
© Rolf Kremming / Global Look Press
Members of vigilante 'pedophile hunter' groups could be made special constables to help officers in their online search for child sex groomers, a police and crime commissioner has suggested.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Jeff Cuthbert told BBC Wales that the groups, which track down and confront groomers then post the video on social media, were "intent on playing what they see as their part," and saying they had secured many convictions.
"What we don't know is how many potential perpetrators have got away with it because it's not been done properly, or walked away because it's not stood up in court, so it's a question of balance," he said.
"I would encourage members of these groups to become special constables or police volunteers so as to mediate that risk and to ensure that they have the right training and skills."
"We need to find a way to ensure that this type of activity is carried out as safely as possible, with appropriate focus on minimizing the risks to the volunteers and the subjects of their activity, while maximizing the chance of getting a conviction," he added.
"Working within the policing framework, with their assistance and support is the best way forward."
Comment: See: No kidding: Internet trolls and politicians share traits in common with psychopaths