From: Jeremy Peter Howells, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
You said - Is the threat of revenge attack the only reason
for officers being anonymous in this fashion?
I have answered sepatetely that the identification of
specialist officers (not only those in firearms units) in
open courts could lead to them being neutralised or
targeted by fringe groups or terrorists, even organised
crime. There is also the social stigma and tramatic
stress of having shot someone.
Its all too easy to search press databases via the
internet for police shootings or similar occurences
and obtain names and ranks of those involved. A little
extra work and you have their name and address (not
easily but it can be done). You can then target them
or their family.
Certainly at inquests I think it is quite fair that
the police are not identified. Should the inquest
have ruled the killing unlawful then the rules change
as the officers go to court as defendants.
Regards
Jerry
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
