There’s a phrase that crops up in news stories on a daily basis in this country.
“The individual was known to police.”
It always makes me want to ask how the police know the individual. Is he your neighbour? Your squash partner? A friend of a friend? Did you pull him over once for speeding? Or was he arrested for attempted murder?
It is an ambiguous phrase that implies guilt by association. In this case, association with the law.
But when we hear it, we all know what it means.
There was a different sort of guilt by association last week in St. John’s. Members of a known criminal organization, the Bacchus Motorcycle Club, were pulled over on the way to Cape Spear by members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
The members of the group were from Nova Scotia and later spoke to the media, claiming they were unfairly targeted by the RNC.
The web comments on these stories were full of back and forth on whether or not the police were right to pull over the bikers. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was quoted by some, citing the right to freedom of association.
While Charter rights are certainly important, the RNC were on the ball for spotting this group and letting them know the police are watching.
If there had been twice as many bikers from your average, friendly motorcycle club such as the southwest coast’s Wreckhouse Riders, they wouldn’t have warranted a second glance from the police.
Having a bike does not make one a criminal. The vast majority ride for the love of the machines. The vast majority of motorcycle clubs are legitimate hobby groups.
But when you’re wearing the flag of a known criminal organization on your back, you’re asking for trouble.
The Bacchus have established links with the Hells Angels. Members of both groups have been convicted of everything from drug trafficking to murder. And criminal convictions against both groups will be seen in the future. I guarantee it.
The Hells Angels, especially, are good at public relations. They will often speak with the media and make public appearances. They will say they are simply the same as any motorcycle club, but that is a bold-faced lie.
Those who join the ranks of The Hells Angels or the Bacchus know what they’re getting into. Our society should stop playing along and giving them the benefit of the doubt when they cry about their Charter rights.
reporter@gulfnews.ca
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