Recently, the vigilante group, Creep Catchers has gained a lot of media contreversy and speculation among many. Creep Catchers pose as a minor online, setting up a phony dating profile for unsuspecting predators of under-aged children. If the bait is taken, Creep Catchers film the interaction and shame the suspect publicly by posting the video online.
Professor Benamin Perrin, at UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of law warns of potential legal backfires in citizen vigilante sting efforts. The professor, an expert on child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, states that the end does not really justify the means. Police officers require legal safeguards when engaging in such investigations. Vigilante groups don’t have those safeguards, and may be charged with entrapment or put themselves in physical danger.
Vigilante actions can have unintended consequences. For those not guilty of internet luring, shaming on social media can have devastating consequences such as sexual offence charges and defamation of character.
A police officer was arrested following a Creep Catcher’s encounter in British Columbia where videos were released. Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr reported that a criminal investigation of the alleged actions of the officer, as well as a code-of-conduct investigation, was in progress.
If the officer is proven to have committed internet luring, he will be removed from the police force and appropriate action taken. If he is not, his reputation is in shambles.
Sexual offence convictions last a lifetime, and social outrage almost as long. If you are charged with a sexual offence or experiencing harassment over a supposed incident, it is imperative that you defend your rights and seek legal counsel today.
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