Louisville Police Department Addresses Online Hate Speech and Digital Harassment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOUISVILLE, AL – The Louisville Police Department has initiated an investigation into discriminatory social media posts targeting community members, emphasizing that such actions may constitute criminal behavior under Alabama state law.

“Digital harassment isn’t just harmful – it’s illegal,” states Chief Saad. “Under Alabama Code §16-28B-3, cyberbullying constitutes a pattern of intentional behavior that occurs both on and off property, including electronic acts. Our department is actively investigating these incidents in coordination with digital forensics specialists.”

The investigation aligns with Alabama’s comprehensive anti-harassment statutes, which specifically address:

• Electronic harassment and cyberbullying
• Discriminatory behavior targeting protected characteristics
• Threats of violence or intimidation
• Pattern of intentional harmful behavior

The LPD reminds citizens that Alabama law enforcement has jurisdiction over cyberbullying and digital harassment regardless of where the content originates, as specified in state statutes. The department is working with social media platforms to identify those responsible.

RESOURCES FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Alabama Crisis Center: 205-323-7777
• LPD Non-Emergency Line: 334-266-5210
• StopBullying.gov: stopbullying.gov
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Crisis Support): 1-866-488-7386

For more information or to report incidents:

• Online reporting: louisvillepolice.com/report
• Facebook: @LouisvilleALPolice
• Instagram: @louisvillealpolice
• X (Twitter): @LvillePD
• YouTube: @louisvilleALpolice

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Media Contact:
Michael Saad
Chief of Police
Louisville Police Department