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Post by Question on Aug 21, 2006 11:46:30 GMT -5
I wonder what you'd do in the following situation. A friend who happens to be a policeman lets slip that a pedohpile is moving into your area. You have friends who live local many with young children, but your police friend has sworn you to secrecy. What would you do
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Post by Alex on Aug 21, 2006 15:55:41 GMT -5
All pedophiles are to be registered. The registration is a matter of public record. I would question your friend about this very closely. I don't understand the secrecy. After talking to your friend and you find out that everything is being done legally and above board. I would not hesitate to tell your friends. You may be saving a life. If it isn't being done legally I would want to know why. Pedophiles never can be cured and by not saying anything you are in my opinion aiding this person. So again ask your friend and if you decide to tell, make sure you have the right person. It would be a sad thing to label an innocent person a pedophile. Please be sure of your information. Good luck.
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Post by Maria on Aug 21, 2006 16:33:31 GMT -5
Most sex offenders must be registered with the law. The law (police) have list of where these folks live. These list are available to the public. Check with your local police department.
Once a pedophile always a pedophile. However many of these people go to groups like AAA that can help them live the motto--"One Day at a Time." Just like an addict is always addicted whether it be drugs or alcohol, pedophiles are the same. Yet with support some can fight the problem.
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 22, 2006 2:07:07 GMT -5
Here in the UK Alex Paedophile relocation is not a case for public awareness as in the USA where you have Megans law I believe. We in the UK have been fighting for a similar law (Sarah's law) to be created and indeed a government official has flown out to the USA to discuss the law and its short comings and benefits.
If a policeman in thic country were caught releasing private information on his/her own that might cause a public disturbance and without the knowledge of his.her superiors then they would undoubtedly be in trouble. So in some ways our countries are quite different.
Getting back to the question, I think I would be inclined to maybe suggest to your police friend that by him/her sharing this secret that you perhaps didn't want to know - they have put you in a unfair situation. I would also suggest that you let them know you have no choice but to tell at least the local parents of young children, after all he/she let it slip so whats to stop you doing the same?
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Post by Juana Cookie on Aug 22, 2006 13:48:35 GMT -5
I agree with what Alex said, wholeheartedly, but I would like to point out that there is a way that you can both keep the "secret" that was told to you by your policeman friend, and yet still alert your friends with small children, about this matter. There is a website that tracks pedophiles in the United States www.familywatchdog.us/. Let them know that they should check this site frequently, to keep up to date on sex offenders. This site shows maps, distances, names, addresses, and (when available) mug shots of convicted sex offenders! |
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Post by Mark on Aug 22, 2006 15:17:42 GMT -5
Good advice, Josie-Lynn!
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Post by Juana Cookie on Aug 22, 2006 23:24:55 GMT -5
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 23, 2006 12:27:42 GMT -5
That's a good idea J-Co but as I have said we don't have such a scheme in the UK at the moment
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Post by Mark on Aug 23, 2006 13:12:03 GMT -5
That's too bad, Dave. Are there any plans in the works for such a thing? If not, there should be.
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Post by Alex on Aug 24, 2006 10:32:04 GMT -5
Yes.Start writing letters to your representatives. Write letters or talk to people in positions to help get one started. The churches should be behind this 100%. Childrens advocate groups should be pushing this. Don't wait like we did and have a little girl die before something is done. Our system is not infallible but it does help some.
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 24, 2006 11:45:52 GMT -5
There are plans afoot to get a Sarahs law (similar to your Megans law) and indeed a government official has flown to the USA to check out the pros and cons. However knowing the UK government it'll take many years to impliment. There are many people opposed to the introduction of such a law due to the worries of vigilantes
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Post by Maria on Aug 24, 2006 12:36:10 GMT -5
Dabbit, it took a long time to get these thing enacted here as well--and all for the same reasons you have mentioned.
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Post by Mark on Aug 27, 2006 13:46:28 GMT -5
My solution would be much swifter, I can assure you.
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Post by Alex on Aug 27, 2006 14:20:36 GMT -5
Heh heh! I agree with Mark. Oh NO! The world in in eminent danger?
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Post by Mark on Aug 27, 2006 15:47:49 GMT -5
Alas, no. I'm not in charge.
Yet.
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 28, 2006 7:34:26 GMT -5
I'm glad you added the 'yet' Mark...Do British votes count?
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Post by Juana Cookie on Aug 28, 2006 9:38:32 GMT -5
Getting back to our guest, who had the problem...I certainly hope that he/she will check back in with us, and tell us how they decided to handle the situation and what the outcome was.
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Post by Mark on Aug 28, 2006 13:08:44 GMT -5
I'm glad you added the 'yet' Mark...Do British votes count? All votes are equal, Dabbit. And yes, we all hope the guest returns and lets us know what happens. |
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Post by sandy on Aug 29, 2006 9:35:55 GMT -5
Come back Guest and let us know the decision.
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