Luke: Real gangsters aren’t on Facebook

Note: The Facebook page “Tacoma Snitches” has been removed. We’re seeking comment from Facebook.

A new Facebook page called “Tacoma Snitches” has already outed 36 “snitches” and is liked by more than 6,800 people.

The site calls out people who have reported crimes to police, something prosecutors and law enforcement across the Puget Sound say is already a problem. Many witnesses either feel threatened by criminals and are afraid to speak up or they’re protecting an unspoken code not to help police.

But KIRO Radio host Luke Burbank says the site is ridiculous in its entirety. He calls it the most ‘ungangster thing you could ever do’ and likens it to a Yelp review of gangs.

“If you are a real gangster, you are not on Facebook,” Luke says as a “non-real gangster and as a person on Facebook.”

He wonders why the Facebook account manager can’t just handle his or her frustrations on the streets, as opposed to ranting on Facebook.

“I doubt if you went down to Compton and talked to Tres Varrios Locos or Tortilla Flats or any of the real gangs down there, I don’t think they’re duking it out on Facebook.”

So who are these commenters posting to “Tacoma Snitches?” Luke is betting they’re people who admire what they think of as the thug lifestyle.

However, the danger is if someone who lives a truly dangerous lifestyle sees the page and retaliates based on the posts or the comments.

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist tells the News Chick that “Tacoma Snitches” appears to be “just shunning and mindless chatter and not genuine threats.”

Dave Ross points out the positive side of the page:

“If the need to be in a gang is now satisfied by Facebook posts, that’s progress,” he says.

“How do you get jumped in on the Internet?” Luke wonders.