Paedophile hunter groups.

[RichardCoulter]

A thread to discuss the rights, wrongs, methods etc of paedophile hunting groups.

The subject came up in the 'Police to get tough on Internet trolls' thread. Whilst it's an interesting subject to discuss, it wasn't felt appropriate to discuss it in that thread.

Do people think that such groups are a good thing or a bad thing, or does it depend on the professionalism of the group?

What do people think about their methods of entrapment and the way that they conduct themselves?

Is it right that the police refuse to support them and what they do?

[Mythica]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

A thread to discuss the rights, wrongs, methods etc of paedophile hunting groups.

The subject came up in the 'Police to get tough on Internet trolls' thread. Whilst it's an interesting subject to discuss, it wasn't felt appropriate to discuss it in that thread.

Do people think that such groups are a good thing or a bad thing, or does it depend on the professionalism of the group?

What do people think about their methods of entrapment and the way that they conduct themselves?

Is it right that the police refuse to support them and what they do?

It's hard to say if they are good or bad. On one hand, there is unlimited man power that the Polce simply don't have, they are catching these people and they are getting sentenced.

On the other hand, the very fact they seem to think they have to live stream could be interrupting any live investigation the Police already have going on. They also state things that simply are not true. Do things they shouldn't be doing like not moving the foot away from the door of their home, checking pockets of someone or simply just pure bullying someone. On the very odd occasion, they have even got the wrong person, oops, too late, it was already live streamed.

[Jaymoss]

I see no reason for them to live stream it. Yeah catch the nonce and get them arrested then report it. I kinda find the live streaming distasteful and more about look at what we are doing than look at what he/she is doing and can also bring trouble down on the family.

One thing I cannot get my head round is why do they always spill their guts? maybe guilt I dunno

[Mythica]

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

I see no reason for them to live stream it. Yeah catch the nonce and get them arrested then report it. I kinda find the live streaming distasteful and more about look at what we are doing than look at what he/she is doing and can also bring trouble down on the family.

One thing I cannot get my head round is why do they always spill their guts? maybe guilt I dunno

The live streaming is stupid, putting everyone in danger including themselves and the police. Also the fact of them saying, don't get the house number in or don't get the mother in, it's nothing to do with her, two minutes later, the house number is being shown.

Half the time and when I say this, I'm not sticking up for the suspect, it's because the are forced into by the group. For instance, if they want to go in and shut the door and wait for the police, the group will say something like if you shut the door, we'll tell all your neighbours.

[Jaymoss]

Yeah I have seen them making threats to make the perp talk all for their own self publicity. If they were really doing it to solely protect the kids then they would do it on the hush hush. Had this conversation when it all started with Stinson Hunter who lived just round the corner when he was most active online

[tweetiepooh]

We have to defend the principle of innocent until proven guilty no matter what the crime is. It is always better to have the guilty released than the innocent punished. A problem with "emotional crimes" is that even rumours can destroy lives/families/livelihood etc. so while we do need to try to protect the vulnerable we can't do it by persecuting a perceived threat.

[Jaymoss]

Originally Posted by tweetiepooh

We have to defend the principle of innocent until proven guilty no matter what the crime is. It is always better to have the guilty released than the innocent punished. A problem with "emotional crimes" is that even rumours can destroy lives/families/livelihood etc. so while we do need to try to protect the vulnerable we can't do it by persecuting a perceived threat.

I agree and this is why imo the groups if they are to be active shoudl keep it between themselves and the Police

[Carth]

I only have the most basic knowledge about these hunters and how they go about their business, and therefore not in a position to comment on whether it's a good or bad thing.

However . .

Originally Posted by tweetiepooh

We have to defend the principle of innocent until proven guilty no matter what the crime is. It is always better to have the guilty released than the innocent punished. A problem with "emotional crimes" is that even rumours can destroy lives/families/livelihood etc. so while we do need to try to protect the vulnerable we can't do it by persecuting a perceived threat.

I think we've all read about incidents where innocent people have been accused, leading to breakdown of family life, job losses, violence and even suicide.

Not saying 'hunters' are to blame for these situations, but in some cases won't be entirely innocent of leaking information, possibly accidentally but it's leaked.
If we're going to condone this, then should we also bring back the death penalty for murder?

oh wait (I hear you cry), but it would be morally wrong to execute someone who is then found to be innocent.

Vigilante groups ? What could possibly go wrong ....

[TheDaddy]

Originally Posted by Paul

Vigilante groups ? What could possibly go wrong ....

Yes reminds me of that paediatrician getting beaten up and forced to leave their home because of a mob of illiterates

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by Paul

Vigilante groups ? What could possibly go wrong ....

Middle aged numpty's playing at super hero's ,a definite recipe for disaster.

[nffc]

Originally Posted by TheDaddy

Yes reminds me of that paediatrician getting beaten up and forced to leave their home because of a mob of illiterates

Indeed.


For me it's best that if they have info on someone, they hand it in to the police, and let the system do the business properly and in line with due legal process.


Civilians taking matters into their own hands is a last resort.

[1701-e]

I'm sure palace security will keep them at bay....

[daveeb]

Originally Posted by 1701-e

I'm sure palace security will keep them at bay....

Ouch.

[Pierre]

It’s vigilantism and it’s wrong, especially if broadcast on Social Media.

If you have evidence, collect it and give it to the police.