Police Create Fantasy to Elicit Confession | Daniel Morcombe and Brett Peter Cowan Case Analysis

[@juliewhybrow4201]

Aussie here. Daniel’s family waited 10 long years to bring him home. Great policing saw that evil murderer finally held accountable. He viciously harmed children and had to be caught.

[@karenpollicina8582]

Totally agree with your comments.

[@SpitefulAZ]

Oi oi oi

[@mamabearp2301]

Great policing would have been if he wasn't let loose after his initial crimes.

[@lynncrf]

@@mamabearp2301 The police have zero control over the type of sentencing a criminal gets though.

[@logancraddick7507]

I watched the stranger can’t believe it was a real story super chilling, Daniel looks like my nephew. At the end of the movie when they find the evidence goose bumps.

[@juliemclachlan1861]

I live in Brisbane and this has been such a heartbreaking story. A little boy catching a bus to buy his family Christmas presents. He never came home and it took years to solve. Imagine if the bus stopped to pick him up....so sad

[@eveapple4928]

I bet the bus driver who passed has had many many sleepless nights over that decision to pass by.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@eveapple4928 I don’t hate the guy & I would forgive him but if it was me then I don’t know how I could live with myself

[@micheleparker3780]

Brett probably would have got another child, unfortunately. These abusers don't stop until caught.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

Yeah the bus driver had counselling about it. I'm not sure how I'd forgive myself.

[@StellaFl]

There should never be a "repeat sex offender". Sentences around the world for this type of crime are a joke and an insult. How many lives do these monsters have to ruin before they're locked up for ever?

[@johnkowalski5756]

Ah but there is. And that is the Western world for you. And you can do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT IT!🤣

[@judyjudy51]

I feel nausea whenever I see the image of Cowan, Compared to what he did to Daniel and his family, the ethics of how he was caught pales into insignificance,

[@Victor-ni5hu]

You mean MB., ☝️🙄

[@macswanton9622]

I can't imagine being able to pretend to want to gain his trust and loyalty.

[@AlBundyOz]

For those of us in Australia, don't forget Day for Daniel on Friday, October 28! Don't forget to register! We'll never be able to forget you mate.

[@a.evelyn5498]

What do you register for?

[@dogtrainer4645]

@@a.evelyn5498 I'm curious about that, too.

[@missprissy5045]

@@dogtrainer4645 the Daniel Morcombe foundation raises money for child safety. Schools and workplaces often participate in the day by wearing red - Daniel’s fave T-shirt and giving a donation. It was founded by his wonderful parents who work tirelessly for their cause

[@reversalmushroom]

I'm fine with the Mr. Big operation _in this case_ because he said things only the killer would know, like the location of the body which even the police didn't know. What are the chances that he would know where it was and that it was buried if he didn't do it?

[@kirsten2769]

This was after the inquest where he gave himself away - everyone knew that he must be the killer - but the police wanted to bring Daniel's body home to his parents.

[@louisafoster1640]

Certainly was a huge case in Australia. I never recall hearing any public outcry, with regard to how Police obtained confessions, and solved case.

[@skunkrat01]

This is an emotional scar that affected not just Daniel's family, but the entire country. It has not healed. We still feel his loss. The Morcombes have done amazing work keeping kids safe. Kids they don't know, of a nation that loves their son even if we never knew him.

[@venderstrat]

The parents were relentless in seeking justice for their beautiful boy. Good on them.

[@pepelemoko01]

@@venderstrat There should be a special hell for those so-called "psychics, they told the father to go to the swamp at midnight and look into the water at the moonlight".sick bastards.

[@TheFeather1970]

I came here to say exactly the same thing.

[@streaming5332]

This was an eastern states case. Didn't hear much about it in the West.

[@TheGreekCatholic]

I think confessing to a crime and possessing all the details only the killer would know is suffice.

[@jasonnikolic]

I lived and come from the Sunshine Coast, this was a huge deal. His face was over every billboard and even pizza boxes. Poor kid. This video is going to hit hard for many (as many of yours do I'm sure) Great work Dr. Grande. Edit: My opinion; If the Mr. Big operation was the only way to get justice then I don't see how it is unethical. Just let him walk free? That's worse - that gives him a chance at murdering others. Perhaps there was a better way at getting a confession but I'm not an expert.

[@ruthstevens8805]

I totally agree. Aussie here too. The crims get all the rights.

[@cjjohnson9413]

Ruth as an American, I’m in shock regarding the sentence imposed on Angela Surtees in Kowloong.12 yrs with possibly of parole in 8! WTF. If a man had did this we know the yrs would be much greater......

[@lilithowl]

@@cjjohnson9413 🙄

[@BeesWaxMinder]

I hear you but they did let him walk free already and he committed more crimes and if the authorities are going to “punish him“ by giving him regular unfettered access to children’s playground where he then went on to attack a child could we really trust them to run a ‘Mr big’ operation? It’s a tough one for sure though & i’m sure this kid’s family aren’t gonna split hairs like I am here 🤔

[@t-lexx8838]

100% right. Police lie and manipulate within the interview room as well so don’t really see the difference ethically beyond shades of grey. Poor Daniel, I’m glad that monster isn’t around to hurt any one else.

