Policeman arrested in child porn investigation

Sean Swain

May 11th, 08:05

It is such a pity that our Police Force is getting so much limelight these days for all the wrong reasons. What is this, the 4th or 5th story in 2 or 3 weeks showing violent or morally corrupt police? Maybe it isn't a coincidence, maybe they are finally doing a shakedown of the force to see what falls out of the bottom.

This isn't filling the publics opinion regarding the police force with much confidence, certainly not mine.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 11th 2009, 02:08

(cont./) So, to re-cap. In a civilised society, a felon is apprehended and legally processed. Laws are enacted by civil servants trained to do so. A felon is apprehended and legally processed by said professionals. In a civilised society, this is sufficient. Knee-jerk reactions, punitive vigilantism and mindsets more at home in a jungle setting are not an option. Nor are blinkered views, denials and hypocrisy. Offenders need due just punishment. Meddlers only obscure and hinder the proceedings.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 11th 2009, 01:37

The usual knee-jerk reactions clamouring for the publication of a sex-offender's name and residence is interesting indeed. Once exposed and shamed, what next?
In any civilised society, a register of sex-offenders is common practice. This can extend to all kinds of sex-offenders but bearing in mind that what is illegal today may not be so tomorrow (homosexuality for instance, decriminalised in the UK in 1967. May I add for the benefit of those who refuse to shed their prejudice, homosexuality and paedophilia have nothing to do with each other. It is believed that most sex abuse are girls, molested by someone near to home. Most cases remain unreported.
The register is useful but obviously, only lists offenders who have committed a crime and have been apprehended and sentenced. In this sense it is limited. The numbers would be inflated every time a felon was apprehended. What is interesting is the vast numbers of men who have a prurient curiosity about nubile young girls. These, hopefully, will never offend. They live with their confusion and secret shame, never daring to share their thoughts (or obsessions) with anyone. They will never get onto the register. But they exist, suffering in silence. (cont./)

jcmicallef

Jul 9th 2009, 12:50

@ Bill Millam

Thanks for the clarification. I was quoting from 'The Economist' of 3 weeks ago.

Perhaps you may want to comment - they do have a blog, too.

I can refer to the exact issue when I get back home.

Bill Millam

Jul 9th 2009, 05:17

@ George Attard and JC Micallef

You are both wrong! The "3 strikes and you're out" law does NOT apply to all felonies, here in the United States! To clarify things, NOT ALL felonies are subject to the 3 strikes law. A person can still have 3 or more felonies and NOT be sentenced to life without parole. The law DOES make a distinction between offenses subject to the 3-strikes law and offenses that are NOT "strikeable".

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

Emmanuel Scicluna

Jul 8th 2009, 18:46

This is one of the worst crime ever especially done from a person that is paid by the taxpayers for preventing such crime. This policeman is still under suspicion and hope he remain so but if found guilty by the court he deserve to be locked in a jail and throw away the keys.

E Compagno

Jul 8th 2009, 14:53

What does 'on suspicion of child pornography on the internet' mean? Making and uploading it? Looking at it? Distributing it?

What is important it that such people aren't then employed to work with young kids. So yes, I agree with a sex offenders register.

M Caruana

Jul 8th 2009, 14:25

I fully agree with you both Mr Jc Micallef and Renato J.Costigan. If persons like this man done similar mistakes, education must be given priority and not dumb them. At the end no one knows the problem from where had occured. And if we Maltese keep insist to track these people and build them a profile of these issues, so do not trust anyone. Because past experience were held even from family members.

jcmicallef

Jul 8th 2009, 13:40

@ George Attard

The Law you refer to (passed in certain states in USA) has had some funny (or rather tragic) results. Some are arguing its effectiveness as (prison) facilities are getting overcrowded.

There are inmates whose third crime was nicking something worth $10 from a stall. Since the law does not make any distinction, it's simply the third conviction and they're there to stay...

So, as long as legislation is properly thought and planned, I don't mind waiting.

The law abiding citezen has all the right to expect to feel safe and would perhaps think differently.

George Attard

Jul 8th 2009, 13:25

@Renato,

You're absolutely right, and all here would agree with you. However no one is pointing a finger. Some of the comments below including mine say 'if proven guilty' this is not pointing a finger. And if in fact someone IS proven guilty of a sex crime against a child, then they should recieve the same punishment as a murderer, regardless on who they are!

