If I know something about a crime, am I obligated to say anything?

[slugg]

TIME WARPED OP RIGHT HERE


I was not involved in a crime, however I do know something important (I know the person/people who DID the crime, and how he/she/they did it). What am I supposed to do?

Because of a bad history of how he/she/they treated me, I'm more inclined to divulge information. I just don't want anyone knowing where it came from. At this time I still don't know if I want to say anything, though.

So what should I do?

 

[TridenT]

Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where they laugh at the fat guy being robbed... el oh el.

 

[TruePaige]

If it goes to trial and you have to testify they have the right to see you.

 

[rbV5]

Just get it over with and turn yourself in.



or use the anonymous tip line

 

[sandorski]

Blackmail.

 

[SirStev0]

1. Wait for reward for information announcement
2. Sell out friends
3. Profit! Spend it on hookers and blow.

 

[sjwaste]

Pretty sure you don't have to say anything, but you do have a moral obligation to do so, imho. You can probably tip anonymously, but it might not be enough for the police to get a warrant.

I'm somewhat reckless and set in my ways, so I'd probably call up the appropriate official and go talk to them about it.

 

[bctbct]

Well it would be the right thing to do.....unless you want to wait for a reward to be offered

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: SirStev0
1. Wait for reward for information announcement
2. Sell out friends
3. Profit! Spend it on hookers and blow.

What if Hookers and Blow is the Crime?

Blackmail is the answer.

 

[elmer92413]

It depends on what kind of moral system you ascribe to. But in most systems it would be a moral good to tell the authorities what you know. Note that this does not take into account what the actual crime is, ie there would be differences if the crime was a murder rather than jaywalking.

From my own view unless this is something trivial like a parking ticket, jaywalking, etc or if there would be more harm than good (ie kids in foster care), you should, of your own accord, divulge the information.

 

[Number1]

What type of crime was it? Theft, assault, child abuse, prostitution, murder, bestiality, vandalism, etc?

 

[imported_Imp]

Either you hav no recollection of that event, or you become the anonymous tipper.

 

[Freshgeardude]

the police usually have an anonymous phone line.

imo if you are 100% sure no one else could tell the police and the crime is big enough for a reward to be posted soon, you should wait until then, as long as no one would get hurt

 

[spidey07]

Just call up the anonymous tip line. I also think there is some kind of charge for knowledge of a felony and not reporting it. Not sure though.

 

[darkxshade]

So you know who did it and how they did it. Going by that, you could just call anonymously directly to the investigators assigned to that crime and fill them in? I'm guessing this would make their jobs easier in solving it and put the right people in jail. You didn't witness the crime right? If you did, then that would change the deal somewhat if they still go free since it would be on you for not stepping up as a witness.

 

[guyver01]

Here's a compromise..

you tell me..

i call the authorities, and tell them the info..

you're in the clear

 

[jlee]

Call the PD, tell them you wish to remain anonymous, and see what they say.

 

[venkman]

snitches get stitches

 

[daniel1113]

Generally speaking, you do not have an obligation to report any crime you witness. There are exceptions in cases involving a party with a duty to protect another party (spouses, children, etc.) and involving certain professions (e.g., doctors). Of course, laws also vary between states and localities.

 

[smack Down]

Just a heads up but I wouldn't assume the anonymous tip line is anonymous.

And as always if you do talk to the police remember that they are liars so don't trust a word coming out of their mouth.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: smack Down
Just a heads up but I wouldn't assume the anonymous tip line is anonymous.

And as always if you do talk to the police remember that they are liars so don't trust a word coming out of their mouth.

It is if you don't say your name.

 

[smack Down]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: smack Down
Just a heads up but I wouldn't assume the anonymous tip line is anonymous.

And as always if you do talk to the police remember that they are liars so don't trust a word coming out of their mouth.

It is if you don't say your name.

Right except for the phone trace and voice recording.

 

[danzigrules]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: smack Down
Just a heads up but I wouldn't assume the anonymous tip line is anonymous.

And as always if you do talk to the police remember that they are liars so don't trust a word coming out of their mouth.

It is if you don't say your name.

I am positive that they don't have caller id, or anything like that in this day and age....

 

[alkemyst]

Knowing about a crime and not reporting is illegal /thread.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
Knowing about a crime and not reporting is illegal /thread.

can you show us? i don't htink it is unless you are a mandated reporter.