Close X
Monday, September 30, 2024
ADVT 
National

RCMP Urge End To B.C. Vigilante Groups Targeting Online Predators

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Sep, 2016 02:25 PM
  • RCMP Urge End To B.C. Vigilante Groups Targeting Online Predators
SURREY, B.C. — British Columbia's Integrated Child Exploitation unit wants vigilante groups to leave policing to the professionals after media attention on a group of civilians who are posting the names and photos of alleged abusers on social media.
 
Sgt. Hernan Topacio, who is head of the unit, says the team targets the "worst of the worst offenders" using the Internet to lure children for sexual purposes.
 
He says he worries that the attention on the group of civilians who claim to do the same work can undermine police by putting the public in danger or by allowing predators to escape prosecution.
 
Topacio says in a news release that police and vigilante groups have a common goal in identifying adults who prey on children.
 
But he says his experience shows merely posting the name and photo of an alleged abuser on social media won't stop the behaviour.
 
The RCMP urges anyone aware of incidents of online child exploitation to report it to the local police or use the Mountie's online tip line.
 
"The greater focus needs to be placed in identifying and rescuing victims and ensuring that perpetrators are not able to victimize further," says Topacio in the release. "Any effort should certainly extend beyond just the initial public identification."

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey RCMP Release Picture Of Suspect In Taxi Driver Robbery

Surrey RCMP Release Picture Of Suspect In Taxi Driver Robbery
Surrey RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a taxi cab robbery that occurred just over two weeks ago.

Surrey RCMP Release Picture Of Suspect In Taxi Driver Robbery

Drug Deaths Up Dramatically In B.C. This Year, But Stats Offer Ray Of Optimism

A new report identifies 42 apparent illicit drug overdose deaths in May, fewer than each of the previous four months.

Drug Deaths Up Dramatically In B.C. This Year, But Stats Offer Ray Of Optimism

Vancouver Police Search For Man Missing More Than A Year

Vancouver Police Search For Man Missing More Than A Year
The VPD is asking for the public’s help to find a man who has been missing for more than a year.

Vancouver Police Search For Man Missing More Than A Year

A Look At The Cost Of Syrian Refugee Resettlement, By The Numbers

A Look At The Cost Of Syrian Refugee Resettlement, By The Numbers
Here's a look at the original budget for the program, and what was spent in 2015-2016, by the numbers:

A Look At The Cost Of Syrian Refugee Resettlement, By The Numbers

Owning A Home Increasingly A Pipe Dream For House-hunters In Toronto, Vancouver

Owning A Home Increasingly A Pipe Dream For House-hunters In Toronto, Vancouver
Unlike many house sales in Toronto, she added, her house "didn't go for a crazy amount over the asking price."

Owning A Home Increasingly A Pipe Dream For House-hunters In Toronto, Vancouver

Montreal Woman, 55, Killed In Apparent Dog Attack

Montreal Woman, 55, Killed In Apparent Dog Attack
Farid Benzenati said he arrived home from work at around 5 p.m. and noticed a dog playing with what he thought was "a large object" in the next backyard.

Montreal Woman, 55, Killed In Apparent Dog Attack