[@crippledalien5937]

In the US, detectives lie to suspects in order to gain confessions. They may tell them their co offender has been turning on them. Or state that they have evidence that they do not have. So forget about judging the ‘moral’ aspect to the Mr Big operation. This was a cold missing child case. That grub became the main suspect and what the police did to solve this case…we applaud. It took a tremendous effort with many undercover officers involved. The end 100% outweighed the means

[@sabrinashelton1997]

that's a problem, too.

[@feralpossum6529]

Don’t forget the use of lie detectors in the US which are also just another technique to manipulate a suspect into confessing. As an Australian I am proud of the police work involved in bringing this criminal to justice. I hope one day the same thing will happen to whoever is responsible for the disappearance of William Tyrell. RIP Daniel

[@anneflynn9614]

@@feralpossum6529 I totally agree with you and I am American.

[@rolandm9750]

The problem with the thinking that "oh they're guilty anyway so it doesn't matter what you did to get the conviction" is it's a slippery slope. You can't have it one way where the person is 'obviously guilty' and another way for other cases. In most cases of wrongful convictions, one or more police officers is already convinced the person is 'obviously guilty'...even in some of the cases where clear evidence, DNA, other persons who did the crime, are revealed...some of those same officers *still* think the wrongfully convicted person is guilty. "Applauding" police operations just because you think a given person is so 'obviously' guilty just gives them carte blanche to do whatever they want. Is it also okay to deny rights to counsel to, or use excessive force on, people that are simply 'obvoiusly' guilty? Ahh you know they beat the snot out of him and didn't let him have a lawyer, but that's okay, 'cause you know, he was guilty anyway. It don't work like that, it can't work like that. End can never outweigh the means in the *justice* system.

[@rolandm9750]

@@feralpossum6529 Sure but lie detectors themselves aren't admissible in court. It's not exactly the same. While a confession that was "persuaded" by a lie detector test would be admissible, the person merely has to be wise enough (innocent or guilty in reality) to refuse to take the test. Mr. Big operations that led to a confession would get thrown out of most US courts quickly; and, the suspect would likely get the benefit of prejudice and double jeopardy meaning an actual guilty person would walk away scot-free and would never actually be able to be convicted otherwise. Mr. Big operations are much more elaborate and often involve the immediate fear that the person may be killed or even their family also killed, should they not confess to *something* even if it's not something they did. And *that's* why they're not permitted in most places. This is a lot different than a lie detector test which even if a suspect "passes" the police can just tell them they failed it anyway--that's absolute nonsense too but there's no threat or duress there that them and their family are going to end up at the bottom of a lake with cement shoes on. There's no threat that the lie detector results can even be presented in court against them...because they can't.

[@milamccarty5782]

Edit: Wow, I guess, that's the interesting dialouge, Dr Grande is talking about. I really appreciate your answers and am more aware than ever, that this takes place in a grey area and why tactics like this may be illegal to use. Who would want to mess up a murder case because of legal issues concerning the way the murderer was caught. But who would want the alleged murderer be abled to get away because of the last bit of proof missing? This is the first time, I disagee with Gr Grande 😯. I don't feel the police's plan to make this murderer confess was unethical. But I agree with the plan being clever.

[@johnstory2996]

Ethics aside, using this tactic in such a high profile case guarantees that the tactic cannot be used again because of the level of exposure. Every criminal on the planet knows the Mr big scheme now. It's shitty police work.

[@MrsRitchieBlackmore]

I don't either. Innocent lives should always be valued higher than those who take them away. (Not to mention, innocent people don't join crime rings in the first place. Nor do they typically confess to murder).

[@a.evelyn5498]

Something can be unethical yet the ends still justify the means.

[@johnstory2996]

@@a.evelyn5498 Justifying dodgy police work with worn out old cliches. Brilliant. That's some really nuanced analytical thinking you're doing there...

[@Blissfulnessence]

I can see where it could lead to false confessions.

[@tomlonebegween3104]

Footnote to tragety,,daniels mum,dad showed outstanding resolve and dignity in keeping this case in the spotlike.daniels father bruce was like a dog with a bone,conducting interviews,making statements,with grace,dignity and resolve and always denise by his side.what a courages couple,they never wavered or crumbled.theyr'e made of pure steel and have endeared themselves into the hearts and minds of all australians.always remember daniel,will never forget the courage of his mum,dad in there darkest hours.

[@missprissy5045]

The police always knew it was him. His girlfriend went to police the day after the abduction and told them it was him. He had told her. Police worked for ten years to get that creep. Some officers had to leave their families and live in a disgusting caravan park to watch over that animal - preparation for the sting. Evidence was everything. I thought the police posing as criminals actually took him to the body so he could “prove” it. We watched the poor suffering of his parents and continue to see them promote the Daniel Morcombe foundation. Most schools allocate a day where they wear a red shirt - Daniel’s favourite. Sure you can blame the legal system letting that demon onto the streets after two offences. But I fully support the use of a sting operation in this case. I hope he rots in hell.

[@distilledutopia3468]

This is the exception. The end does justify the means. He gave up his rights when he decided to murder and go against what’s socially acceptable.

[@missprissy5045]

Can I also add that laws were changed and bus drivers must now stop for a young person who is not at an official stop. The venture is called No child left behind

[@davidroddick91]

The end absolutely justifies the means. A child killer is off the streets, and no one knows how many lives were saved.

[@anneflynn9614]

Exactly!!!

