Kidnapping is generally defined as unlawfully taking and holding another person against their will—often by force, threat, or deception—and it can be charged as a serious felony with penalties that may include lengthy prison time. Exact definitions and sentencing vary by state, and factors like the victim’s age, use of a weapon, injury, ransom demands, […]
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Sketch Cops
Sketch cops are police artists who create suspect likenesses from witness descriptions to help identify and locate offenders. Their drawings can generate investigative leads, support photo lineups, and sometimes become evidence discussed in court. This article explains what sketch cops do, how sketches are produced and used in investigations, and the legal issues around accuracy, […]
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Missing Adults
Kieran A. Murphy, 59, was last seen Dec. 14, 2001 in San Francisco, and his sailing vessel disappeared from Oakland’s Jack London Square on Dec. 15, 2001. Police consider the 5-foot-11 white male with gray hair missing along with his wife, Ornaith. This article summarizes the timeline and key identifying details in the missing adults […]
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Felons In The Workplace
In most states, employers can hire people with felony convictions, but many roles are limited by background-check rules and industry licensing laws. Federal and state protections may also restrict how and when employers can consider criminal records, especially for older or unrelated convictions. This article explains employer rights and duties, common job restrictions for felons, […]
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Missing Children – Turning Tragedy Into Hope
Rachel Cooke was 19 when she disappeared during a morning run near Georgetown, Texas. Her parents, Robert and Janet Cooke, initially had no clear place to turn for guidance or support. This article explains how missing-children tragedies can spark advocacy, resources, and hope for other families. By the late Bill Bickel – former Managing Editor […]
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MISSING
Kym Pasqualini was 8 years old when a man in a red pickup truck tried to abduct her at knifepoint. Her account shows how quickly abduction attempts can unfold during routine walks home from school and why immediate reporting matters. This article recounts the incident and highlights broader child-safety and crime-prevention takeaways. By the late […]
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A Better Way to Help Missing Children
An Amber Alert was issued about 24 hours after 11-year-old Carlie Brucia disappeared on February 1. The article explains why that delay frustrated her family and argues for quicker, proactive law-enforcement action. It explores better policies and procedures to improve missing-child response and recovery outcomes. By the late Bill Bickel, Editor of Crime, Justice and […]
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PRESUMED GUILTY:
“Presumed Guilty” argues the jury missed key evidence in Scott Peterson’s trial and contends he should not face a death sentence. It features a 2007 interview with author Matt Dalton by journalist Bill Bickel, exploring disputed facts and legal issues. This article reviews the book and summarizes the interview’s central claims about the Laci Peterson […]
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