Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is launching a local version of "America's Most Wanted" on Comcast cable. "Police Blotter on Demand," which will be available through the cable provider's On Demand section, will feature profiles of area fugitives.
From the sheriff's office press release:
SCHAUMBURG, IL (December 4, 2008) - Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and Comcast announce today the launch of Police Blotter on Demand, a new public service initiative that will give area residents the opportunity to help the Sheriff's office locate fugitives from justice and provide information or tips on persons in question. Police Blotter on Demand will allow more than one million of Chicagoland viewers to learn more about some of the most wanted fugitives in Chicago and its Cook County suburbs, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said.
The program, hosted by Dart, includes stories about six high-profile criminals wanted for various crimes. Chicago is the latest Comcast market to have an on Demand channel devoted to profiling fugitives.
Comcast Digital Cable viewers can choose to watch the program at any time - pausing it at any point to focus on a mugshot or even re-watch the program - details Dart said are crucial in helping solve cases.
"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our operations," Dart said. "This partnership with Comcast provides our investigators with yet another tool to capture those most wanted. Being able to reach millions of Comcast viewers, who can click on this channel at any time, is an asset we are incredibly happy to have. In providing this service to its Chicagoland customers, Comcast truly deserves recognition for their commitment to the community."
In the first series of profiles, Dart describes crimes including sex offenses, attempted murder, armed robbery and animal cruelty. Each profile includes a mug shot and description of the suspect. In the first series of fugitives, Police Blotter On Demand features Amin Hassam Sayani, who is wanted for sexual assault to a child; Christopher DeBernardis, who is wanted for robbery and vehicular invitation; Cherilyn Isom, who is wanted for aggravated arson; Daniel Artiles, who violated his terms of probation; Martell Brownlee, who is wanted for aggravated vehicular hijacking; and Stephen Henry who is wanted for attempted first-degree murder.
With more than 43,500 active warrants on file, Dart said his office will have many more opportunities to profile more wanted fugitives on the program. The program does not cost the Sheriff's Office any funds to produce.
Police Blotter On Demand will be updated regularly. Digital Cable customers can view it by pressing Channel 1 to reach their On Demand programs. Customers then click the ""Get Local" category where they will then scroll to "Police Blotter."