[@legoqueen2445]

You mentioned Daniel was strangled but not that he was severely S.A. before he died. I've seen cases where the Big Man sting has been used unjustly but I don't think it applies to Daniel's case. The police knew who did the crime but they weren't able to prosecute based on what they had. I don't think doing the Sting operation was their first option but after 10 years it became the only option. The perpetrator was a repeat offender and likely to kidnap, abuse and kill again. I'd rather the police use a technically legal method, even if it boarders on unethical, to put a child predator in prison than risk more children being harmed.

[@renee1961]

My heart goes out to Daniel, and his Family. 💔💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@skunkrat01]

I understand your concern Dr G, but it feels a bit disingenuous to not mention that in the US police can lie to suspects during interrogation to get confessions. They often do, and this has led to a lot of false confessions. Australian police are not allowed to do that. I think that is much worse than Mr Big operations

[@murphychurch8251]

Yeah, urging innocent people into plea deals by lying to them and confronting them with the choice between the plea deal and possibly life without parole is indeed worse than this operation. It's a tough one. While it is kind of unethical what they did, they didn't urge him to confess a specific thing that he didn't do. If he hadn't done it, he wouldn't have been able to tell it all.

[@dws84]

Not to mention how U.S detectives outside of major metro areas are completely useless

[@eadweard.]

@@murphychurch8251 If the police offer you a plea deal and you're innocent, you should simply decline.

[@missprissy5045]

Interesting comment. Thank you

[@contenteater]

@@eadweard. In theory yes. But do a little research and there are plenty of examples where people are wrongly accused and strong armed by the police.

[@supersarah5673]

Maybe two or more children were saved. Sometimes criminals don’t deserve ethical treatment, especially when they harm children, unless they confess and turn away from their behaviour then they are a disease in society causing extreme sadness and fear

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

Most countries do not allow this kind of operations. It's not because they want to be "fair" to criminals, but because they want to be fair to innocent people. Economic desperation, drug addictions etc could drive an innocent person to participate in crimes they wouldn't initiate themselves or to make false confessions.

[@josephlynn741]

Like the other user said - more often than not these types of confessions are fake. The state will show this successful case as to why these things are needed, but ignore the other 10 times it failed and sometimes even worse leading to a false confession.

[@simonedallachiesa9804]

I'm chlled. "Sometimes criminals don't deserve ethical treatment". How can you say such a thing? Everybody, always, deserves ethical treatment. Unless you are under Stalin, Hitler, Xi Jinping, etc.

[@rodriguezthiago318]

Police can use deception to get a confession, this just takes it to a new level. As to whether people could falsely confess, it's really a case of getting details that only the murderer would know. In this case, at least, the end absolutely justified the means

[@dogguy8603]

And when its used to put an innocent person in prison, will the ends justify the means, Mr Big operations more often than not put innocent people in prison

[@fighterflight]

Maybe in this case. Problem is the times when it doesn’t. And you end up with an innocent person in prison and the real criminal out there free as a bird committing more crimes. Taking away someone’s freedom in our society comes with a very high standard. Beyond a reasonable doubt, innocent until proven guilty, etc. That’s as it _should_ be. To protect the innocent. Like you and me. The minute you start lowering those standards and allowing sloppy ethics into the justice system, it is a very slippery slope. Not worth it to catch a guy you could have caught anyway using more legitimate means.

[@janedoe7229]

Anything and I mean anything they have to do to nab a freak like this and put him away. RIP poor sweet Daniel.

[@Victor-ni5hu]

🙀🙀🙀

[@Pattiepies55]

Thank you very much for covering this very sad story Dr. Grande. The murder of young Daniel broke millions of hearts in Australia & made parents realise that predators are everywhere .

[@JG_1998]

I don't think it really matter how they got him to confess. When it comes to murderers the priority is public safety, not ethics.

[@440jasmine]

Exactly!

[@davidmenke7552]

I agree completely.

[@sabrinashelton1997]

i don't agree.

[@JG_1998]

@@sabrinashelton1997 you would if it was your child that got murdered

[@JG_1998]

@@Caper1144 well if there isn't other evidence besides a confession it's one thing. But if they use the confession to find bodies, then the person if obviously guilty.

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

It may have been unethical but Brett is now behind bars and unable to harm another child. On a different subject, I think Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, would make a fascinating study for a video. Thanks Doc, I always enjoy your uploads and appreciate your opinions.

[@Adrian-ju7cm]

Your right Cowen is a Grub the world is a better place with him behind bars let's hope he stays there

[@tjcole6249]

why Phelps?

[@StellaFl]

@@tjcole6249 I wonder that too

[@alliwishis_2]

@@StellaFl I'm going to say the same too why Michael Phelps what makes him some so special to check out

[@tomasglavina9952]

Alex Honnold looks to be a more interesting

[@tjcole6249]

Dr Grande another case with a Perth connection you could analyse is the Claremont Serial Killer. When i was growing up in Perth everyone was scared of this guy, who was abducting girls from Claremont, a wealthy area of Perth. After 20 years he was caught. Bradley Robert Edwards. He was an everyday guy who worked in telecoms and volunteered in youth athletics. Fascinating story with lots of twists and turns.

[@Andreamom001]

Undercover cops befriending the criminal and telling him they need his confession...I don't see an ethical problem there. I guess it could coerce an innocent person into making up a confession in some cases, but then it's a matter of investigating and checking if the confession matches the known facts or not.

