An investigation has begun into a misstep made by the Edmonton Police Service, after the photo of a teenager was published as part of a drive to arrest people wanted on outstanding warrants.
Police said an internal investigation has begun into the incident, which left the photo and name of an underage suspect wanted under ‘Project Operation Warrant Execution (OWE)' briefly posted online and in local newspapers.
The project is meant to encourage people with outstanding warrants to come forward.
EPS officials did not comment Tuesday, but released a written statement, stating ‘The EPS disclosed the identity of a young offender on April 2, 2012, without a court order,' and it ‘should not have occurred.'
The statement continued to say the organization are taking the matter ‘very seriously and has notified the Director of Law Enforcement' and they are investigating, with plans to update the public in the future.
A youth criminal lawyer CTV News interviewed said the misstep could have been a simple mistake, with major consequences for the youth whose identity was revealed.
"The damage could have already been done," Karen McGowan, with the Youth Criminal Defence Office said. "Young persons may have used social media to pass on the information, and the young person may have been subject to ridicule or bullying from other young persons."
McGowan told CTV News the Edmonton Police Service as an organization could face fines for the error, if it can be proven that an EPS member posted the photo willingly.
If it were to be proven, that person could face jail time.
With files from Sean Amato
