Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 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

Remembering His Roots: Family Wants Gordie Howe Interred In Saskatoon Statue

Remembering His Roots: Family Wants Gordie Howe Interred In Saskatoon Statue
SASKATOON — The family of hockey great Gordie Howe wants to return Mr. Hockey to his home.

Remembering His Roots: Family Wants Gordie Howe Interred In Saskatoon Statue

Televised Tragically Hip Show An 'Unprecedented Event:' CBC

Televised Tragically Hip Show An 'Unprecedented Event:' CBC
TORONTO — Few Canadian television events qualify as a momentous occasion for the nation, but Saturday's Tragically Hip concert promises to be special.

Televised Tragically Hip Show An 'Unprecedented Event:' CBC

Man Leads Toronto-Area Police On Wild Chase On Wrong Way Of Highway

Man Leads Toronto-Area Police On Wild Chase On Wrong Way Of Highway
  WHITBY, Ont. — A 31-year-old man has been charged after leading police on a chase going the wrong way on a major highway east of Toronto.

Man Leads Toronto-Area Police On Wild Chase On Wrong Way Of Highway

'A Very Peaceful Man:' Wife Of Calgary Imam Detained In Turkey Recounts Ordeal

'A Very Peaceful Man:' Wife Of Calgary Imam Detained In Turkey Recounts Ordeal
She said Turkish authorities have not explained why they have imprisoned the imam, who has Canadian and Turkish Citizenship.

'A Very Peaceful Man:' Wife Of Calgary Imam Detained In Turkey Recounts Ordeal

Baby Found Dead In Car Parked At Daycare Was Forgotten By Quebec Father

ST-JEROME, Que. — Quebec provincial police are investigating after a child less than a year old was found dead in a car.

Baby Found Dead In Car Parked At Daycare Was Forgotten By Quebec Father

Vandals Even Dumped Paint In Fridge Of New North Vancouver Home: Police

Vandals Even Dumped Paint In Fridge Of New North Vancouver Home: Police
Police in North Vancouver say vandals dumped over 15 pails of paint on appliances, countertops and the floor of a newly constructed house, causing $80,000 in damage.

Vandals Even Dumped Paint In Fridge Of New North Vancouver Home: Police