# What is going on in the serial killers thread? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 21, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535 "2011-03-21T23:25:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/1 "2011-03-21T23:25:50Z")
I can’t figure out what the proper forum is for this question. But something very, very strange is going on in [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419) thread, which was supposed to be the duty of the police to the public when they suspect that a serial killer is active. There’s someone in that thread who is posting a lot of disjointed, difficult to follow posts, whose content is poorly explained and unsourced, and at times almost seems to be having a conversation with himself or herself. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/2 "2011-03-21T23:37:35Z")
Crazy person posts on internet. Film at 11. Too bad, because the factual question asked is fairly interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/3 "2011-03-21T23:38:25Z")
Wolfscratch seems to be determined to be a nuisance and not observe before posting. He is (or was) doing the same thing in the [grave dowsing thread.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=598232&page=4) A blast of continuous and loosely connected drivebys, then he disappears in a huff. Since we’re not in the Pit, I’ll say no more for now. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/4 "2011-03-22T01:15:13Z")
There’s no proper forum for such a question. The proper thing to do is to REPORT the post (click on the little ! in the red triangle in the upper right corner) and inform the mods that there are several such disjointed posts (or whatever the problem is.) ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/5 "2011-03-22T01:55:07Z")
according to his public info, he joined today and made 52 posts already. That’s impressive (content of posts is another matter, of course). ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/6 "2011-03-22T02:29:33Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > according to his public info, he joined today and made 52 posts already. And many lengthy, sequential, ones only a minute apart. Methinks that requires more cut & paste action than original writing. ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/7 "2011-03-22T07:00:39Z")
Wow, Wolfscratch is banned already? I was hoping he’d blast more of his rantings and flame out in more spectacular fashion. Oh well. OK wow, he posted (pasted) a LOT more since I saw that thread last. Impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/8 "2011-03-22T07:06:38Z")
I think he’s technically suspended, based on **tomndebb’s** last post in the grave dowsers thread. The crazy is STRONG with this one. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/9 "2011-03-22T12:59:32Z")
A one man forum filler. You don’t see those very often. I think we should have let him continue, at least until he located Amelia Earhart. ---
**Author:** ![Cheshire\_Human](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/10 "2011-03-22T13:47:38Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > A one man forum filler. You don’t see those very often. I think we should have let him continue, at least until he located Amelia Earhart. But in order to know he found her, we’d actually have to read and (shudder) understand his posts. ---
**Author:** ![Submerged](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@Submerged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Submerged)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/11 "2011-03-22T15:25:04Z")
Hey now that the crazy guy who hijacked my thread is gone, could I possibly request that it be re-opened? It’s here: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2) Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/12 "2011-03-22T16:21:41Z")
> [@Kolga](#): > > I think he’s technically suspended, based on **tomndebb’s** last post in the grave dowsers thread. > > The crazy is STRONG with this one. Yeah, but I think obtaining a consensus for his banning is a mere formality at this point. No redeeming qualities are evident, he’s racked up two warnings in the same thread for the same thing “Up yours, \”, and could possibly be awarded more warnings for other indiscretions. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/13 "2011-03-22T16:48:41Z")
> [@Submerged](#): > > Hey now that the crazy guy who hijacked my thread is gone, could I possibly request that it be re-opened? > > It’s here: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2) > > Thanks! I was going to say I disagree, as there are more bad posts than good, and you can just start another thread. But then I realized that you can’t easily quote to get all the non-wolfman related posts. If it’s unlocked, I’d prefer the wolfman-related posts be deleted. If it’s not unlocked, here’s all the relevant posts in quote format (I had few minutes and a good find/replace program): > [@Submerged](#): > > In following the case of the serial killer Gary Hilton, in Florida, there seem to be a huge number of people who believe that they guy has killed dozens, maybe even hundreds of people in the southeast US. And that the authorities knew about it but did not alert the public. And also that the US Forest Service has knowledge of many murders in its jurisdiction but is keeping mum so as not to deter tourism. > > If this does prove to be true, do the families of his victims have any legal recourse against the authorities? > [@Superhal](#): > > You can sue anybody at any time. The only requirement is finding a lawyer willing to take the case. Winning though is another matter. > > Imho, you can’t be liable for the future actions of a serial killer, because they often stop for long periods. It’s not guaranteed that they will kill again, and if they do, you can’t guarantee the time frame. > > On the other hand, that you know about him at all is probably the gov’ts’ way