Policeman apologises for threatening drink drivers with Nickelback’s music
A Canadian policeman has issued a personal apology to Nickelback after he jokingly threatened drink drivers with their music.
Last week, Constable Rob Hartlen posted an image of Nickelback’s 2001 album ‘Silver Side Up’ on the Kensington Police Service of Prince Edward Island’s Facebook page and quipped that drink drive offenders will be faced with the additional ‘punishment’ of listening to Nickelback on their way to police custody.
He wrote: “When we catch you – and we will – on top of a hefty fine, criminal charge and a year’s driving suspension, we will also provide you with a bonus gift of playing the office’s copy of Nickelback in the cruiser on the way to jail.”
“We figure if you’re foolish enough to get behind the wheel after drinking, then a little Chad Kroeger and the boys is the perfect gift for you.”
The post swiftly went viral and was shared thousands of times before media across the globe began to report it.
Now, Constable Hartlen has deleted the original post and has issued a lengthy apology to Nickelback and their families, describing his actions as a form of bullying.
Reflecting on his post, Constable Hartlen said: "At the time I thought this was a great idea, all pure intentions, get the message out .. type type type .. click...and post. There. All done.
“Well, as we have seen, our little post became an international story. And somewhere in the noise, the message of Don’t Drink and Drive was overshadowed by negativity towards the band I said I would play if you did. At first I admit I was fine with the way I worded the post. I was sure a hugely successful band would be fine with a little good will shade thrown their way, after all it’s for a good cause.
“But the more successful the post became the less the Don’t Drink and Drive message was mentioned and the fact we love or love to hate Nickelback took centre stage. And that prompted me to think less about Nickelback as the 'Entity' and more about the 4 guys, 4 human beings from Alberta who were dragged into this international story. And the more I thought about that the less funny the humour seemed.”
After going into detail about how he was “stunned” that the post was accused of making light of Drink Driving, Constable Hartlen added: “I am sorry to Chad, Ryan, Mike and Daniel. Not as just members of Nickelback, but more importantly as fellow Canadians. I’m sorry guys because I didn’t take a moment to think of you AS just guys. Having to watch as media around the world takes a pot shot at you and having no way to defend yourself. I didn’t take a moment to think of your families as news agency after news agency used their loved ones as a punchline.
“I didn’t take a moment to think that you guys were the ones that stepped up first to the plate when other Canadians in Fort Mac needed help. I didn’t take a moment to think that you were the ones that give not only money to hundreds of charities but you routinely give that all important currency, time. You guys share so much with so many and I truly feel bad for using that the way I did. It was not my intention, It was not my desire but it was the outcome and I have to own that. So for that I am sorry.”
He also confirmed that he spoke to Nickelback personally about embracing a new DUI initiative that will “work to help many, not shun a few.”
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