These playing cards are unique. Each card features a victim and their story.
Jails are the internet of unsolved crimes. Prisoners talk & information is often revealed which would never come to light. Inmates spend countless hours playing cards, so the idea to have them looking at unsolved homicides while passing the time was born.
We are currently building a set of cards for Berks Counties Unsolved Cases.
When distributed to jail and prison inmates, these customized playing cards with Unsolved Homicide, Missing Person or Wanted Fugitive photos and case profiles provide new tips on old cases.
"The Alameda County Sheriff's Department hopes the playing cards will be as successful in California as they've been in Florida, where the project started."
Read the story here!
Read how South Carolina is using the cards.
South Carolina is distributing the cards.
Watch the video here!
Read more here..
N.Y. is using the playing card program now.
Syracuse.com Cold Case Playing Card Video
Read More about Their use of the cards..
CBS cold case card video
Overview of Pennsylvania's Correctional System
2006 Crime Rate for Pennsylvania
The crime rate in Pennsylvania is about 21% lower than the national average rate. Property crimes account for around 84.8% of the crime rate in Pennsylvania which is 25% lower than the national rate. The remaining 12% are violent crimes and are about 7% higher than other states.
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Funding How can we pay for these cards?
Read The Fox News.......
Another report here..
We applied for a grant through the Dept of Justice for $10,000.00 We were denied ~ "Your application was not recommended for further consideration because it is not directed toward services to victims of crime." I called the Dept of Justice to express my concerns & was told that we would be "aiding law enforcement & not victims." I am currently waiting to speak to Congressman Gerlach concerning this ~ There is no better way to help the victims of Unsolved Murder's, than to find the people responsible & hold them accountable.
I have also written to District Attorney John Adams to see if he can help.
There is always fundraising... If anyone has a good idea for a fundraiser or two, please write us. tina@yearsoftears.org or brenda@yearsoftears.org Or Sponsorship. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring these cards please contact us. Where there is a will, there is a way.
