The Central Ohio Crime Stoppers plan to release a book revealing the names of nearly nine hundred felons with outstanding warrants. The book also includes the nature of each crime, the name and description of the criminal and their last known addresses. The publication will be an excellent tool for aiding the police in apprehending wanted criminals.
Inspired by the enormous success of the wanted posters published bimonthly by Crime Stoppers, the books will be available in public places such as bars, shopping centers, community centers, grocery stores and barbershops for public use. Crime Stoppers also hope to post pictures of the wanted felons online. Photos will be acquired through police and driver's license records.
The book is a great opportunity to involve communities in their own safety. Crime Stoppers allows residents to anonymously call in tips on the whereabouts of wanted criminals to either the police agency pursuing the criminal or to the organization itself and therefore they will not feel intimidated by the prospect of reporting felons who could be dangerous.
Releasing the list will increase awareness throughout the community and residents to clean up their neighborhoods. The thought of nearly nine hundred felons loose in Franklin County alone is frightening and any attempt to lessen that number should be encouraged.
If we can identify someone who's got a pending warrant
especially violent behavior I would be surprised if the public weren't grateful to have current reliable information about the whereabouts of wanted felons said Kent Markus in an interview with The Columbus Dispatch. Markus, a law professor at Capital University, is in charge of the mayor's crime-solution panel.
The Crime Stoppers list also will help get potential repeat offenders off the streets. The effects of the Crime Stoppers list will be positive and should receive the utmost support from the community and the Columbus Police. Any effort to encourage community policing and deter crime must be applauded.
Keep Cubs fan's info under wraps
The Chicago Sun-Times erred last week by releasing personal information regarding a now infamous Chicago Cubs fan. It displayed poor judgment by unnecessarily releasing the city of residence and place of employment of fan Steve Bartman, who many view as responsible for the Cubs' crushing loss to the Florida Marlins last Tuesday.
In the eighth inning with the Cubs leading 3-0, Bartman robbed Cubs leftfielder Moises Alou of the chance to catch a foul ball. The mishap sparked a Cubs breakdown and an eight-run rally by the Marlins, who won the game, and, ultimately, the National League pennant.
Even after the umpires ruled that Bartman's actions were not fan interference, Chicago fans proceeded to hurl beer and peanuts at him and threaten him verbally. Bartman was escorted from Wrigley Field by security and given a disguise so that he could exit the stadium safely. Publishing Bartman's information worsened a potentially dangerous situation and compromised not only his personal safety, but also the safety of those around him. He was so upset and frightened by the incident that he had a police car stationed outside his home to ward off the media and agitated fans. He also skipped work and released a public statement apologizing for his actions and proclaiming his love for the Cubs.
Many Chicago fans hold Bartman personally responsible for the Cubs' loss and are angry that he single-handedly spoiled the Cubs' first chance at a World Series appearance in more than 55 years. Cubs' fans were looking for a scapegoat for their loss and Bartman was the perfect target. By releasing his information, the Sun-Times fed into this mindset and encouraged the ostracizing of Bartman. In the future, the Sun-Times should be more careful of the information it publishes and should seriously consider the actions that could occur as a result.
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