You may have seen the videos. The scene is a movie theater, library, or other public place where young people in the community hang out. The content creator, a self-proclaimed “predator hunter,” confronts his target: an adult male expecting to meet a teenaged girl. What happens next gets shared across social media platforms – a recorded, sometimes livestreamed, confrontation exposing an alleged predator in our midst.
“Predator hunter” videos may get views, but they don’t result in true justice or safety for victims.
As compelling as this content seems at first glance, vigilante “predator hunters” interfere with real investigations, help harm-doers avoid detection and accountability, and make communities less safe.
Our law enforcement partners tell us that there is a lot more that goes into investigationsto ensure that the result isn’t just a night in jail, or that charges aren’t dropped due to improper handling of potential evidence. Because private citizens cannot make an arrest, the exposed “predator” can simply go back to his place, wipe all devices, and destroy evidence. This makes it harder for law enforcement to build a case, even with a recording.
Confrontations by untrained citizens can also teach potential harm-doers how to avoid detection in the future. Suspects learn to change their patterns, refine their grooming tactics, and alter their digital footprints. Once they realize they are under scrutiny, harm-doers often migrate to encrypted messaging apps, anonymous forums, and alternative platforms that allow them to better conceal their identities.
Additionally, when untrained partiers confront individuals about their deepest darkest secrets, reactions can be volatile. In those situations, both the “predator hunter” and unwitting bystanders in the area can be put in danger. Attempts at public shaming can also result in unintentional harm to innocent parties – including the suspect’s spouse or children.
What can everyday citizens do to make our communities safer?
Sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and grooming are problems that impact the entire community. While not everyone is a trained investigator, everyone has a role to play in making our communities safer. Here are action steps that anyone can take right now:
Sex trafficking and sexual exploitation impact both individuals and communities. No single person or agency can do this work alone. Everyone has a role to play in preventing and responding to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. If we work together, and learn from one another, we can create safe communities free from these harms.
