How legal is To Catch a Predator?

Question

My husband and I saw this show last night, and we had a few questions that were really bothering us. Could this show be seen as entrapment? There were never any underage people actually involved, so does that have an effect on the legality? I know these are often some pretty sick men, but something just feels wrong about the way this is handled. Plus, can Dateline legally show their identities without consent?

Answer 1

As long as the predators come to the sting on their own will, it is legal. Dateline was recently sued because they broke that rule. They identified a DA as a sexual predator and went to his house to confront him. When the man found out that it was dateline, he killed himself. It should also be noted that since the Internet is not governed universally, law and enforcement that deals with the Internet is a bit different.

Answer 2

I was wondering about the entrapment issue myself, but I'm pretty sure they are doing things by the book. The cops who monitor the cyber chats and set up the rendezvous with the sex offenders are careful to script things a certain way. In the episodes I've watched, it appeared as though the predators were the ones initiating sexual contact. The cops are also careful to make sure the offender knows the alleged minor's age. On top of that, when confronted by Chris Hansen, they all acknowledge that they knew what they were doing was wrong. As far as showing their ID's, I'm all in favor of criminals being exposed for their crimes.

Answer 3

is it legal to set up men for soliciting female police officers for sex for money.? the same thing applies for both. as for these men they know it is illegal to try to have sex with 12,14,16 year old children.they know what they are doing. yes undercover pic can be used on tv . all that are cough are believed(IoI ) to be incensed

Answer 4

nope perverts must be caught