Reflections on 'To Catch a Predator'

I decided to write a book because I felt there were aspects of this crime that could be better explored in a book form. 

After I met Darlene Calvin on the Oprah Winfrey show, I knew that she had to be in the book. What happens to the wives and the children of these predators once they’re caught?

It turns out that her ex-husband was secretly a member of NAMBLA, the North American Man/Boy Love association. 

Darlene Calvin: When I see Chris doing one of his catch predator shows, my first thought is, “Wow, somebody is  going to have to tell his wife.”  I know what that feels like.  And, that—and, it hurts—and, it stinks.  

Nobody really thinks about the predator’s wife or the predator’s children, the predator’s best friend, the predator’s next door neighbor. And, these are all people, who have been betrayed.  And, these are all individuals, who have to go through their own shock and grief, and anger, and regrouping, and moving on.

As we’ve seen in our investigations, there is a wide range of opinion when it comes to sentencing and treatment for potential predators, sex offenders.  I met a man named Bob Shilling who has one of the most unique points of view when it comes to this issue.

Bob Shilling: I spent four years of my life being sexually abused. And it was one of the most painful times of my life.

He later became a police officer in Seattle. And he was approached by the chief to work in the division investigating sex crimes against children.  And at first, he didn’t want to face what had happened to him as a kid.

Shilling, former victim, and now Seattle police officer: And unfortunately my mother walked in one time when it was happening and she turned around and walked out. That was the low point in my life. Because, I thought, “My God if my own mother doesn’t even know how to protect me, how am I going to protect myself?”

So, I can assure you that I have no love for sex offenders. But through my years of being a law enforcement officer, I know what works. Treatment works. Making sure that these offenders have jobs, making sure that they have places to live.

But of course not everyone agrees with him.

Rod Pacheco, Riverside California district attorney: Counseling doesn’t help at all.  And this is an irresistible impulse that these individuals cannot control, and have no desire to control.  Counseling is therapy, giving them a hug, isn’t gonna help these guys.

Shilling: I am a absolute firm believer in strict punishment, getting them treatment and then letting them get on with their life when they come out. Knowing who the are, watching them, making sure that they are held accountable, but let them get on with their life.

I have looked into the eyes of more than 200 of these. And I have read every word of every chat log these guys have generated.  And it has given me a unique perspective on this problem, and I thought it was important to share that experience with people.

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