[@TheFeather1970]

There's not much that Australians are collectively protective of, but Daniel and his family are one thing we are passionately protective over. Anita Cobby and her family are another. Tbh, most of us don't care how Cowan ended up where he is but we're absolutely sure he is where he deserves to be. What he did to Daniel and the other kids, well, I can't write the words. He is despised. I recognise that you appreciate all that. My point is that being so passionate about these crimes prevents us from being unbiased. Now, a few things to add. While Mr Big operations are legal, they have to be approved. They aren't something the police will just do willy nilly to get confessions. Our police agencies don'thave the budgets for these types of stings. In this case, the coronial enquiry provided the extra evidence needed to justify it legally. The evidence obtained still has to go to trial. Cowan was tried and found guilty. Australia has an independant crime commission. They have the power to hold police departments accountable, and they do. Cowan led police to the body. They didn't find all of it. They did find a sneaker and a few bones. He did it. On a different note, The Big Pineapple is just one of Australia's masses of 'big things'. Lol In the US, when you talk about the next big thing, you're most likely talking about talent. In Australia, you're probably on a road trip. 🤣

[@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211]

*Good lord they had him do maintenance on a school playground? LOL! The level of incompetence is comedic*

[@carmenhunter4380]

As an Australian I've actually never heard anyone say "the rough end of the pineapple." It's usually "The rough end of the stick."

[@tumekeehoa3121]

I'm a New Zealander and it's "rough end of the stick" here as well. Tropical fruit doesn't grow well in New Zealand.

[@benwilliams5236]

They get the pineapple after the stick. This is documented the Adam Sandler's, "Little Nicky."

[@lyndyloo675]

Yep, rough end of the stick in WA also

[@LDiamondz]

@@benwilliams5236 lol. You are correct! 🤣

[@alloverdaplace2043]

I seriously love how you upload videos so frequently. I don't know many channels honestly that upload daily. Must be alot of work thank you Dr grande. Ps I agree with the Mr big used on this case specifically since the criminal was a very bad person that needed to be caught. No respect should be shown to a person like him

[@GrahameGould]

I don't understand your concern with it being unethical. Is it unethical for police to speed? You compare it to torture which is a separate issue. That would be unethical. Is it wrong for police to lie to a suspect? I don't have any problem with what they did. They got their man with a confession that is true. I really don't understand the problem.

[@cripplecreekqueen]

The police can lie to you. You can not or should not lie to the police. That is how it is in the USA.

[@GrahameGould]

@@cripplecreekqueen And how it should be everywhere. I have no problem with the police lying to a suspect to get a confession. What I hate is when they will not accept that an innocent person is innocent.

[@renee1961]

If that creature would have Received, and Served hard Prison Time, he wouldn't have been able to escalate!! Instead, Innocent Children were Victimized, and Poor Daniel was Murdered!💔💔💔💔

[@emeraldemerald6459]

EXACTLY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@user-ic9qm8mb4t]

I don't care how a crime is solved if it brings information about a missing child. I can't imagine what that family went though all the years not knowing.

[@dogguy8603]

And if it was solved through torture? You would be ok with innocent people being tortured?

[@doyeworrell1680]

The first unethical move was giving him such a short sentence in the first crime, he will be out on the streets again since he was given life with possible parole In What 20 years? 20 years for taking a young child’s life, unbelievable, he should never be allowed out into society again

[@Thurston86]

Just because he can apply for parole in 20, doesn’t mean he’s actually going to get it.

[@doyeworrell1680]

@@Thurston86 I understand, however, he can continue to ask for parole over and over and over, it just puts the victim’s family in constant fear that someday he will persuade the powers that be he has reformed or changed. Life without parole is what his sentence should have been, he had already committed crimes in the past

[@frocurl]

I've heard of this came on "That Chapter" with Mike. He tells it like a story with humor you do an analysts. It's two flavors of the same thing. Well done thank you.

[@MsSilverTulip]

I ❤️ That Chapter. Mike covers true crime differently than any other KZbinr.

[@eadweard.]

I'm surprised That Chapter covered the case without accusing the police of racism.

[@puspavelai8353]

I could support the "Mr Big Operation" as very pro active police work. If the criminal can *describe crime details, against victim(s), only the perpetrator would know* - it does amount to a confession? But why does this man get parole option? Anyway, this was a scary case of an opportunistic psycho who took advantage of a two minute window, to do his evil act. Very educational case.

[@mikeballard8404]

Well Dr. Grande it looks like your subscribers don't agree with you mostly bc the victim is a child. But! there was a crime committed. What about the possible entrapment of American men who are manipulated by a female investigator who lures men by means of seduction over the phone? What is your and your subscribers view of that? Is there total disclosure of all recordings or texts that were used to charge this man or is the " evidence " cherry picked.? Also drug and arms deals. No crime was committed till the police using undercover techniques or confidential informants to entrap the " pero " What are your thoughts on that?

[@missprissy5045]

@@mikeballard8404 my thoughts are that a disgusting child murderer cannot be compared to some sucker who got played

[@jocelynhunter2359]

@@mikeballard8404 that's different, if the police get the criminal to commit a crime and then say oo I caught you. But to convince people to confess under false pretences, I think it's okay in this case and others if the criminal gives information that can then be corroborated.

[@odettesummers8229]

I live in Brisbane Qld, this was a huge case. By the way we do not say “rough end of the pineapple” here.

[@venderstrat]

Yes we do.

