August 16, 2011

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Battlement break-ins, Parachute arson latest Crime Stoppers cases"

SandBox Nanny says it's great to see Garfield County CrimeStoppers have the funds to do some advertising.

Thank you, again, to GarCo Commissioners for the recent cash flow boost to this great organization.

Because Nanny is in somewhat of a unique position in the world of understanding 'why' so many folks in GarCo, Pitkin, Eagle and Mesa counties choose anonymity (and) because she knows how closely numerous law enforcement agencies watch over SandBox postings and comments; she 'tips' the following to those running CrimeStoppers:

  • Anonymity.  True anonymity.  Is the reason most won't come forward.  CrimeStoppers would do well advertising a full explanation of how the program's anonymity promise works.  For example, is the program saying 'cops will protect you' if you come forward?  Or is the program really saying that if you call in, you do not have to give any personal information at all and no one has any ability to track you without a court order?  Folks want to know before they pick up the phone where pitfalls may be.  Even a thousand bucks doesn't make the depth of risk on some tips, worthwhile.

  • If the answer is not the latter, then try to come up with a way to make it be.  Or, reach out to the folks seeking compromise suggestions.  People want to help.  They want to see our serious issues cleaned up.  They will not run the risk until they can see results that really work for them in day to day life.

  • If seeking public input on ways to better the CrimeStoppers program, do that seeking with anonymity.  Run polls, surveys or mail outs.  If John Doe wants to fill out a survey with his avatar name, such as:  'staplehead' or 'notfatfluffy'...then accept that.  Let them know up front that DNA isn't going to be pulled off a survey envelope they licked (or) their ISP location tracked so that 'FRED' can come on over.  

Yes, the folks really do believe (to some extent) that it's all a giant conspiracy.

Bless them with understanding and a certain measure of indulgence.

Thank you to all the agencies and patriots serving Garfield County CrimeStoppers program!

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1 comment:

FCE, Ace Investigative Reporter said...

" 'staplehead' : If I'm ousted, might as well get rich off it"

Ace Investigative Reporters, American Patriots! reporting live from the parking lot of the Exit 114 Kum-n-Go.

Local residents were stunned at the crack of dawn this morning to see one of their most beloved avatars 'staplehead' pull up in a brand new pickup, step out wearing custom pre-broken in new Carharts and flashing a bankroll to pay for his daily chocolate milk and donuts.

"WTH?" said 'hammerandnails'.

"Hey, staple! Gone to the Dark Side, buddy?" was shouted out from 'chirkers'.

Nodding slightly to two Garfield County Sheriff Deputies, obviously guarding his vehicle, the elusive 'staplehead' made no comment, climbed back into his monster truck and peeled out of the round-a-bout. Heading east on I-70.

Stay tuned! Glenwood, live!