21st century wanted posters effective
Photo
An electronic billboard on Center Avenue in Janesville shows a wanted criminal sign.
JANESVILLE — In the 19th century, they were black and white, paper and nailed to trees, posts and buildings.
In the 20th century, you might have seen a photograph imprinted on a flier hung in the post office or police station.
Now in the 21st century, wanted posters have left the post office and returned to the passing public’s eye in a BIG way: full-color, ever-changing, continually updated electronic billboards.
With the skepticism of a veteran cop, Sgt. Brian Donohoue of the Janesville Police Department said of the billboards’ effectiveness: “I’m suspicious of everything, but I’m pleased so far.”
Authorities have arrested eight or nine of about a dozen suspects pictured since March on Lamar Outdoor Advertising’s six digital billboards, Donohoue said Monday.
In two other cases, people called to tell local authorities that the suspects were in custody elsewhere, he added.
“One guy we put up on a Thursday, and within one day, we got a call that he was in a correctional facility in Illinois,” Donohoue said. “We get quite a few calls where we’re one step behind them (suspects).”
In cases where the suspect is incarcerated elsewhere, the agency overseeing the prison or jail is contacted and asked to put a hold on the suspect until he or she can be arrested on the local charges, he said.
“Sometimes, even family members will contact us to tell us they’re out of the area,” Donohoue said.
All suspects pictured on the electronic billboards are wanted in connection with felonies—serious crimes such as drug dealing or weapons offenses, he added.
When a wanted suspect is arrested, the billboards display “Captured” across the person’s picture.
Lamar contacted police about displaying the information as a free public service. The company can get new information up on billboards within an hour, Donohoue said.
When the city recently wanted to alert residents to the dangers of floodwaters, Lamar received, processed and displayed the information in an hour, the sergeant said.
The billboards are generating more calls to Janesville Area CrimeStoppers, but so far the extra contacts are being generated almost entirely by the “wanted” billboards and not the more recent displays publicizing specific crimes, Donohoue said.
CRIMESTOPPERS
Anyone with information about criminals, wanted suspects or suspicious activity can call Janesville Area CrimeStoppers at (608) 756-3636. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward.
Jul 24, 2008 at 8:28 a.m.
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Everybody loves to see the wanted people on the billboards but the city council does not want anymore of these style of billboards up because they are to distracting. You can't have it both ways.
Jul 23, 2008 at 9 p.m.
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im sure lamar could spare an hour or two a week....:)
Jul 23, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.
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Many thanks to Lamar Outdoor Advertising for offering this service for free. You are a rare commodity in today's world! Bless you.
Jul 23, 2008 at 5:34 p.m.
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thekidd-
the posters are for WANTED felons, NOT convicted drunk drivers..if that was the case, there would not be any room for the WANTED felons..
Jul 23, 2008 at 5:18 p.m.
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why not add pics of the people convicted for drunk driving. not that it would solve, but it may help deter....
Jul 23, 2008 at 3:56 p.m.
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The billboards change to quickly.
Jul 23, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.
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Thanks, Lamar. I think it's a great service you're providing the community with.
Jul 23, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
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On a side note- I saw in the Gazette a few days ago an editorial about why they publish everyones names who get arrested in the paper. I think it is a great idea except in the incidents that involve domestic violence. People who experience domestic violence rarely report the incidents and I think it is more of a deterrant that they WON'T report if they know its gonna be published in the Gazette. Just a thought.
Jul 23, 2008 at 2:03 p.m.
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Gabby- or that they flash by too quickly! I am not always able to see the person's face or what they are wanted for. I think they need to slow them down just a little bit..
Jul 23, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
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I agree with the dead beat dad.....and the mom....I think these things are a real improvement around here. My only problem with them is when your driving by them you seem to get entranced by them and don't pay attention to where your driving. I've caught myself doing it quite often. Hopefully no accidents happen because someone is paying attention to the board instead of where they are going!
Jul 23, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
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agreed Cracker!!
Jul 23, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
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and the dead beat moms that also don't pay their child support
Jul 23, 2008 at 11:04 a.m.
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"they should put all the dead beat dad's on the board to show how is not paying child support."
And the dead beat Moms that spend all the child support money on cigarettes, drugs, and booze.
Jul 23, 2008 at 11 a.m.
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I think it's more a case of convict priority... there are more out there that are on the run that are being more evasive than others, yet, which ones do the authorities prefer in custody first?? it seems as though there's a pattern... it's a matter of those that have felony charges on them that take presedence in opposition to strictly misdemeanor charges... there are more out there, but it's up to the local authorities to sort out who they need/prefer first and foremost... I'm glad the system's working on this one...
Jul 23, 2008 at 10:40 a.m.
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I'm sure a lot of donations would come in if they would just put stupid people on the board. People who run red lights because they are in such a hurry that they can't wait for a minute. Drivers who just shouldn't be driving, period. Buisness people who take peoples money and don't do the job. The list is endless.
Jul 23, 2008 at 10:27 a.m.
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My Girlfriend will agree to the Dead Beat DADS note.There would be alot of them.
Jul 23, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.
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they should put all the dead beat dad's on the board to show how is not paying child support.
Jul 23, 2008 at 10:04 a.m.
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Yes, great idea! The Janesville community needs to create more awareness about criminals and sex offenders in the area. Plus, it's really embarrassing to have your photo up on a billboard for criminal activity. Maybe it will stop this guy (photo in article) from getting in the car after he's had too much!
Jul 23, 2008 at 9:57 a.m.
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This is a great idea! I’m sure the perpetrators aren’t too happy to see their mug up on billboard as they are driving by.
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