I love the COPS episode (yes, I watch COPS) where they get a bunch of folks with warrants to think they won a new TV. When they schedule the delivery, instead of getting the TV they are instead served the warrants and arrested. I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with this:
Calif. agents use award ruse to reel in fugitives
(AP):
They used a website, an e-mail account, and appointed an agent to the fictitious post of “amnesty program director.” They sent 2,700 letters to relatives of parolees-at-large advertising the reward and fake amnesty program.
…
The offer had the hollow ring of truth, piggybacking on the state’s colossal budget deficit and a bona fide state law that took effect in January.
The law creates a new non-revocable parole for some offenders who are considered to be less dangerous. Those on non-revocable parole don’t have to report to parole agents, are free to come and go as they please, and can’t be sent back to prison unless they are convicted of a new crime.
The fugitives were told they would either be put on non-revocable parole or discharged from parole entirely to help the state cut costs and prison crowding.
“If you have received a letter, you are pre-qualified for Amnesty or Discharge,” read the offer posted on the website. “Your warrant will be canceled and a $200.00 check will be issued…. A Non Revocable Parole card will be issued and you will be free to go.”
The state pretending to be some random prize group to trick criminals into being at a certain place at a certain time is fine. The state acting as the state and pretending to offer an amnesty to do the same is not.
