Public shaming? PA billboards used to collect fines

[Suzanimal]

Generally, I'm for public shaming but in this case, nope.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Sheriffs in Northumberland County are turning to billboards as a way to collect some of the $23 million owed through warrants, fines, and restitution.

Right now, the billboards just have blank silhouettes, along with a warning: if you have an open warrant, your face could be on the billboard.

“There are people out there and they generally know who they are,” says Northumerland County Sheriff Robert Wolfe. “We are looking for them.”

Recently, the sheriff’s department also posted pictures on Facebook. In total, more than 700 people have unpaid fees.

In just one week, the county got close to $40,000.

Some people disagree with this new plan.

“I’ve been in that situation,” says Michael Straub, of Zerbe Township. “I was laid up and couldn’t pay my taxes for a year. I don’t want to see my picture up on a board.

“I think that’s kind-of shameful. That’s going too far with putting a billboard up because somebody owes money.”

The sheriff’s department says the purpose of the billboards isn’t to cause embarrassment.

“It’s to get the notification out there that maybe they changed their address without us knowing,” says Sgt. Dwayne Pidcoe. “We just want you to take care of this issue to get the warrant lifted.”

http://fox43.com/2015/06/02/sheriffs-office-uses-billboards-to-announce-who-owes-fines/

 

[liberalnurse]

This my county. LOL. However, I work in a neighboring County, Lycoming and they have electronic billboards and broadcast the counties most wanted. I sit on the bridge @ the red light on my way to work and watch the photos flash by and think well, I'll be seeing him/her soon since I work at the county prison. The also publish the top 40 in the newspaper. It is effective.

 

[jbauer]

Guess I don't have a problem with it.

 

[Origanalist]

Guess I don't have a problem with it.

Just follow the law and there won't be any problem, right?

 

[nobody's_hero]

Damn. I hope this is an error, and they meant to say two-point-three million and not $23 million. I hope someone left out a decimal point.

$23 million / 700 is an average of $32,857 per fine.

IF I ever find myself forced into a position of either paying $32,000 or having my face put on a billboard, just go ahead and paint my ugly mug all over town.