[@odettesummers8229]

@@venderstrat rough end of the stick is what we always said. Ive never heard of the other one.

[@streaming5332]

A pineapple is rough all over.

[@Amy-hp9nz]

In all my 35 years of living in Perth I've never heard anyone say "rough end of the pineapple" 🤣

[@venderstrat]

Get real. It's a saying.

[@lyndyloo675]

Rough end of the stick!

[@anneflynn9614]

A child molester and murder is incarcerated.The family of a murdered boy is given closure and a body to bury after a few years passed.Imagine the anguish they suffered. while waiting.Who knows how many other children’s lives were spared.That is what is ethical!Murders don’t need to be treated ethically.

[@carlyrennae3963]

Poor Daniel and his family 💔😔 we still grieve for him . ..this broke Australia's heart

[@StellaFl]

There is an entire scientific field behind the training of officers around the world on how to get a suspect to confess using psychological tactics. Is that unethical too? Should we scrap interrogations all together? -L.E.: "Hey, you got a minute? Did you by any chance rape and kill this child?" -Suspect: "nah" -L.E.: "Alright, mate, take care"

[@Victor-ni5hu]

Are we playing cops and robbers again... 😂

[@anneflynn9614]

Exactly!

[@steves1015]

You missed the point entirely and are comparing apples and oranges. Lying is fine, entrapment is not, and this particular tactic could be seen as being in the middle. There needs to be limits on what police are and are not allowed to do. Entrapment could lead people to commit crimes that they wouldn't ordinarily do. You've never seen an interogation where you questioned the guilt of the person being interviewed, and questioned the police certainties/motives? Or the person who falsely confessed and was released years later? Constantly questioning the ethics of allowed techniques keeps the police in line, and goes towards safeguarding innocents.

[@TiptonMama]

I hadn't heard this story before. How very heartbreaking.

[@Andreamom001]

I believe That Chapter covered it. That's where I first heard it.

[@maddygreenb]

Well you guys definitely aren’t Australian otherwise you would’ve heard of it

[@TheFeather1970]

Daniels parents wrote a book called, "Where is Daniel." It's hard to read but honest and heartbreaking. All the money they raise goes to the Daniel Morcombe foundation. They work relentlessly to keep kids safe from abuse, paedophiles, kidnappers etc. They tour schools with their free program to teach kids what to look out for. They are incredible people.

[@TiptonMama]

@@maddygreenb I'm American. I listen to stories from all over the world when I get the opportunity. 60 Minutes Australia is one of my favorites because it's available online, and does more in depth stories. If you have any others to suggest, that I might find on KZbin, I'll check them out.

[@bigospig]

I disagree that the method of obtaining the confession was unethical.

[@missyoreilly4815]

Man I hope that bus driver fund peace, bet he was tortured emotionally over not stopping to pick Daniel up that day. Just a sad story all around, getting this dog out of society needed to be done by any means, he’s lucky it was the cops he fell in with and not legit crims because they wouldn’t have been so kind to him if he’d confessed to them.

[@jsmith8904]

I live on the Sunshine Coast and this left such a tragic hole in the heart of Sunny Coast locals. Everytime I leave Nambour I go past where Daniel was kidnapped, it's a constant reminder to cherish your loved ones every day. Bruce and Denise do great work with schools teaching child safety. And there's an annual walk for Daniel, too. Also, we wear red to remember Daniel, his favourite colour.

[@thegibsons1870]

Just letting you know there’s also a Big Banana! The big prawn! The big kangaroo! The big lobster! The big rocking horse! - I mean you get the idea, there’s loads of giant attractions 😂😩

[@standupstraight9691]

Big galah , big merino, big Orange.

[@littleeva]

I don't see how the Mr. Big operation is unethical. I mean, of you're innocent, you have nothing to fear. The only way a Mr. Big operation can work, is if the suspect is guilty.

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

No. If that was the case it would be allowed globally. It's not, and for a reason.

[@LDiamondz]

I don't think they do these operations that often. They probably only do it when they have a lot of evidence and are 'sure' they have the right suspect, but need absolute proof. It's not like they do this for every crime. Murder, is one of the few crimes they probably use it for.

[@warrendargusch5873]

Moral behaviour .... ethical behaviour! That bastard acted without understanding of either and in this case so should police.

[@troystudders8101]

I think you could have stated a bit clearer that Brett Peter's confession lead police directly to Daniel remains. In this instance, the ends justified the means.

[@chadwilson461]

Wow these cop's really played the long game!!! I love it 😃

[@michaeless882]

One may argue day and night about the "ethics" regarding the police sting. In this case the ends CERTAINLY justified the means. Brett Cowan during the recordings with the undercover LEOs gave away crucial information leading directly to physical evidence from Daniel's belongings and few remains which tied up many leads. Without that confession there was only shaky circumstantial evidence against not only Cowan but also several other persons-of-interest. Cowan practically handed the officers the Lat/ Long & time-line of the crime scene. On a side note I believe there have been up to six attempts on Brett Cowan's life since his incarceration, despite 24/7 surveillance and isolation. Even prison warders have been warned to exercise extra vigilance for Cowan's safety. One particular prisoner, when facing the magistrate following a prison-yard attack on this Cowan individual was given the worn-out lecture about -- and I quote: "...an eye-for-an-eye and the whole world will go blind...." (Mahatma Gandhi). In this case, perhaps people might use their ears & listen.....Cowan and offenders like him will wear a target on their backs for their lives. To conclude, offenders who commit crimes against children are predators and exploiters -- "Pedo" isn't appropriate. Both the AFP and ARGOS have reminded the public to educate against the usage or misuse of the "P-word." It also troubles me that the VAST majority of child-exploitation offences are committed by family members, uncles, neighbours, teachers, stepfathers, even parents and siblings. "Stranger-danger" should be re-named "adult-danger". The system needs to be overhauled and children need to be educated and given a way to learn about how to seek help if threatened.

