Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Taking the Law Into Your Own Hands

While YouTube is used for a variety of entertainment purposes, it is interesting to look at YouTube from the criminal justice aspect. I found an article about a man who posted a video of himself, in his bedroom, possessing a firearm. Because this man was a felon, possessing a firearm is a criminal federal offense. The YouTube video he posted could cost him 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

YouTube is also useful tool in allowing citizens to take an active role in helping law enforcement in the apprehension of criminals. This surveillance video shows an armed robbery occcuring at a grocery store. There is contact information listed, so anyone who wants to contact law enforcement with regard to this robbery, can do so anonymously. At the time of this blog there were nearly 600 people who viewed this video. It is interesting to ponder how YouTube could become the next "America's Most Wanted".


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