RNC acronym a social-media headache for N.L. police force

The ongoing Republican National Convention in Cleveland has created a social-media headache for the police force in Newfoundland and Labrador, thanks to a shared acronym.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is the provincial police service for the province and operates in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Labrador City, Wabush and Churchill Falls. The RNC acronym of the force, which dates back to 1729, is well known in the province and used as the name of the force’s Twitter account.

But unfortunately for the eastern police force, RNC is also the acronym for the Republican National Convention, where the American political party will officially confirm Donald Trump as its presidential candidate later this week. That means that the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Twitter account has been receiving tweets from people who want to offer their commentary on the political convention.

“I wish I had a speaking role at the @RNC_PoliceNL,” tweeted Brandon Ogeron.

"Why not take some pride in America & making it unified again! Making it Great! Celebrate your freedoms! Trump!,” tweeted Corey Scott in response to a photo the RNC shared of Pride celebrations in Labrador.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has been responding politely to the messages, regardless of the political position they take.

“We are a Canadian Police Service in Newfoundland & Labrador with no U.S. Political affiliations,” the force replied.

And Monday evening it issued a plea on Twitter that received responses from Newfoundlanders who were both amused and appalled at the confusion.

“And so begins all the mis-mentions to us because of the "RNC” Convention in Cleveland this week! #WeArentTheRepublicans,” the force tweeted.

[Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Labrador City/TWITTER]

Some of the replies were upset that the province’s long-standing police force was being mistaken for the Republican Party and its convention.

“I feel terrible for you guys and girls. That’s a total embarrassment,” tweeted Stephanie Gosse.

The official group for Newfoundland and Labrador’s representatives for the Canada Games commiserated.

“@RNC_PoliceNL we feel your pain! We are not Team Netherlands heading to Rio !!,” TeamNL tweeted.

Kingston’s police force in Ontario rebuffed the RNC’s joking offer to switch social media managers for a week.

“@RNC_PoliceNL Hmm…nah, we’ll pass. Plus, we’re no good figuring out the 1.5 hr time difference,” Kingston police tweeted.

And a few people managed to find some humour in the situation.

“But, you do ride horses, wear funny hats, and carry sidearms! Confusion inevitable!,” tweeted Paul Hillyard.

The RNC police force added “Police” in brackets to its Twitter name on Monday in an attempt to make its account clear, as “Royal Newfoundland Constabulary” is too long for Twitter to accept.

A representative from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was not immediately available for comment.