4 ms·

the reason snitches talk is because they ran out of ways to avoid prosecution, so i feel the innocent would be the minority in that group, as the police wouldn'

the reason snitches talk is because they ran out of ways to avoid prosecution, so i feel the innocent would be the minority in that group, as the police wouldn't have anything on them to compel cooperation.

rbanffy 15y ago
Regardless of why snitches talk, it's a basic assumption that their collaboration will be rewarded by the protection against retaliation by those they inform on. If those snitches are helping the investigation of violent crimes, it's really, really irresponsible to release their identities.
- rhizome 15y ago
  I have to say this is the first time I've seen someone argue that confidential informants receive special protection from Law Enforcement outside of the Witness Protection Program, which is a federal thing and quite specific (and limited) in its application. Do you have a reference for this "basic assumption?"
  - rbanffy 15y ago
    It's only fair that you protect your sources. As a law enforcement agent, would you be comfortable if you recklessly exposed your sources to harm? If, for no other reason, you protect your informants so they continue to inform you.
    - rhizome 15y ago
      I'd say that's an assumption (or agreement) some of the time, but I'd wager just as soon that the "protection" offered is always post-hoc: someone gets busted and drops dime, getting them protection from prosecution in their instant case.
citricsquid 15y ago
Except it says "Report a Crime" before, which would imply it's not people avoiding prosecution, but people knowing of a crime and then contacting the authorities. For example a family member of a criminal or friend.
- burgerbrain 15y ago
  Approximately half of these are people reporting the where-abouts of people with outstanding warrants. I agree that those should not have been released. The other half appear to be neighbours slandering neighbours out of personal grudges.

rbanffy 15y ago

Regardless of why snitches talk, it's a basic assumption that their collaboration will be rewarded by the protection against retaliation by those they inform on. If those snitches are helping the investigation of violent crimes, it's really, really irresponsible to release their identities.

rhizome 15y ago
I have to say this is the first time I've seen someone argue that confidential informants receive special protection from Law Enforcement outside of the Witness Protection Program, which is a federal thing and quite specific (and limited) in its application. Do you have a reference for this "basic assumption?"
- rbanffy 15y ago
  It's only fair that you protect your sources. As a law enforcement agent, would you be comfortable if you recklessly exposed your sources to harm? If, for no other reason, you protect your informants so they continue to inform you.
  - rhizome 15y ago
    I'd say that's an assumption (or agreement) some of the time, but I'd wager just as soon that the "protection" offered is always post-hoc: someone gets busted and drops dime, getting them protection from prosecution in their instant case.

citricsquid 15y ago

Except it says "Report a Crime" before, which would imply it's not people avoiding prosecution, but people knowing of a crime and then contacting the authorities. For example a family member of a criminal or friend.

burgerbrain 15y ago
Approximately half of these are people reporting the where-abouts of people with outstanding warrants. I agree that those should not have been released. The other half appear to be neighbours slandering neighbours out of personal grudges.