As you know, most state determine whether a larceny is a felony or a misdemeanor based on the value of the property and the cops wanted to make it easier for the prosecutor to get these guys serving years in prison whether than months even though it really is a petty crime that really doesn't warrant such a sentence. Isn't this typical and immoral of the kind of police tactics used by today's law enforecment(e.g. civil asset forfeiture, set ups, reverse stings, etc.)??? And people wonder why citizens don't respect government or agents of the state.
2007-12-29 09:50:47 · 18 answers · asked by V for Vendetta 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
It is not immoral, nor is it entrapment.
A person is 'entrapped' when he is induced or persuaded by law enforcement officers or their agents to commit a crime that he had no previous intent to commit.
Most people, upon finding an expensive bike, would either seek out the owner of the bike or leave it alone.
If you get on it and ride away, you were not entrapped, you were being an opportunistic thief.
2008-01-02 05:33:40 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its just fine with me, only a thief is going to steal a bike anyway. If it a valuable bike that makes it grand theft or larceny and a felony. Gives more reason to lock up habitual offenders.
I have some very valuable bikes. If anybody stole one of mine, I would push for felony charges.
Depending on the state, it only has to be worth 500-1000 dollars to be a felony.
That is only a good entry level bike these days. Not even close to what a top of the line bike would cost.
2007-12-29 22:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by Dennis F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the way you think. Getting upset and calling the Police immoral for catching thieves.
Edit: Entrapment is only a valid defense if the officers encourage you to do something you wouldn't normally do. So just sitting a bike out for someone to steal is not going to meet that requirement. However, if an undercover officer walked up to you and told you there was an unsecure bike on the corner and suggested to you that you take it-that would be entrapment.
2007-12-29 20:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by El Scott 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On the plus side, their programs only target thieves. Honest citizens can just walk away.
These are not random stings. They target areas known for crime. If they get complaints of a series of bike thefts in an area, they use a bike for bait. If an area is known for muggings, they may place an undercover officer as an "intoxicated person" lying on a park bench for bait. These programs make an excellent deterrent, and take criminals off the street.
These people may be charged with a felony, but I doubt many of them wind up with felony convictions.
2007-12-29 17:54:32 · answer #4 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
In some states (I don't know which) this is called entrapment. Yet, it is being done more and more to take crime off the streets. I've seen these stings before.
OK, they use an expensive bike. To the thief, a bike is a bike. The better it is, the more they can get for it by selling it. It may seem like a harsh way to get these people off the street, but think about the victims who's property is being taken. Expensive or cheap, what is yours is yours. And when it is taken, you feel attacked. I did when my car was broken into just to take the stereo.
Punishment doesn't seem to be a deterrent, so if we take them off the streets longer, then they are less likely to offend again.
But I understand your feeling on the matter. Yes, it is harsh. But perhaps it is necessary.
2007-12-29 18:02:20 · answer #5 · answered by tercir2006 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Let's see...Let me get this right.....
"Thief steals bike, police bad".... Really Bright...
Civil Asset Forfeiture- Cops bad for taking felons property away from them.
Reverse Stings- Bad people get caught, cops bad.
You must have a couple of screws loose....or a real hard on against law enforcement...
2007-12-29 20:50:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you've gotta set out cheese to catch a rat. I hate thieves. I've had my bike stolen and my car broken into 4 times. In broad daylight even.
2007-12-29 21:56:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is completely ethical and legal. The thing that isn't ethical and legal is stealing a bicycle. Right now I'm wondering if your so upset about this is because you're a bicycle thief.
2007-12-29 18:15:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
So let me get this straight...the cops set out a bike...someone comes along and steals the bike....and you have a problem with the cops?...... wow
2007-12-29 19:31:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, sure, it's right.
Just because an expensive bike is sitting around unattended doesn't mean the jerk has to steal it.
When he/she decided to steal it, it was HIS idea, not the cops.
Criminals are STOOPID....that's why they are easy to catch......
2007-12-30 15:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