I Vella

Jul 8th 2009, 13:21

I respect people in the police force and taught my child to respect them and to seek their help when need be. This guy was in position to prevent others from doing these horrible things. Sex offenders choose their 'prey' well. They go from those who don't have doting adults around them.

victor vella

Jul 8th 2009, 13:11

This will not diminish my respect for the Police force in general.

Renato J. Costigan

Jul 8th 2009, 13:03

Things like these are always wrong especially on children.

BUT for god's sake don't point your finger to anyone
because you have got another three pointed at you.
I'm not justifing the wrong doings but let the justice
take its course. He might have been a man in the
street, so every man in the street is wrong. Because
he was a policeman it does not mean all policeman
are on the wrong track. The police are doing a great
job for the sake of the Maltese People and I thank them.
Look at other countries and you see the difference.

jcmicallef

Jul 8th 2009, 13:02

More disturbing than the film mentioned by Duncan Tanti is this piece of real news:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090708/tuk-net-stalker-found-with-girl12-6323e80.html

That is why I insist so much that the parents and guardians must do their part in safeguarding children. In this case, the parents had not even reported the child missing after 3 hours! God knows what the pervert could have done to her.

jcmicallef

Jul 8th 2009, 12:49

@ Duncan Tanti

A very disturbing film. In fact it covers ppl trafficking of different ages, if I remember right.

Kids are valuable to all of us - if it's not one's kids, it's the grandchildren or nephews. They are the building blocks of our future, and it's our duty to protect them. Jesus, who was usually quite 'forgiving' was quite explicit in his teachings (Matthew, 18 1:6) "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (I hope it;s not out of context!!).

I fully understand the concern, but stigmatising people won't help. Educating children to be careful while open with the parents is very important. Most worrying is the the fact that many child-abusers are trusted or close family members. So we may have an offenders' register, but danger might still be lurking from close within.

The parents' or guardians' sense of observation and diligence is most important.

George Attard

Jul 8th 2009, 12:41

@JC Micallef,

Very interesting arguement you've brought forward and very valid. I guess this is a extremely sensative issue. I mean, what can one do if there is convicted sex offender living on your street? It's not enough to be aware of such people and we are not vigelantes. The law must however offer some protection to the general public from all forms of offenders. Much harsher sentences and no chance for a 2nd chance would help deter such acts from happening again. Perhaps the judicial department should warrant a 3 strikes you're out policy like Clinton did back in the 90's - commit a felony 3 times and you're in for life. End of.

duncan Tanti

Jul 8th 2009, 12:25

mr jc micallef i dont think you have kids to speak like that.if you know the horrible things they do just watch the movie human trafficking.

George Attard

Jul 8th 2009, 12:14

@Ms. Caruana,

Read carefully my thread, 'if found guilty'

'running with my mid', i think you mean to say jumping to conclusions? which i'm not.

jcmicallef

Jul 8th 2009, 12:02

George Attard & Duncan Tanti - I disagree with both as regards the 'name and shame' thing, while totally condemning this horrid act.

Yes, the Police should keep a register of sex offenders, but anyone who has any doubt or wants to check on someone should be able to enter the ID card and the system will confirm whether the person is on the register or not. And it should stop there. Employers and the like can always ask for the Police Conduct certificate.

We are about to do away with the telephone directory - are we going to replace it with a register of sex offenders?

And why just sex offenders and not all those that were convicted...? might as well! Mr. Tanti & Mr. attard - would you be happy with your family living next door to someone who has been dealing in illegal drugs?

Similarly, what would you do if a 'sex offender' moved to your street? Stone him? Move house yourself? or just tell your kids to 'be careful'?

You should teach your kids to be careful anyway. You simply can't trust anyone anymore.

M Caruana

Jul 8th 2009, 11:47

I don't agree with you, Mr. George Attard, because the law says until the arrested person is not guilty is still innocent, and this person is still under 'SUSPICION', so do not run with your mind.

duncan Tanti

Jul 8th 2009, 11:39

if found guilty, We should name and shame especially in this case as there is aperson which you are suppose to trust.i am not saying that he is guilty but if he is found so we should name him..child pornography is the lowest a person can go.

George Attard

Jul 8th 2009, 11:15

I know this is off topic, however does the police force have a list of sex offenders in Malta and is it obtatinable by request?

On the subjected, if the constable in question is proven guilty I trust the authorites and media will release all information on name and residence to the public.