Anti-Snitch Instagram

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Witness statements given to secret grand juries in Philadelphia have surfaced on an Instagram account dedicated to "expose rats," revealing the names of hundreds of violent crime witnesses.

The account, "rats215," posted more than 30 statements given to police by witnesses, with their full names and details of the crimes included. At least one witness has reported that he's been shot at after his name was revealed online.

It's unclear how the Instagram account, which is no longer active, came into possession of the court documents, which were created by secret grand juries investigating violent crime. The account was updated daily to include photos of witnesses testifying and personal information. It had almost 8,000 followers.

"Post some new rats," a commenter wrote in September, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I needa put a hit out on them."

"People feel they can hide behind a name," Lt. John Walker of the Philadelphia Police Department told the Inquirer. "It's a challenge we're facing and a challenge we're attempting to work through."

It's a sad day when people have to fear for doing the right thing

 

[the last son]

Ok, so wait. How do they know who snitched or not? Also, never fear doing the right thing. Either you do it or you don't. Consequences shouldn't matter if you want to do the right thing.

 

[Teelie]

Getting killed for doing the right thing is some hefty consequences. They know who was informing the police because whoever was behind the instagram account had court documents with that information.

 

[bullets]

Ok, so wait. How do they know who snitched or not? Also, never fear doing the right thing. Either you do it or you don't. Consequences shouldn't matter if you want to do the right thing.

It says their name on the witness statement. Also consequences do matter. Your putting your life and those around you at risk when you snitch. These people need to be protected. It's the least we could do for someone willing to testify and get a violent criminal off the streets. Whoever leaked this information deserves to die horribly.

 

[webhead9707]

Geez. That's crazy.

 

[the last son]

People have access to the witness statements? Also, can't you track who putting people's names on their and press charges? If you are doing the right thing and death follows, so be it. I'd rather die doing the right thing.

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

This kind of thinking is brought about by the gang culture in a lot of urban areas. There are whole communities that have horrible crime rates because of the "Snitches end up in ditches" mentality