Chapter 9 - False Allegations: An Introduction w/Red Flags

Abstract

Those who make false allegations, no matter the crime, are criminals. Falsely reporting crime is a criminal offense, and may be a felony depending upon the reporter's established intent and the extent of harm caused. The false reporter may also be subject to severe financial penalties in the civil arena—from both victims of their defamation and those duped into expending resources on their behalf (e.g., volunteer groups and law enforcement agencies). Responding law enforcement officers have a duty of care to investigate all reported crime; to recognize and uncover false allegations; and prevent them from causing harm to the innocent. Failure to do so can result in miscarriages of justice, including wrongful detentions, false arrests, false imprisonment, malicious prosecutions, and wrongful conviction. When law enforcement fails in their duty of care they are also exposed to civil liability.