Youth Protection - Involve Police?
Scott D. Drown (scottdd@HALCYON.COM)
Sat, 25 Mar 1995 01:00:15 -0800
I have read the discussion about notification of the DE as an automatic
with some interest as I am a police officer myself. I attended the first
YPP training when it came up and was told that the leader should also
notify the police - I think because I raised objections to the delay in
reporting.
Even if there is no legal requirement there may be in some states an
obstruction of justice requirement that could occur since if you have
knowedge of it and that gets out the abuser will most certainly take action
to try to destroy any evidence, move, etc etc.
I think my biggest concern is that the requirement to report only to the DE
is an attempt by BSA to be able to defend themselves first and this may not
be what is best for the scout involved. Pedophiles have often victimized
not one or two kids - but usually hundreds and they often have records of
those contacts complete with photographs plus records of connections to
other pedophiles (yes, they network too.) These can be destroyed or hidden
when the pedophile is given warning which can happen during the delay in
contacting the DE and then the DE either trying to figure out what to do
and perhaps making a few calls himself.
Pedophiles are a real problem - and can take months and even years to
"groom" their victims, often with their parents unwitting consent. The
parents think he is a great guy and an excellent role model I think we
have to err on the side of the scouts. Call the police - and the DE.
False accusations will occur - but only if a leader fails to follow the 2
deep leadership requirements. 2 deep leadership not only protects the
scouts, but the leaders as well.
YIS
Scott Drown
ASM Troop 39 Maltby, Wa. Mt. Baker Council
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
