Indianapolis Metro Police are speaking out against false missing child reports, citing the significant waste of department resources and potential harm to the community. Recently, two such incidents occurred within a short time span, prompting concerns about the severity of consequences for those responsible.
Incidents Highlight Concerns
In one instance, 22-year-old Nydia Deamus reported her 4-year-old daughter missing, triggering a social media alert and an extensive search by multiple agencies. However, video footage revealed that Deamus had willingly placed her child in a family member’s car before officers arrived. Deamus faces a misdemeanor charge for false informing.
In another case, a woman at an east side Walmart claimed her husband had kidnapped their three children. Despite eventually learning the truth, she continued to perpetuate the lie, leading to a massive search effort involving state police. The woman has been formally charged with misdemeanor false informing.
IMPD Public Information Officer Tommy Thompson emphasized the importance of truthful reporting, stating that the department’s resources are better spent on actual emergencies. Thompson also expressed disappointment and frustration over the unnecessary deployment of resources, which could have been utilized to address other pressing needs within the city.
Call for Accountability
Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner, a former judge, weighed in on the incidents, suggesting that the law should reflect the severity of consequences for those who waste police resources. Hamner believes that a level six felony charge should be available in such cases, emphasizing the need for accountability and a clear statement that such actions will not be tolerated.
IMPD reassures the public that they will continue to prioritize missing child reports and encourages individuals to report genuine emergencies without hesitation. However, they stress the importance of admitting when a report is no longer valid to avoid wasting resources and causing unnecessary concern within the community.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
