Snitching on Neighbours

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   ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years ago

   In this time when it is so imperative that we all keep to these social distancing rules to save lives, aren't some instances of encouraging snitching creating division in our society, where members of the public are encouraged with actual money rewards? For example, the mayor of Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti, said in a news briefing, this week,
   "You know the old expression about snitches. Well, in this case, snitches get rewards.”
   
   He added: “We want to thank you for turning folks in and making sure we are all safe."
   
   “Your decision to stay home may mean that there’s one less person who needs a ventilator we do not have,” Garcetti added.
   
   As of Friday morning, California had the third-highest number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the country, behind New Jersey and New York—which has become the epicenter of the virus in the U.S.
   
   What do you think about these special telephone numbers or hotlines being set up in certain states of the U.S.A. offering remuneration?

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      robhamptonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      He could have at least made it rhyme.."snitches get riches" lol

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      1. 68

         ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         How about, a campaign slogan,
         Your country needs snitchers!

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      Sharlee01posted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Seems to me one should not be rewarded for doing a good deed for the ultimate safety of all...

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         ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         I think it is already difficult to justify snitching, but attaching rewards to it, encourages the worst type of people to become "champions for justice", if you know what I mean.

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            GA Andersonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            I do know what you mean. And I agree with your comment.
            
            GA

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               ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, just to add one thing - attaching money to incentivise snitching can encourage the wrong element who might wait to "pounce" - and even spy on neighbours to report them, so as to collect their earnings.

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         2. 82

            Sharlee01posted 5 years agoin reply to this

            I am not one that likes snitching in most cases, and I think one could perhaps handle a situation of a person not abiding by the new personal distancing by just reminding them of why we are doing it.

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2. 63

   Glenis Rixposted 5 years ago

   I can’t comment on what happens in the USA because I live in England. That said, I don’t believe that people should expect a financial reward for reporting those who are putting the health, and sometimes the lives, of others at risk during this crisis. Some people still seem unable to grasp how awful the virus is. A son who lives with me was very poorly for 7 days, though not unwell enough to require hospital admission, He lost weight during that time and it was a further 8 days before he started to feel better. On Sunday I had no compunction about reporting to the Police a group of 5-6 lads who I spotted larking around in the streets. What we are told to do in the U.K. is not optional guidance - there are instructions that everyone should obey.

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3. 68

   ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years ago

   Thanks Glenis for sharing. I am also from England - my hometown is Horsham - have you heard of it. But I don't live there nowadays.

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4. 76

   wildernessposted 5 years ago

   I have called and reported drunk drivers weaving all over the road, and wouldn't hesitate to report a suspected burglary in the neighborhood or even shoplifting.  When president of a HAO in a gated community we reported drug usage and, twice, crack houses.  It is in the best interests of society to aid law enforcement; they cannot be everywhere.
   
   The only difference here is the reward, and that isn't uncommon either.  How often do we see rewards offered for information used to solve a crime?

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5. 68

   ChrisBriscoeposted 5 years ago

   Thank you, Sir, for your good input; so there is a time to report to the authorities. However, your response about financial incentives - could you tell us, please if you agree with it? I wasn't sure if it has its merits.
   
   In my opinion, really serious cases where life and death is in the balance merits such drastic measures - for example, when public safety is really in jeopody - for example, in the case of the I. R.A. terrorists planting bombs in Britain in the 1970s, 1980s and killing innocent men, women and children. And maybe this COVID-19 mess is that time.
   
   But personally, I have a problem with a Mayor going out of his way to say how great his incentive is,  for example, saying that We will pay you dollars for your snitching. My concern is it could encourage the wrong element to abuse it and "snitch" on people they hold a grudge against.
   
   Any thoughts, please?

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      GA Andersonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Here is my thought. If one is 'snitching' for the good of society, why should a reward be expected, or paid?
      
      If one's actions are monetarily driven, then they aren't for the good of their society. And if they aren't, then isn't a monetary reward a sort of back-handed insult? (30 pieces of silver comes to mind)
      
      GA

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         wildernessposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         If it isn't for the good of society then perhaps a back-handed insult is called for?

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            GA Andersonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            Yep.
            
            GA

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      wildernessposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      12,846.  That's the number, as of today, that have died from the corona virus in the US.  If that isn't a "serious case where life and death is in the balance", I don't know what is.
      
      Yes, I support rewards for reporting the lawbreakers that don't care how many they kill.  Perhaps the mayor was a little over the top with his encouragement, but I support the reward just as I would a reward to stop a murderer.

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