Discussion » Questions » Human Behavior » Can someone explain this to me? Please read the description.

Can someone explain this to me? Please read the description.

Why are so many people willing to withhold information and lie to law enforcement involving serious, violent, and/or sexual crimes? How can someone witness something like a murder or shooting and not come forward? I couldn’t live with myself. i do believe part of my ignorance to this is I never had to live in a neighborhood with these issues. I know there’s a no snitch code, but I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night not help bringing justice to the culprit to remove thek from the streets and for the sake of the victims and their loved ones. I‘m genuinely curious and want to know why. 

Posted - September 13, 2018

Responses


  • 34297
    My first thought.....fear of retribution. 
      September 13, 2018 7:14 PM MDT
    3

  • 1502
    That same though crossed my mind. Especially if someone witnessed something done by the mob or mafia. Witness protection can’t hide an informant from them. 
      September 13, 2018 7:16 PM MDT
    3

  • 5391
    Not only fear of local retribution, but depending on location, distrust of law enforcement as well.
    I think with regard to sexual crimes, there may still be an element of shame to overcome.  This post was edited by Don Barzini at September 14, 2018 2:25 AM MDT
      September 13, 2018 7:40 PM MDT
    3

  • 4624
    When I was a child, my father told me that if I ever reported, he would be sent to jail and the family split up and it would be my fault.
    He died when I was 14.
    Had he still been alive after I'd grown up and left home, I would have reported.

    I have rarely witnessed crimes.
    On one occasion, I took the victim to casualty. Because both victim and perpetrator were drunk, the doctors advised against telling police and I took their advice. These days the laws have changed and alcohol is no longer a mitigating factor.
    On the other occasion, I appeared as a witness in court - however, I also took out an AVO to prevent the man from attacking me for giving evidence. He tried. I called police, and he got copped.

    Fear might be one reason why some people might not report - which might depend on how vulnerable they are.

      September 13, 2018 9:08 PM MDT
    3

  • 19937
    If you lived in, let's say the Projects in NYC, where gangs rule, witnessing a crime and reporting it to the police could have dire consequences for you and your family.  Even if they were to incarcerate the person who committed the crime, you can be sure the other gang members would want retribution.  You can report a crime to Crime Stoppers anonymously, but if you had to testify in court against that person, you'd have a target on your back.
      September 13, 2018 9:43 PM MDT
    5

  • 22891
    theyre probably afraid to
      September 14, 2018 3:42 PM MDT
    0