May 24, 2013
In psychiatrist Jonathan Pfeifer’s office, what you say stays between the two of you.
But while his hands are tied to your rights, they're tethered to the law too.
Captain Tony Gonzalez said,” The moment someone learns of a crime that is going to be committed a victim of a crime then they have to report it.”
That's where doctors like Pfeifer run into what's being called ‘the gray area.’
It's a place where doctors with information about a person who could be dangerous aren't sure if they have to report it or not.
Pfeifer said,“ Sometimes they may have the thoughts of doing it but they don’t have the intent of going through with it.”
But police say too many times it does happen and the victim won't come to them.
Gonzalez said,” This individual will go the doctors to get relief instead of going to get them prosecuted because many times it's a family member.”
A huge problem that could bring down everyone involved.
Gonzalez said,” They may have a gut feeling they may have a hunch and it may come true but the issue is in play for them and they don't want to lose their credibility or license.”
A hunch that could be something or nothing at all.