[@chinchillamdgamer]

Uhm, well I guess that he is entitled to his opinion, and he also has an American crowd to please.. but like many others I'm glad they did this unethical investigation and recovered Daniel after so many years. He was finally able to rest in peace, plus they put guy behind bars. Daniel got a funeral and a grave, and that was worth all that unethic-ism and time and money from the cops. I'm glad those are legal in Australia.

[@venderstrat]

Not unethical. In US, cops can lie during an interview. I'm okay with that too.

[@tb7771]

I think most of us Yanks would be fine with this method. Sadly, small groups of loud people seem to be running/ruining our country.

[@anniestumpy9918]

Nobody said this is easy to decide. Operations like that are clearly unethical but on the other side is a family that has a right to know what happened to one of their loved ones or even possible future victims that might be prevented. It is a true dilemma.

[@MsSilverTulip]

It is not unethical. It is no different than any other undercover/sting operation.

[@anneflynn9614]

I am American and I completely agree with what that police department did!Whatever it takes to get a murder off the streets should be done.Crime is out of control in many parts of the United States because of insane liberal policies that favor the criminals over the citizens.

[@bonniea.1941]

They could have tortured him to get a confession. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Instead they were nice to him. Ethically speaking I’d go with the nice thing. Sounds like the police had reached the end of their options. He needed to be held accountable.

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

Problem is that torture, as well as lots of money, can create false confessions.

[@renee1961]

I think Law Enforcement was Brilliant!

[@ramblinralph7609]

In Brazil when the cops have a case like this that is difficult to prove, they frequently just take the suspect out for a ride in the country. Problem solved. Unfortunately, though, they sometimes are mistaken about the suspect's guilt.

[@petegallows5494]

That’s something else - anyone can be forced to confess. In this case, the murderer was able to provide them with the details, they found the remains - they obviously got the right person.

[@YagirlGGxoxo]

Dr Grande... as an Australian. I can tell you that the saying is "rough end of the stick" not pineapple. ☺😉

[@eadweard.]

The pineapple version is fairly common in Australia apparently.

[@YagirlGGxoxo]

@@eadweard. I've never heard anyone say that in Australia in my many years of living here and being alive 😆

[@renee1961]

Good morning, Dr. Grande! 🙋🤗🌠🌵🍀🪴Do you ever sleep 💤😴?? Just woke up, and here you are! Thank You!

[@corinnefogarty7880]

That Mr Big operation didn't "harm" Brett, up until the time they dropped the hammer on him, then he got what he deserved. The real problem was the tax payers' money being used to make his life more luxurious up to that point.

[@utube012341]

When we have a child killer on the loose I see no ethical conflict with conning them into confessing a murder . Perhaps if you had children or worse if you lost one to a murder you might be less academic in you position and more pragmatic. Interestingly this is my first disagreement with you , amazing actually, keep up the good work sir .

[@dali2314]

When it comes to the murder of a child, I don't care what tactics are used by the police. Well done say I.

[@sadiyasaleh233]

I have to respectfully disagree with the ethical aspect of Dr grande's opinion. I think getting justice for Daniel and preventing a possible potential future victim/victims far outweigh the ethical and moral dilemma. He has had more than a decade of the freedom he snatched from Daniel and could have continue for the rest of his life.

[@AIDSfoot]

Much respect for the pronunciation of Aussie city names Dr Grande. In all seriousness, Daniel's disappearance was known Australia wide. Absolutely tragic 😞

[@Chris-vl1fn]

That pineapple segment was hilarious! Love your work, Dr. ❤

[@kd1inoly693]

Hey, Doc, you might want to post a correction; towards the end you talked about the criminal in jail but you called him Daniel instead of Brett.

[@skunkrat01]

Might want to take this down and re-edit Dr You call Brett Cowan, Daniel a few times in this. Wouldn't be a big deal if it weren't confusing the victim for his murderer. Also, Cowan got hot water poured on him from a kettle. I love you Dr Grande, but you've gotten a few things wrong in this case. I guess no one in a one man operation, uploading daily, can catch everything.

[@LDiamondz]

Thank you! I noticed that, too, but thought it was me mixing them up!

[@a.evelyn5498]

Dr. Grande, something can be unethical & yet the ends justify the means, correct? This could indeed be an example (albeit examples are rare) of this.

[@a.evelyn5498]

I see you just stated no. I see where you are coming from. But I feel that it still was worth it ultimately. Though they could have gone about it differently.

[@a.evelyn5498]

The psychics are the REAL unethical people.

[@mariacardillo6973]

I'm a fan dr. Grande, but I found that your humour was ill considered with this story. The country suffered along with Daniel's parents. The poor boy suffered a terrible death. We need to consider the victims and be respectful when telling their stories. I also think the police acted ethically as it is their duty to protect their society from bad people. This poor excuse of a human being would have continued to harm children, so well done to the cops for doing what they had to do to get the job done!

