The names of wanted persons are attached to segments of the wheel which is then spun in venues such as local radio stations and the Kiwanis Club. The name that comes up has the distinction of being perp-of-the-week.

How is turning law enforcement into a schlocky entertainment spectacle a plus? I guess prioritizing arrests based upon known facts in the cases just isn't sexy enough.

Ok it may be a gimmick and behind the scenes regular police work goes on as usual. But wheel 'justice' sends the wrong message.

What next... spinning the wheel to see what loot the local police dept gets to confiscate through forfeiture laws? Maybe they should consider little decals that represent SUV's, cash, jewelry etc and stick those on the wheel too just so everyone can really get into it. They could even have attractive attendants roll out the forfeited goods so the audience can have a good gawk.

Even if the wheel gimmick does encourage members of the public to pass on info about drug dealing in the local area, those on the list might figure they'll get lucky when their names get selected for a spin. Not exactly a disincentive to crime. It conveys the message that crime and enforcement is a game and that getting caught depends to some degree on the roll of the dice. It's also somewhat demeaning to reduce people to widgets in an arrest lottery.

Police departments need to clean up their act - not spin wheels. With some needed reform in their own ranks they would likely see greater public confidence and cooperation.

The Wheel-of-Justice concept was dreamed up by the cops - possibly over donuts. The local builder who constructed the wheel got paid with forfeited drug funds. Crime just keeps those big ole wheels turning.

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