2007-02-14 18:02:28 · 15 answers · asked by unknown 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
It really depends if the crime you witnessed was one in which the victim of the crime was physically injured or killed. There is no law that says you have to report a crime in progress. However, if you witness someone being injured or killed and fail to help, even simply by calling 911, there could be consequences for you. The severity of those consequences depends on what country you live in. Most modern countries have a form of the Good Samaritan Laws. In the US and Canada, Good Samaritan Laws protect from blame those who choose to aid others who are injured or ill. They are intended to reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, for fear of being prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. In other countries (as well as the Canadian province of Quebec), Good Samaritan laws describe a legal requirement for citizens to assist people in distress, unless doing so would put themselves in harm's way. Citizens are often required to, at minimum, call the local emergency number, unless doing so would be harmful, in which case, the authorities should be contacted when the harmful situation has been removed. Such laws currently exist in countries such as Italy, Japan, France, Belgium, Andorra, and Spain.
If you are in the US, individual states may have laws about non-action if you are a witness to a crime. Not reporting a crime is not the same as obstruction of justice. Obstruction of justice means that you intentionally interfered in a police investigation. Aiding and abetting means that you actively helped the perpetrator of the crime evade police. Not reporting a crime does not fit into either of these categories.
As a responsible adult, I do not see any possible reason of not reporting a crime, unless you were invovled or know who was involved. Police can keep the identity of witnesses confidential, so you need to report what you have seen.
Also, keep in mind that if another witness who DID report the crime saw you watching it happen and doing nothing, YOU may be implicated.
2007-02-14 18:41:06 · answer #1 · answered by dh1977 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Technically you are not obligated to report a crime that you witness. Having said that, ask yourself what would you like another person to do if you were the victim of a crime and the other person witnessed it? Would you want the other to make a report? If so, perhaps the person who is a victim of what you witnessed would like your help. I assume this is a crime against property since if it is a crime against the person, the victim is aware. If a crime against property, the victim will sooner or later discover what happened. If you could assist in identifying the perpetrator, the victim would certainly appreciate your assistance. And you would feel good that you had performed a civic service, one that you would like another to perform for you.
2007-02-14 18:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by judgebill 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Call the police's secret witness line. This way you can give them all the necessary info but no one will know where the info came from.
You can even call the police station, explain the problem and voice your concerns. Police understand your wanting anonimity... and if the one you talk to doesn't, find another.
I feel that I have a moral obligation to myself, my family and my community. Because what if this person goes on to do something worse and it could've been prevented.
You can do this!
2007-02-14 18:16:24 · answer #3 · answered by crimsonshedemon 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
An injustice to the victim. If you don't want to report it to the police, then call your local Crime Stoppers. You will not have to come forward, it is done anonymously, and you will get PAID for it.
2007-02-14 18:21:06 · answer #4 · answered by nannygoat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its called being a bad neighbor... however if the police question and you fail to be truthful it is called obstruction and if your silence helps someone you personally know you can be charged with conspiracy after the fact.
2007-02-14 18:08:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a syndrome associated with it. I cant figure out what its called. Its based on psychological factors...does anyone know what I m talking about?
2017-04-13 12:02:45 · answer #6 · answered by Danielle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad citizenship
2007-02-14 18:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
JudgeBill said it best and by reading his profile sounds like he is in the know. He said what I would have said had I been able to say it as well as he did.
2007-02-14 18:48:18 · answer #8 · answered by ginger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard these people called anything else but, reluctant witnesses.
2007-02-14 22:54:15 · answer #9 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cowardice and obstruction of justice
2007-02-14 19:30:51 · answer #10 · answered by jeprx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