We anarchists are generally averse to cooperating with the police, for very good reasons. However, as I understand it, at times the only real way to protect the community in the society we currently live in seems to be talking with the pigs.

Suppose you believe yourself to have evidence incriminating a serial killer. In an anarchistic society the serial killer could be sent to the psych ward and dealt with humanely. But what about the modern day? Do you turn over the evidence to the police?

This question has been bothering me for about 3 days now. It was provoked by learning about Aufhebengate. It made me wonder under what circumstances snitching is justifiable.

  • punkisundead [they/them]M
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    92 months ago

    However, as I understand it, at times the only real way to protect the community in the society we currently live in seems to be talking with the pigs.

    I think this is true in some situations and imo its okay to call the cops in a situation that not only endangers the community but also oneself. Like people trying to physically harm you and you don’t have any safer alternatives to protect yourself. Sadly many people are not part of communities that enable them to fully skip every interaction with cops.

    To your serial killer example: If in your hypothetical situation there is a key benefit in turning the evidence over to the police in comparison to just publishing it so everyone(including the police)/only your local community can access the evidence, I dont see why not. Its also not something I would call “snitching”.

    In an anarchistic society the serial killer could be sent to the psych ward and dealt with humanely.

    Also I just want to mention, I think this is not something with a consensus in anarchist circles.