London's police chief has issued an apology to the public after officers were not immediately dispatched to the discovery of a noose in the city's west end.
A concerned citizen contacted police on Monday at around 12 p.m., after a rope that had been tied into a noose was found hanging from a tree in Warbler Woods.
A Huron University College professor, Sara MacDonald, posted on Twitter that she had contacted police about the noose but was told by a police dispatcher, “What can we do? It’s just a rope in a tree.”
“I can confirm that this incident was originally reported to our Communications Centre by a concerned citizen, and the decision not to dispatch officers at the outset, was made from the perspective of criminality and any immediate threat to anyone’s safety, versus the deeper impact it may have in the community as a hate incident," said London police Chief Steve Williams in a statement on Tuesday. "I am very aware that the noose is symbolic of a violent history deeply rooted in racist beliefs and practices and that this incident impacted citizens’ feeling of safety, security and personal dignity."
Officers were eventually dispatched to the call at 3:26 p.m., and were shown the area where the noose had been draped over the branch of a tree sapling. The nearby neighbourhood was also canvased by the officers who learned through the course of the investigation that the area is often frequented by teenagers.
"Although our response was not a swift as I expect, and not what the community deserves, I am thankful that this matter was brought to my attention so it could be given the appropriate attention, and apologize for our delayed response,” Chief Williams added. "We will use this opportunity to ensure all our members, not just our officers, are aware of the implications and impact an occurrence like this can have on the community. When we know better, we can do better. When we do better, we serve the community better.”
The London Police Service is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information about the noose incident to contact police at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.
"The London Police Service is committed to completing our investigation to determine any criminal intent and what, if any, further action may be warranted," said Chief Williams.
