long time, until five years ago when I cleaned my act up.
“I remember the police trying to help me hundreds of times. Scottish prisons are overcrowded with thieves, rapists, murderers and more and if it wasn’t for our police force and their work we’d be playing dodge the criminal.
“And this is coming from an ex-convict, which says more about you guys slating our police force than anything else.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “It is important for us to listen to the views of our communities, in order that we can provide the best service possible in Tayside.
“Our new online survey can be completed 24-hours a day, throughout this year and only takes around 15 minutes.
“We want to provide a high standard of service which delivers effective policing, tailored to meet your needs.
“The responses to the consultation process will be continuously monitored and quarterly progress reports will be published on the Police Scotland website.”
