Chief of police was tired of filing endless crime reports, so he wrote a letter to local criminals left everyone in splits
Everyone has a point where they’re just burnt out, bored or simply not feeling it at work. We all have those days where we just don’t want to go to work but duties call. Josh Ross, Chief of Police at Arnaudville Police Department, is just as human as we are and felt this too. Really fed up with filing paperwork for crime time and again, he decided to discuss with local criminals through an open letter. Sharing his plea to stop crime, the officer also put on an unhinged, fun front to draft the letter in a way that would be remembered — even by the criminals. It’s humor we never knew we needed.
Officer Ross is known to share updates and announcements with a touch of wit but this letter outdid most of them. Putting his message on the department’s letterhead, the cop intended that his plea might be considered. Addressing the letter to “local criminals,” the officer wrote, “Dear Lawbreakers.” He followed a respectful and accurate letter format, with a greeting and everything. “First off, we hope this letter finds you well, though, ideally, not in the middle of committing a crime,” he said. He then pointed out the rising rate of crime in town and added, “We've noticed a recent uptick in questionable decisions around town, especially regarding illegal narcotics.”
Instead of making it a negative or dull order, Ross got creative and added personality to his request. “While we understand that everyone needs a hobby, we'd kindly ask you to pick a different one,” he remarked. He noted that officers are giving it their best, doing their jobs well to keep the community safe. Unfortunately, the increasing numbers keep them overworking. “When you keep breaking the law, you make us stay up late filling out paperwork — and nobody likes paperwork. Seriously. Nobody,” he emphasized. Trying to negotiate with the criminals in the first of its kind, the officer honestly explained his feelings.
“We’d love to spend more time drinking coffee, helping citizens and rescuing cats from trees, but instead, we're chasing you down for things like distributing methamphetamine and fighting with the police. Please... stop,” he wrote. As an added friendly bit, the officer shared “alternatives” to crime. “Try Netflix, where you can watch the police chase other people, besides you,” he said. He also suggested any hobby that “doesn’t involve handcuffs.” “Bake cookies instead of breaking and entering,” he noted. Ross was really doing his best trying to point out the positive that could come out if they just tweaked their lawlessness.
“We promise: if you stop breaking the law, we'll stop chasing you. It's a win-win!” he remarked. Keeping up to the format, he concluded the letter, “with love, respect, and mild exasperation, your friends at the Arnaudville Police Department.” People applauded the officer for his sense of humor and his creative approach. It might just keep the locals at bay and help them reconsider their acts. Cynthia Taylor Arnaud wrote, “I love the humor you add to the posts. Stay safe!” Lorraine Justus added, “Well said!”
More on Amplify
Steve Jobs' witty response to a fan requesting his autograph in 1983 letter is iconic in every way