Close X
Saturday, November 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

Ralph Goodale Urges Public Discussion On Police Access To Passwords And Digital Data

Ralph Goodale Urges Public Discussion On Police Access To Passwords And Digital Data
OTTAWA — The federal public safety minister says Canadians need to consider how far police should be allowed to go in accessing their electronic devices and communications.

Ralph Goodale Urges Public Discussion On Police Access To Passwords And Digital Data

Montreal Bans New Pit Bulls; Plans To Phase Out Animal On Territory

MONTREAL — The City of Montreal is forbidding new pit bulls on its territory.

Montreal Bans New Pit Bulls; Plans To Phase Out Animal On Territory

Toronto Issues 'Private Transportation Company' Licence To UberX

Toronto Issues 'Private Transportation Company' Licence To UberX
The licence, which was issued Tuesday, puts Uber's transportation service UberX into a category that's separate from taxis or limos.

Toronto Issues 'Private Transportation Company' Licence To UberX

Feds Eyeing Mandatory Counselling For Terror Suspects Under Peace Ponds: Ralph Goodale

Feds Eyeing Mandatory Counselling For Terror Suspects Under Peace Ponds: Ralph Goodale
Ralph Goodale floated the idea one week after jihadi sympathizer Aaron Driver was killed by police in Strathroy, Ont.

Feds Eyeing Mandatory Counselling For Terror Suspects Under Peace Ponds: Ralph Goodale

Tragically Hip Fans Look To Celebrate Life, Family During Kingston, Ont. Show

Tragically Hip Fans Look To Celebrate Life, Family During Kingston, Ont. Show
TORONTO — When Jeff and Jen Malcolm watch the Tragically Hip's big show in Kingston, Ont., on Saturday, it will be more than just a concert.

Tragically Hip Fans Look To Celebrate Life, Family During Kingston, Ont. Show

Case Adjourned For N.S. Male Teens Charged With Sharing Intimate Photos

Case Adjourned For N.S. Male Teens Charged With Sharing Intimate Photos
Two 18-year-olds and four 15-year-olds are facing charges of distributing intimate images without consent and possessing and distributing child pornography.

Case Adjourned For N.S. Male Teens Charged With Sharing Intimate Photos