The Haines Borough Police Department stepped in last week after being informed that an individual in town was posting threats on social media.
Over the course of a roughly two-week period the individual made a series of posts on social media, including a post saying they were suicidal, police chief Heath Scott said, adding that he was reluctant to provide too many details as the person has ongoing mental health issues.
“There was no specificity to the threats, and no individual people were discussed,” Scott said. The primary concern was that the man would do harm to himself.
The police contacted the individual to discuss the situation.
“We wanted him to know that people were viewing his posts and that we could help if he needed assistance,” Scott said. “I look at this more as a person that we need to have a conversation with to make sure they’re okay.”
Scott said the police department is continuing to monitor the situation, but there haven’t been any new posts this past week.
Social media isn’t something Haines Police actively monitor, according to Scott. When the police respond to public safety threats made through social media, it’s usually because someone in the public has brought the issue to their attention.