When looking at the question 'should high profile criminals be given new identities' I wanted to put my own feelings aside until I researched a high profile case in which this may happen. I also wanted to look at the affects it had on those involved in the case along with the public. .
I first started by reading articles about the couple behind the death of baby P, Tracy Connelly and Stephen Baker. Baby P "Peter" was 17 months old and pronounced dead after being admitted to hospital after being found in his cot blue. Baby P had over 50 injuries but had died after being punched in his face and chocking on his own tooth. His mother was sentenced to be held indefinitely or until she was deemed not a risk to the public – and in particularly small children, Steven baker was sentenced to 12 years. Tracey Connelly was released after 3 years on license. .
When I started to read the information surrounding baby P's death I initially felt these two people should not have their identities' changed. Changing a criminal's identity cost's approximately 1 million pounds (daily telegraph 16 Aug 2009) this does not include 45'000 pounds a year it cost to keep criminals in prison (the cost of prisons fpe.org). I also felt that we as law abiding citizens had the right to know if we had child killers living amongst us, this was until I researched the story further. .
Baby P had four living siblings (BBC News 11 Aug 2012) and Connelly was subsequently being charged with the rape of a 2 year old child, this changed my view on whether they should have their identities changed. In total 6 children are involved in this case, however I feel about baby P's mother and Stephen Baker the lives of the five remaining children should be protected. If baby P's mother and Stephen Baker do not have their identities changed 4 children will continue to relive the abuse they and baby P's sibling encountered.