I don't rhyme very well, but there used to be a song which had these words: "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime."

I'm a "stringer" for a local newspaper and, as such, routinely submit certain kinds of information for publication. I visit the sheriff's office each week and list all the most recent arrests.

You’d be surprised what people do.  I even had a report of someone getting a driving under the influence (DUI) in a rowboat on a stream.  Another was cited for DUI while on a power lawnmower.

Our paper does not publish the names or offenses of juveniles (unless the court or competent authority determines they are to be treated as adults), but if you're an adult and your name appears on an arrest report, you and your neighbors will probably find it in our paper.

I’ll publish your name, age, address and why you were arrested in black and white – not on the front page but it will still be noticed. Everyone reads the arrest reports.  It’s a favorite for most people, just like obituaries. 

I remember one celebrity saying he always read the obituary just to make sure he wasn’t in it.  Others say they keep track of the people they know that way.

Our paper is not unique by any means. Most papers carry such information, some more detailed than others. My point is that police arrest reports are public record and while many people consider yesterday’s newspaper good only for bird cages or wrapping old fish, that information will be available for all time.  Easily found with only routine investigation, police reports can come back to haunt you.

I believe that most people who get in trouble with the law did not get up that morning making a decision to do so. People need to realize that there are consequences to their actions, in particular those which are unplanned.  Being arrested is not only embarrassing – especially if it’s in front of family, friends or people who know you – it’s often inconvenient. 

You are taken “downtown,” and if you’re put in a cell, you might also encounter persons you’d much rather not get to know.  Bail can be expensive. 

You might have to get a loan or even mortgage your home, especially if you have to hire an attorney.  If the crime is serious, that could be very expensive.  You could lose your home – your family – a lot of time and, if a capital crime is involved, you might lose your life. 

A member of the county public defender’s office once told me that most arrests don’t progress beyond the arrest itself.  Even so, one of the results might easily be not getting a job or a security clearance because of information which can be found in your neighborhood newspaper.  You might even lose your job – even if no court appearance is necessary.

Most applications for jobs or other things include the question: “Have you ever been arrested?”  If you answer “yes,” you’re asked to explain the circumstances and the results.  If you were convicted as a felon, and spend time in jail, you’ll find it very difficult to find a job for the rest of your life. 

Since some encounters with the law result from over indulging, this might be a good reason to rethink drinking habits. Having an argument with police often has unpleasant results, especially if they think a weapon might be involved. 

Remember, what gets your name on a police report can come back to haunt you years later. If you don't want the publicity, don't do the crime. (Maybe someone can come up with a good rhyme.)