Eight-six percent of people responding to an Argus-Courier online poll March 22, 2006 said they believe the Argus-Courier should publish the names of persons arrested for serious crimes, such as those involving physical injury, property loss or damage of property -- including burglary, battery, vandalism and drunken driving. Out of 171 respondents, 147 said "yes" and 24 said "no."

About three-fourths of respondents -- 77 percent -- feel the Argus-Courier should publish the names of persons arrested for domestic violence. The numbers were 131 "yes" and 40 "no." However, only 43 percent believe that printing the names of arrestees would serve as a deterrent to crime. The numbers were 74 "yes," 45 "probably," 32 "probably not" and 20 "no."

The Argus-Courier will begin publishing the names of persons arrested for serious crimes that involve physical injury, property loss or damage of property " including potential injury. Names of persons arrested for drunken driving will be printed.

Here are the comments that readers wrote:

1 Besides the Argus Courier, why isn't the Mayor and City Council holding Petaluma PD accountable?

2 You are going to create a Scarlet Letter in this community. Back off from the sensational news. Report as you have been and follow up on the stories you forget to get closure on.

3 Breaking the law is a voluntary deviation from social and community standards of behavior, and citizens deserve to know those in our communities who elect to behave tis way.

4 Humiliation has been found to be a powerful deterent to repeating more crimes. Peer pressure can be a good thing if it is used in the right way.

5 The act of being arrested does not necessarily mean the party will ultimately be found guilty. Citizens recognize names of potentially innocent people, and seldom research whether that person is actually convicted.

6 "Innocent until proven guilty" should not be forgotten.

7 Just because an arrest was made does not make that person guilty. Is the Argus Couier willing to print the names of all those arrested who were later found not guilty of perhaps not even charged with a crime?

8 Although printing names of persons who commit crimes may not stop all the criminals, I believe it would have an impact on community members who would not want the possibility of the names published.

9 I think the publishing of names draws attention to the amount of crime that is actually being commited in Petaluma. When the public is knowledgeable about crimes and willing to be involved, the deterent factor comes into play. Hiding statitics does not help anyone.

10 Absolutely, this would be a deterrent. Humiliation is the strongest form.

11 Only the most serious crimes should have names connected, and NEVER juveniles.

12 Names should be printed for felony arrests only, no misdemeanors

13 Anyone committing a crime against society should have their names & offenses publicized for all to see! This should help reduce Petaluma's crime incidents!

14 Question 2.For domestic violence after a second offense. I think that considering the maturity of most teenagers and their gang involvements that teenage offenders should also have their names made public after a second offense.

15 Innocent until proven guilty. If the arrested persons were then found to be not guilty after their names were printed in a public forum, their lives are ruined. A retraction could not erase what has already influenced the public's opinion.

16 Shame and public embarrasement are quite effective in deterring criminals. They are made bolder by anonymity.They will not be able to walk around town without consequence. Why should they be protected?

17 In a democracy, the police should have no expectation that they can arrest people in secret.

18 The crimes in question 1 are more deliberate; meaning anyone in a domestic partnership can accuse the other of domestic violence. Even if it isn't TRUE. Law Enforcement must make an arrest even if the crime wasn't fully committed. Many innocent people have been arrested and later had the charges dropped by the D.A.'s Office. A high price to pay for being in a disfuctional relationship. Naming someone in the media for THIS charge could be damaging and embarrassing, name the convict persons of domestic violence, while your at it print a picture, names, and charges of all the convicted. Let them feel the shame they put their victims through.

19 People arrested for serious crimes have not been convicted of said crimes, and thus, are not actual criminals until such a time as a conviction is handed down.

20 I think it is also important to know what neighborhood the crime was committed in and a description of perpetrators who haven't yet been caught so people can keep their eyes open. When we had the rash of "Jogging Burglar" robberies, the community was alerted, and gave tips to the police.

21 DUI arrests would be included in the publication of names. This would be a service to the community. This is a very serious crime that should not be treated lightly. The Argus Courier might do a story on how to establish Neighborhood Watch programs.

22 These people have only been charged with a crime, not convicted. You could publish the name of someone who hasnt commited a crime...

23 here in Nevada even the teens names are published in most cases

24 I think there has to be a balance in reporting the names of arrested persons. The goal in Domestic Violence should be a rehabilitation of the offenders. If names are printed young children in Petaluma could be stressfully embarassed. The arrests and prosecution are hard enough on everyone.And if the perpetrators seek counselling and learn to develop healthy relationships-this is what we all want. If there is something as serious as a domestic violence related murder, of course it should be printed. But the day to day stuff, no. I think this applies for in family related child sexual abuse also. The resulting printing of names of families can be as traumatic to children who are victims, as the actual crime. On DUI arrests, if there is injury or above, yes print the names. The everyday stuff-no, I don't think it accomplishes anything.

25 Keep up the good work.

26 On the Domestic Violence issue: Since it's just a cut-and-dry Yes or No, I would like to expound briefly on it. Ordinarily -- or, say, 5 years ago -- I would have said if someone was arrested only once for domestic violence, then exposing the perp in the paper wouldn't be necessary. However, since women have been seriously hurt and even KILLED by abusive husbands and boyfriends (there is a small percentage of women abusing males), the first time may not be the last time and every violent act done by someone should be reported and the names revealed.

