Definitely a complex case. To me, a few of the important details are that the police officer and his friend provided alcohol to everyone involved, which probably further hindered the judgement of both adults and minors in this instance; and that he never even bothered to inquire as to the youth's age. Like SebC says, the line is an arbitrary one, but IMO that doesn't mean it's not an important line. He, more than most people, should understand the importance of these arbitrary lines, and I would assume that as a police officer, he's been taught not to assume anything about the people he encounters through his work.
I do think it's a significant factor if he never used his position of authority, but it seems from the article that the girl was aware of his position regardless, and it may have played a role, even if the cop didn't actively push it. In my opinion, the moment she asks 'are you a cop?' is authority position is a factor.
I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that there's a distinction between 'predatory' and 'opportunistic' behaviour. I suppose that sort of distinction allows for much harsher penalties to the worst people, those who actively try to make such an encounter happen, but it just doesn't feel right that 'the opportunity just presented itself' should be a mitigating factor.
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