[Newspoetry] the letter of the law

[Editor-Within-Chief]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/10/national/main536134.shtml

LONDON - It gives new meaning to the term "letter of the law."

A British police force announced Friday it has come up with a new 
measure to combat crime - a polite letter asking persistent offenders 
to mend their ways.

On Friday morning, 22 men and women in Wiltshire county, southern 
England, received personal letters from Inspector Geoff Miles telling 
them they have a choice - get back on the straight and narrow or be 
targeted by police.

The letters were hand delivered to a group of repeat offenders who 
have been convicted of offenses including burglary, violence and drug 
and alcohol-related crime.

"I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that, due to your 
criminal activity, your name appears on the above data and has 
highlighted you as a persistent offender," said the letters.

The letter helpfully suggests that the offender "make it a priority 
in any New Year's resolutions you make from 2003 onwards, to cease 
forthwith your criminal activities."

"Of course, I'm hoping they will say: 'You're absolutely right 
officer, I will stop my criminal ways,'" Miles said. "But we are 
being realistic. I'm sure some will be angry. These are career 
criminals but we are career police officers. Sending these letters 
will not do any harm."

--
The newspoetic possibilities here are really endless.

-- 
Joe Futrelle
Editor-within-chief (of yore)
http://www.newspoetry.com/
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