Mug shots posted on school TV station

Most of those featured on the Boardman Schools Television Network are accused of minor offenses.

BOARDMAN — A cooperative effort between township police and the public schools’ television station is getting more criminals off the street.

Detective Charles Mound in April 2007 began compiling photos and information about people wanted on warrants or for questioning to be posted on the Boardman Schools Television Network, or BSTN. The offenders are generally accused of minor crimes.

Of the 117 photos posted since then, 41 of those people have been arrested, Mound said.

“I consider it really successful,” he said. “Most of the people are not serious criminals.”

They’re accused of crimes such as passing bad checks, forging checks and other misdemeanor offenses. But those types of offenses take up much of police officers’ time. If offenders are arrested after the photos are posted, it may save officers time from having to file an incident report and conduct an investigation.

Though BSTN is a local channel, it has a long reach.

“One time, we issued a warrant for a guy for tampering with records,” the detective said. “He came back from Brooklyn, N.Y., and turned himself in.”

The man’s relatives, who live in Warren, saw the man’s photo and contacted him. Others see the photos themselves and turn themselves in.

The photos of those wanted for questioning generally come from store or bank video, such as someone who’s suspected of shoplifting.

In selecting which people for whom warrants have been issued to include on the television station, Mound often picks from older cases.

If one of the township’s detectives is looking for an offender, concerned that he or she will continue a pattern of crime, Mound is likely to include those too.

“They’re going to continue on and on again until they get caught,” Mound said.

BSTN airs on Armstrong Channel 19 and on digital channel 204.

“It gives the community awareness to the alerts and information about something that might be happening at that time,” said Lori Travee, BSTN coordinator.

The station also runs crime prevention tips and information about how to avoid falling victim to scams.

“There’s always someone paying attention to what’s on TV,” Travee said.

The information runs roughly 16 hours a day, including photos, description of the crime and the name and telephone number of the detective who is handling the case.

Mound also has appeared on the station, interviewed by student broadcasters, talking about different aspects of police work and instructing viewers with security tips. He hopes to continue that this school year.

denise_dick@vindy.com

Information from township police about wanted criminals as well as crime-prevention tips run on the schools’ television station. The information airs on Armstrong Cable 19 and digital channel 204. Tips now running focus on college campus crime prevention:

SAFE ON CAMPUS

Know how to contact campus public safety or police.

Learn emergency numbers and keep them by your phone.

Learn where emergency phones are on campus.

Program emergency phone numbers into your cell phone.

When walking around campus

Learn the campus layout.

Don’t overload yourself with books, packages, etc.

Plan the safest route, choose well-lit paths and streets.

Travel in groups.

Share your schedule with your parents and friends.

In the dormitory

Always lock your door.

Don’t allow strangers into your room or complex.

Report lost or stolen residence hall keys immediately.

Don’t leave messages on your doors telling when you’ll be back.

Report suspicious people or activities.

Automated Teller Machines

Try to use the machines during daylight hours.

If you go at night, don’t go alone, and avoid machines not visible from the street.

Be aware of people or cars loitering near the ATM.

Prepare your transaction sheets before arriving at the machine.

Memorize your personal identification number and don’t give it to anyone.

Keep ATM receipts or tear them up and throw them away.

Source: BSTN and Boardman Police