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

Agree. 💯

[@SueP-D]

In the U.S. I think it’s legal for law enforcement to lie to people they’re interrogating to illicit information or a confession. Just another reason why criminal attorneys say DO NOT speak to the police without an attorney present. I’m a law abiding citizen but definitely I agree with these attorneys.

[@Strype13]

A 6 year old traveling alone, via public transportation (bus), to a shopping mall, with $100 in his pocket? Am I the only one who finds this a bit... out of the ordinary? Perhaps this is more normalized in Australia than in the US due to fewer safety concerns? Although, I suppose this case kind of throws a wrench in that theory.

[@440jasmine]

Daniel was 13

[@3rz-rhymesreasonsandwritte437]

The 6 year old boy was the case in Darwin. Not the Daniel Morcombe case. Daniel was born in 1989 and it happened in 2003 I think he said so Daniel was 13 or 14. This was the sunshine coast case. Yeah, 6 year olds would be very odd getting around on their own. Good pick up 🙂

[@leighannedwards2495]

Thank you for not blaming the bus driver for not stopping. I worked for the bus company at the time of Daniel’s disappearance and as often happens people need to direct their anger somewhere and so they blamed the bus company and the bus driver. But as you correctly related, it was just a string of unfortunate events that led to a tragedy.

[@charliemiller1934]

Thank you Dr Grande I am from Australia and to hear your analysis was spot on. This case was a joke from the media perspective and police. I always felt so sad for the parents and the loss of beloved, beautiful boy (the timeframe was very challenging for them). You nailed it! I enjoyed your overview on Queensland, also my birth place. As always, thank you for keepin it real and being such a great commentator of facts and history. I am a big fan (but not in the "Misery" context)!!!! Have a great day :)

[@alexj3709]

When the person who confesses, regardless of how the confession was obtained, goes on to tell authorities where to find the body of the victim, it makes the process simply a path to releiving the family of part of their grief. No need for any high moral ground on this one. The victim will be forever dead but the perpetrator will be incarcerated for a fraction of a lifetime. Justice?

[@jamesfrench7299]

Not in my books. You take a life, you take yours.

[@jamaaldavis6243]

Dr. Grande is so prolific at uploading that I’d be a little worried if he didn’t do his daily upload now. Here I was thinking an hour ago “It’s been 24 hours and Dr. Grande hasn’t uploaded yet. That’s unusual.” 😂 Love your content as always!

[@lyndyloo675]

Dr Grande this is only the second time I’ve disagreed with you after watching very, very many of your videos. I couldn’t care less (and I’m sure many would agree with me) how the police get the confession out of a criminal, especially a pedophile and murderer. One proud Aussie here. Also we have the big banana, the big prawn and the big crocodile at Humpty Doo NT 🇦🇺 🇦🇺 🇦🇺

[@slee2819]

Dr. Grande has really lost the plot on this one. He has no understanding of the differences between ethical standards of psychological research and admissibility of statements in criminal cases. They are not the same. Almost all police interrogations are coercive by nature because the police have to motivate people to tell the truth despite the fact doing so is not in their personal best interest. Police, unlike psychologists do not work for the best interest of the individual but rather in support of the law and society at large.

[@GrahameGould]

Well said. Totally different situation. I think he has a blinkered view exactly as you have described. The Police have a job to protect public order. Psychologists should work in the best interest of their client. If both do their job well, society is better off.

[@AwfulDog1]

Yes, I agree. The greater good of the community is most important, including the victim’s loved ones.

[@melissadwiggins]

That April 1st arrest would have been funny to watch! If I was arrested or detained, I'd transition from whatever it was we were talking about and then saying "April fools! I'm here to arrest you"

[@randomwomble6979]

Hi Dr Grande, I think you've accidendly called that creep Brett Peter Cowan, "Daniel", in the vignette about another prisoner dousing BPC with hot water.

[@venderstrat]

Cowan got the boiling water beauty treatment, it's true.

[@micheleparker3780]

Ethics be damned when it comes to catching child killers (and killers in general) as long as it doesn't involve physical abuse of the suspect.

[@bronsiee]

This case still haunts. In Australia we got used to seeing Daniel's picture all over the place and he will never be forgotten. Sending love to his family.

[@cassn8725]

As an Aussie I don't agree. If it gets a guy like Daniel's killer in jail and can't hurt anyone else, I'm grateful. This case was infamous in Australia.

[@wolfslullaby]

The U.S thinks the "Mr. Big operation" isn't ethical but thinks threatening, and coercing people into confessing is... I'm glad we don't do those operations though, seems too much time and money goes into it.

[@TheSleepReaper]

“Rough end of the pineapple” reminds me of Hitler in Little Nicky

[@davidmenke7552]

Nah, I fully support law enforcement doing whatever they need to in order to put garbage humans away, preferably forever. I say screw ethics when it comes down to it. It's mind boggling to me that we live in a society (at least here in the USA) where we are soooo concerned about the well being of dangerous criminals. But a lot of that is because of leftist ideology as we all know. Okay, I'm gonna stop now because I'm already getting angry about these injustices. UGH. Thanks doc for another great analysis!

