UK: Police chief column – Sex-offender protests undermining public safety

UNFORTUNATELY during the past fortnight we have continued to see protests outside addresses of registered sex offenders and people wrongly perceived to be sex offenders.

Campaigning and peaceful protests are legitimate in a democratic society, and I recognise and uphold the right of individuals to express their views lawfully and to protest peacefully. However, violence, disorder, hate crime, and threatening and abusive behaviour that places others at risk are not forms of protest and are creating an increasing negative and anxious atmosphere in communities across the UK, as well as here in East Lothian.

‘Outing’ registered sex offenders and threatening them and their family members on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively. It also undermines the measures already in place to protect the public.

SOURCE