of informing the public through press releases, so they have done their duty. > [@TravisFromOR](#): > > “To protect and to serve” is not a contract. IIRC, the courts have ruled that the police have no need to stop crime, only investigate it. Perhaps one of our more legally minded dopers can provide a cite? > [@Shmendrik](#): > > What damage have they caused by not informing the public? I assume it is publicly reported information that murders occurred, but not that authorities suspect a serial killer. What different precautions would you take if you thought you lived in a region where 1 person had killed 100 people, versus 100 people killing one person each? > [@Claverhouse](#): > > Not pick up hitchhikers ? > [@Superhal](#): > > Also, it’s rarely confirmed that it is a serial killer until after their capture and confession. Police may suspect it is a serial killer, but they can’t confirm it until much later. It would be irresponsible to tell the public that there is a serial killer until they are certain. > [@Ruby](#): > > Most states have laws to protect municipalities from conventional tort law standards. You would be hard-pressed to file suit unless you could prove gross negligence and even then the municipality may have protections. > [@Huerta88](#): > > “To protect and to serve” is not a contract. IIRC, the courts have ruled that the police have no need to stop crime, only investigate it. Perhaps one of our more legally minded dopers can provide a cite? > > It’s well-established that no citizen has an expectancy right in being protected from a particular crime, and absent such expectancy, there’s no tort claim for the cops’ alleged failure to do so. Put differently, the police have a duty of care to the public not to, say, use excessive force, but no affirmative duty of care to stop a particular crime or criminal or provide a safe environment. > [@Huerta88](#): > > This being GQ, I suppose I should provide some cites. I’m lazy, so the following link goes to a political site, but ignoring their commentary, the case cites are legit and clear. > > [Police have no responsibility to protect individuals (reference)](http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1976377/posts) > > It’s not a coincidence that this topic comes up on right wing sites. It’s one of the big points gun rights advocates like to bring up. The cops are there to do what they can for the public at large but ain’t no way they’re taking on responsibility for you, as an individual. > [@Huerta88](#): > > Public Safety doesn’t need an Attorney to interpret. Prevention is the most important function of Public safety…'Education, knowledge, and awareness… > I served 25 years on AFD, and was a Fire Captain on Squad 5 Haz Mat/High Rise Rescue, in Atlanta, GA. If an arsonist is on the loose, we warned the public.. > [@cerberus](#): > > Two words: sovereign immunity > [@Huerta88](#): > > > [@cerebrus](#): > > > > Two words: sovereign immunity > > Cities, who typically run police departments, are closer to corporations than they are to sovereigns (states or the nation). I don’t think this applies. > [@Muffin](#): > > In Ontario, Canada, police may be successfully sued for negligence if they fail to warn the public when a serial rapist is on the loose. The courts have found that there is a private law duty of care. Doe v. Metropolitan Toronto (Municipality) Commissioners of Police, 1998 CanLII 14826 (ON S.C.). ([http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/1998/1998canlii14826/1998canlii14826.html](http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/1998/1998canlii14826/1998canlii14826.html)) > > One can assume that this would also apply to warning the pubic of a serial killer. > [@Moonlitherial](#): > > Thank you Muffin I had a vague recollection of that case but was unable to recall enough detail to find the cite. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/14 "2011-03-22T18:42:26Z")
> [@Submerged](#): > > Hey now that the crazy guy who hijacked my thread is gone, could I possibly request that it be re-opened? > > It’s here: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601419&page=2) > > Thanks! I have removed the **Wolfscratch** posts, as well a few posts responding to them, and re-opened the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/15 "2011-03-22T19:04:17Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > I have removed the **Wolfscratch** posts, as well a few posts responding to them, and re-opened the thread. Booo! for history. Yaay! for sanity. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/16 "2011-03-22T19:48:54Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > Booo! for history. You are aware that referring to an unperson is a thoughtcrime?😉 ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/17 "2011-03-22T20:38:52Z")
> [@Cheshire\_Human](#): > > But in order to know he found her, we’d actually have to read and (shudder) understand his posts. ~for early Christmas gift idea, secures for **Cheshire Human** a brand new highly-functioning **Scroll Button** ~ 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2011, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/18 "2011-03-23T12:14:04Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > I have removed the **Wolfscratch** posts, as well a few posts responding to them, and re-opened the thread. Thanks for making my quotes useless. :rolleyes: 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/19 "2011-03-23T14:40:28Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Thanks for making my quotes useless. :rolleyes: Let me know if I can assist again. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535/20 "2011-03-24T15:12:01Z")
Come on- let’s give credit to Mods when it is due. I think they did a good job here. I don’t think we should blame the Mods for your useless posts **Big T**. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-in-the-serial-killers-thread/575535.md?page=2)