What's A Web Logger To Do?

It would appear fellow web logger Steve Huff and I have been thinking along somewhat similar lines. In this post I'd ask you to read, he is discussing what role a web log might play in tracking potential predators within our society.

I understand there are many issues at play here - individual rights to privacy, and so forth. Anything that could be done must operate within the law.

This AM I had some time to ponder the Latoyia Figueroa disappearance as one of many which go unaddressed - including the recent disappearance of a couple referenced here. I know now that a web log can play a role in assembling information and a web logger can also become involved in reporting information as news. What I am unsure of is if that can have a practical application as well in at least aiding the resolution of certain types of crimes.

Developing ... as they say. Feel free to discuss, or place your relevant comments below.

Comments

[Noplanstovisit]

Could be a good approach. Probably would want to explore legal, ethical, and privacy issues thoroughly before launching such a site.

[tuesday]

It's a big responsibility, Dan, and one well worth taking time to consider inviting into your life.

IMO, you have shown yourself to be equal to the sort of rigorous honesty and sense of fair play that making a real difference takes; you have also showed the courage to actually try to do it.
Did you succeed? Only you can answer that.

Mr. Huff has a good idea, but ideas need action, too. Not to mention activists. The two of you, and me, we might change the world!

[Sandy]

This story (among others) truly breaks my heart!

[clintcarter]

The heck with exploring issues. When is a blog Not a work in progress? Use common sense, reasonable restraint, and Go for it.

[FloridaPatty]

I'll bite.

The serial killer Joseph Duncan who was recently captured and charged with the murders of a family and the molestation and kidnapping of the little girl and murder of her brother kept an online Blog. http://fifthnail.blogspot.com/
The information revealed there will no doubt be use in court which gives one an insight to his decadent mind.
Additionally, another Blogger ventured a guess at the connection between the murder of a young boy, Antoney Martinez, and Duncan; about the same time Duncan was in the area where he lived, young Anthoney disappeared. Did Duncan commit the murder? The Blogger ventured a theory and it appears to be accurate. This article talks about this very subject of Bloggers Joining Crime Fight.
http://www.krem.com/news/police/stories/krem2_081205_blogs-crime-fight.68023f5b.html

[TexasGal]

I agree that there needs to be a huge improvement on tracking noncompliant Level II and Level III sex offenders. I would love to see some sort of device implanted into these people so that they can be located in the shortest amount of time. But to involve the private sector in helping to hunt them down seems like treading in very dangerous waters. Due to the fact that sex crimes against children are the most despicable ones, you have high emotions and possibly vigilante actions being used by some well meaning citizens. I would worry about mistaken identities possibly resulting in crimes being committed against an innocent person. Something DOES need to be done as our children are being damaged or killed by these predators. I am just not so sure that the prescribed method above is it.

[adad]

pardon my atavism but a scarlet P tattoo on the forehead would help to identify a convicted pedophile. Considering the recitivism and the risk to our children I would be in favor of it.
treatment is not effective.

[R Nelson]

pardon my atavism but a scarlet P tattoo on the forehead would help to identify a convicted pedophile. Considering the recitivism and the risk to our children I would be in favor of it.
treatment is not effective.

Posted by: adad | Aug 20, 2005 12:02:58 AM

I'm reading your post and strangely enough it mirrors what I have been advocating for several years. A prominent tatoo would be my suggestion. The thing I can't reconcile though is where do you draw the line- some of the recent cases involving female teachers and 16 year old male students don't alarm me. I'll probably take some heat for that statement so bash away.

[vincent]

RNelson and Adad~

You guys stole MY idea! LOL I told my usual forum the same thing when Couey was caught. Only, I said put a tatoo of SO on their foreheads...but then I realized there'd be a whole lotta perverts wearing Beatles haircuts.

I've also come up with the idea to toss them all in Alcatraz, and when the place fills up, tell the oldest perverts they're more than welcome to leave...if they can swim.

[A netizen]

Police believe they have found the remains of Latoyia Figueroa in Chester. Police will have a press conference at 10AM. http://www.missingabducted.com
http://www.philly.com