The RCMP says gender, race, or ethnicity are not factors in naming people charged with crimes.

The Mounties were responding to questions raised about why the names of people in northern communities were issued in news releases while the names of others were not.

Questions started swirling on social media in relation to police releases related to arrests made as a result of alleged criminal activity. Some questioned why some people are named in RCMP releases, while others are not.

The RCMP says a number of factors come into play when it comes to the release of names—including the charge being sworn or laid before the courts. Once that information is filed with the court, it becomes public information.

There are three possible outcomes stemming from the arrest of someone by police. They could be released without charge; released by police with charges pending, and a future court appearance; or they could be brought to court with charges laid and a date set for a future court appearance.

According to the RCMP, if a person is released without charge, their name is not released; if they are released with charges pending, their name is not released. If they are charged, then the name is publicly released through the court system.

Those under the age of 18 are never named publicly. In some cases, a publication ban may be imposed by the courts, protecting the release of the name of the accused.