TAMPA, Fla. — The Clearwater Police Department says it was aware of a flyer circulating on social media advertising what was referred to as a “takeover” planned for earlier this week. That event did not happen.
CPD says that out of an abundance of caution, it increased manpower on the beach on Wednesday.
“Various assets throughout our agency worked hard to identify those who had publicized the event,” said Chief Eric Gandy. “Once we found the person circulating it, he was told in no uncertain terms that this event was not welcome on our beach.”
Clearwater Police Department’s Threat Management Unit explains how it vets such threats.
“Once it comes across my desk or I’ve seen it on social media, I will then start looking to see how many interactions there have been with the post, various insights,” explained Crime Analyst Jordan Potter. “So, we’re looking at how many comments there are, how many shares, how many people have reposted that poster as well, just to kind of see what the movement of the flyer is and whether it’s gaining traction with the public.”
Potter says the public has been reaching out since the May 31 shooting at the beach. Hundreds swarmed Clearwater Beach in response to a flyer, and a 16-year-old was arrested for shooting a 17-year-old. CPD says the public’s help in reporting concerning posts has helped in preventing a repeat of that day.
“The volume, it’s definitely increased since last week, but I think that’s great. That’s what we need,” said Potter. “That’s the best thing that can help. We’d rather look through as many as we can and vet them versus not having that information.”
Lt. Justin Howard, who heads the Special Investigation Section, says that information is vetted in various ways.
“We utilize a variety of different technologies and softwares,” said Howard. “We’re always trying to find what works best and what can do the job for us, but like I said, at the end of the day, a lot of times it’s kind of old-school investigation techniques, and it’s reaching out to our partners: local, state, federal, who share information and the community.”
CPD says in the last week, it has received information about multiple takeover-style events. CPD says the Threat Management Unit issued the person helping to circulate the flyer for Monday a cease-and-desist order, and the organizer posted the event was cancelled.
Potter and Howard say combining new technology and old-fashioned police work with information from the public are all important parts of being proactive.
“If they see something online to send in a tip, call us,” said Potter. “Call the communication center non-emergency line, send an email, whatever route that they feel is most appropriate, they can remain anonymous.”