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The program seeks new leads concerning missing persons and unresolved homicides by distributing decks of cards to inmates at the county jail. Each card contains a photograph and information about a missing person or unresolved homicide case. Inmates are encouraged to anonymously call a tip line, and will be rewarded if the tip leads to a successful arrest or prosecution.
Senator Joseph Bruno joined with families of missing victims and members of the law enforcement community in April to announce the program. "For the parents and loved ones of a missing person, these lost souls are not forgotten. The heartbreak and anguish that loved ones face on a daily basis can have a devastating effect," he said. "This program seeks to go right to the source of crime, providing incarcerated criminals information via playing cards who, in turn, may have credible information or leads that help solve these crimes. I commend Doug and Mary Lyall, as well as the other families of missing victims, and law enforcement for their involvement in this important partnership."
"Inmates have a lot of time on their hands, and they are in a unique position to know, see and hear things that may not reach the eyes and ears of law enforcement," Mr. Lyall said. "Mary and I are hopeful that this initiative will solve crimes, and bring a measure of peace and hope to families praying for the safe return of a loved one" or answers to an unsolved homicide.
The intent of the program is to jog the memory, or stir the conscience, of jail inmates who may have personal knowledge or possibly heard a rumor about a missing person or unidentified homicide victim. This is modeled on a similar program introduced in Florida that resulted in solving several homicides and new leads on numerous "cold case" investigations.
Through this initiative, the cards will be provided to inmates through funding secured by Senator Bruno that will cover the cost of 7,200 decks. The New York State Sheriffs' Association will offer rewards for tips that pan out, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services will provide a toll-free tip line. The program is being implemented in partnership with James Murphy, the Saratoga County District Attorney and president of the New York State District Attorneys Association.
Meskill said that the playing card program "might help law enforcement agencies to solve a case of a missing person or an unsolved homicide." He added, "We will put them on the tables and let inmates use the cards. We hope they will read them and remember the messages. Inmates can then call a tip line toll free, and whether some information helps to solve the Suzanne Lyall case or some other case, the playing card program is a great attempt to get information to law enforcement agencies working on these cases."
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