[@MooseGuy1]

The problem is that you allow cops to operate in whatever way they want to get who they "believe" is the perpetrator of a crime, you risk the possibility of innocent people (maybe even you, David) becoming victims of these misguided or rogue cops. That's a dangerous path to go down. Where does it stop. Should police be allowed to torture a person into a confession if they say they believe he or she is a killer? There are many instances of police getting tunnel vision and focusing on the wrong person. To remove all legal barriers of protection from those only thought to be a criminal exposes all non-criminals to persecutory conduct on the part of the state. That is a slippery slope into a police state, which here in the USA we are already too close to. No sympathy for Cowan but just looking at the bigger picture. History is replete with dictatorships and tremendous evil sold to the people under the guise of protecting them. Life is not perfectly safe, nor can it be without a certain level of risk being acceptable.

[@davidmenke7552]

@@MooseGuy1 all really great points. And yeah, there are lots of cases where innocent people are put through hell for no reason. I think of the case of Curtis Flowers and Tardy Furniture in 1996. Horrible story but a perfect example of what you're talking about. The truth is my anger gets so unraveled about innocent people being tossed aside in the interest of protecting criminals that I get blind to everything else. That said, your statement and perspective on this is very aligned with reason and rationale.

[@MooseGuy1]

​@@davidmenke7552 I totally understand the anger at such a horrible person like Cowan. I'm not in any way supporting him. It does seem as though a lot of people get away with so much evil today and it is disheartening. I just try (not always successfully) to see that ultimately putting all power in the hands of a few has led to even more tragedy throughout history. It's a delicate balance for me, too, to keep a balance between righteous anger and protecting the greater good. Sadly, some, like this little boy pay a terrible price to protect a larger majority. And that really sucks but I do not have a perfect answer, It comes down to risk versus reward in a world of lost souls. May God in Heaven truly bless little Daniel Morcombe in a way that far outweighs the horror he went through. Take care, David,

[@mjowsey]

Those "Mr Big" operations must cost a small fortune! Another reason not to use them plus the pressure of spending that only to find you have targeted the wrong suspect!? Great video Dr Todd! Thanks 👍

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

As a kiwi, I've never heard "the rough end of the pineapple"

[@bobbibacha]

Clara was my client I’m the pi she hired, I always thought Clara just does not have a stop sign in her minds eye like most of us do. Your spot on as usual. David was a really nice guy, he died trying to get out of the relationship

[@pepelemoko01]

Cowan was warry of the undercover detectives in Mr big operation, at first but after they sang and danced "Consider Yourself "from Oliver 1968 he felt "like one of the family".

[@davidwartski7213]

When you think about it, is there a non-rough end of a pineapple?

[@venderstrat]

The smooth end is the bit you eat.

[@tumekeehoa3121]

Every end is rough. Used to describe someone who always feels agreved maybe? The phrase isn't used in New Zealand. It's easier to just call them a dick, they can work out why.

[@charwest9449]

I remember this case. Such a gorgeous boy.

[@venderstrat]

I imagine it happening to my beautiful boy and get really angry.

[@charwest9449]

@@venderstrat I know, I do that too. I was so torn up about it for months, years, and they weren't making any progress. So many dead ends. Whatever they had to do to get a confession was justified. His parents and family at least deserved closure, and so did every one else.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Let’s do this!

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Sting operations have been successful in many investigations. Law enforcement can't do anything illegal because to do so would result in the evidence being tainted and unusable, i.e. the fruit of the poisonous tree, and the case lost. That it is legal in Australia makes it ethical. The false confession risk is obviated by the requirement to verify it with evidence. Only Cowan knew where he buried the body, as well as other details of how he committed the crime. Cowan wanted to commit more crimes, because they were lucrative and he didn't have a moral aversion to hurting others and profiting from their death. This doesn't mean the confession was coerced. He didn't have to join a fake criminal organization, that was a decision he made of his own volition. In the US, juries don't hear a ridiculous amount of evidence for many reasons, including that the evidence is more prejudicial than probative. The accused has rights not afforded to justice (the abstaction) or to the victim. The scale is balanced in favor of the accused. If Cowan had actually joined a real criminal gang, there wouldn't have been any pretense of ethics or fair play. If he was a threat to the organization, he would have been sacrificed or eliminated, but he was willing to risk that. He received more rights and consideration from the courts in Australia than he ever would have received from a criminal gang.

[@The_Red_Pill__]

This case is so sad and disturbing. That bus driver that didn’t pick up the kid must feel horrible.

[@alliwishis_2]

I know I would have even though I would not have the authority if I was driving but yeah there's too many what IFs there

[@jeremyhall7495]

CRIKEY! Dr. Grande, you pronounced all the placenames in Aus correctly. Spot-On, Mate!

[@The_Crusty_Old_Hag_Next_Door]

Shame you can’t spell it correctly mate CRIKEY!

[@GrayBlood1331]

I'm loving the random pineapple tangent ending 🤣

[@usamazulqarnain8420]

Hi Doctor Grande Can you do an analysis of Vince McMahon?

[@rmercado716]

I have to express myself properly, I am communicating with Dr.Grande.

[@innakats6931]

Unethical people don't deserve ethics. Hopefully he stays in prison for the rest of his life for the sake of the community.

[@delimini9634]

Hello Dr. Grande , love listening to your voice, helps me go to sleep You have become my favorite ASMR artist

[@cherylmillard2067]

Yesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's #1

[@BucketHeadianHagg]

I totally agree! I make a playlist of his older educational stuff every night, and drift off with his voice in my head…