Valentine's Day video from Brandon police asks people to send criminals to 'Crowbar Hotel'

A Valentine's Day-themed video from police in western Manitoba has received more than half a million views in just over 24 hours, but the reactions are varied.

Brandon police posted a 54-second tongue-in-cheek video to its social media platforms Wednesday encouraging people to contact the service if they want to make Valentine's Day special for an ex-partner who often brags about getting away with crimes.

"You want to do something special for them for Valentine's Day? If so, give us a call here in the Crowbar Hotel. We have friendly staff ready to greet you," an officer says in the video, outside of holding cells.

"We provide luxury transportation. We'll have them pick them up wherever needed."

"Here at the Crowbar Hotel, they'll be provided with their own private suite. Fine dining cuisine brought right to their private suite," the officer says as images of a holding cell with a single mattress on the floor, accompanied by a toilet, food — a pizza pocket and juice box — and a mini flameless candle are shown on the mattress. 

The video concludes with a reminder that would-be romantics can call police operators in Brandon to help make their loved one's Valentine's Day special.

The Brandon police video was inspired by a similar lighthearted social media post made by police in Bloomington, Minn., last week, according to an emailed statement from Brandon police Thursday.

"While the topic of crime and accountability is serious, we believe that incorporating humour into our social media presence helps humanize our officers and builds stronger connections with the community," the statement says.

The goal of the video wasn't to encourage people to report criminal activity, but rather to engage the public in "a relatable and entertaining way," the statement says.

"The arts and craft hearts, clean facilities, fine dining, umbrella and tea light ANNNND shuttle service…CrowBar Hotel is unrivaled!" one person commented on Instagram. 

But not everyone who has watched the video considers it video playful and satirical. 

Christopher Schneider is a social media expert and sociology professor at Brandon University. He says the video is devoid of any sort of empathy, something he says has become a staple in police training since the 2020 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

"I think that the message is tone deaf. It falls flat and I think it's a bit ghoulish," he said Thursday on Up to Speed.

He calls policing a unique occupation because it is allows officers to use force — up to and including deadly force — and worries that this video could have negative, ptentialy fatal consequences should someone try to call police about a partner or an ex-partner who they believe are guilty of crime.

"So, you know, when you think about the consequences of this video, it's really not funny at all," Schneider said.

He stressed the importance of police to ensure that the message they're putting out to the public resonates with all persons, regardless of their status.

He says that's difficult for any police service to do and it requires a lot of thinking. 

"I think that organizations like the Brandon Police Service,you know, they can do better," he said.

Schneider also said that there should be very specific rules and policies that direct and determine best practices that take into consideration of how police act online.

"A good piece of advice, for instance, that numerous police agencies have, is if you wouldn't do it with your uniform on, then you shouldn't do it," he said.

"So the idea of being reflexive about what sort of message does your individual actions send about the badge and the policing apparatus at large."

Schneider doesn't believe Brandon police need to apologize, but he cautions that videos are taken into the context of the police's ability to use force, and consider how and in what ways such videos might land with public across the entire societal spectrum.

In their statement, Brandon police said commitment to public safety is at the core of their work.

"We appreciate the conversations this post has sparked and remain dedicated to finding new ways to connect with and serve our community."