27 It used to be that in America, someone is innocent until proven guilty. Just because someone gets arrested doesn't mean they are actually guilty of a crime. The police are not Judge & Jury - they simply follow the rules of the law and act accordingly. In the case of domestic violence or a fight, they often have to arrest someone just because a complaint is filed. A complaint can be filed by anyone regardless of injury or actual occurence. When a newspaper or TV news station runs a sotry on crime AND they list the names of those arrested, the public is immediately given the impression these people are guilty. The public also assumes guilt over innocence, especially when they see it in print. This is bad for society and for our democracy. I think the Argus Courior is trying to get more subscribers under the guise of "we are providing you with all the information". Well, you are not and your paper should carry higher standards of jounalism.

28 I think it's important for Petalumans to know if their neighbors could potentially cause violence. It's important to inform the community. However, if the person is exonerated then something should definitely be printed to show that as well.

29 What good is there in publishing names for crimes that are not part of a feature story? Embarrassment. It won't deter people at all. The publisher needs to get their priorities straight.

30 Public records trump privacy issues

31 I used to be a resident of Petaluma and I now live in Idaho and our courthouse has a website that you can look everyday to see who has been arrested. It is very popular with the community and it definatly is a deterrent. Nobody wants to be seen on there.

32 I think it may help for some crimes but not for others - it really depends on if the person reads the paper and/or cares what others think. In terms of domestic violence the only reason I say no is that the victim would more than likely be identified as well and I don't feel that would be right for the victim (although it may help them seek help)

33 juveniles should not be named

34 I LIVED IN PETALUMA FOR 28 YEARS, NOW IN IDAHO...UP HERE THEY LIST ARRESTS, COURT CASES FOR THE WEEK. WITH PICTURES I MIGHT ADD!!

35 I think all names should be published including minors. I think I have a right to know if a criminal is living next door to me. Even if they are a minor their name should be published. If they are old enough to do the crime they are old enough to to be treated as an adult and not be protected like a baby.

36 I think that the people of this city deserve to know what crimes are commited in our area. Giving the names will prevent these people from doing it again. As for crimes by our homes the names of family's with under age should also be used so that the parents will take responsibility for their children.

37 Under the US Constitution we are all presumed innocent until we are proven guilty in a court of Law, not the court of public opinion. To print names of those persons who are arrested, taints the minds of those of us who will be placed on juries that will be charged with being fair and non-prejudicial when deciding their fate. In other words it places an unfair burden on the public to remain open minded and undecided until the trial has ended. Once that has occurred by all means publish names of the "guilty". As a point for my case I give you Sonoma Superior Court Judge Elaine Rushing, based solely on your stories of her behavior and the decisions of her colleagues on the bench I'd not only have to say that my opinion of our judiciary has been severely compromised, and that they're all above the law, (totally not fair to the rest of society) when she and her the rest of the Sonoma County Judges are "probably' decent people. But, again based on your rhetoric I'd have to insist on a change of venue if I were a defense attorney.

38 It could cause a sense of accountability knowing others knew of your arrest. Next time they might think of the consequence?

39 With all due respect, I believe the staff of the Argus,probably lacking a state bar membership or even a law degree, is sufficiently educated to distinguish a "serious" crime from a non-serious one. From the categories you have outlined, you are obviously not limiting the proposed new policy to felonies. Petaluma is a still a small town in many ways, and these people will be convicted in the public mind before they are convicted in court (or formally charged). By printing the names of people charged with domestic violence, you will victimize their children--who will have suffered enough without having to endure cruel gossip from their classmates. I believe the domestic-violence publishing proposal would pose far more of a hardship for the victim than the offender.

40 As always, juveniles' names should be excluded unless tried as an adult; however, other details including street addresses or, at a minimum, street names and blocks (the 100 block of Western Ave., for example) should always be published if a serious crime was committed. If printing names or street addresses, you could and should put in a disclaimer preceding and following the log information which states all arrestees are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

41 I think that people who are arrested for direct physical injury, or potential physical injury to other people (ie: DUIs, gang and domestic violence) should have their names published in the paper. It might help deter people from driving under the influence and other crimes that affect law-abiding people.

42 Arrested doesn't mean guilty. I might support this idea if the question were phrased with the word "convicted" rather than "arrested".

43 I would like to see the names of juveniles printed in the newspaper. This may be a deterrent to our graffiti problems.

44 What good will it do. Names are published in papers & are announced on television & it does not deter criminals.

45 Please print everything...I would also like to see Immigration Status of suspects printed because Illegal Immigration crime is quite prevalent in Petaluma and the people need to be informed.

46 The only problem that I have with this is that some people might be innocent. The Police could make a mistake and arrest the wrong person.

47 Publish not only the names, but their address also. I would want to know if an on-going crimminal enterprise was located in my neighborhood or a career crimminal or child molester or bomb maker or any number of dangerous activites were taking place. I believe this to be a matter of general public safety, in that the police cannot be everywhere so the average citizen will have to watch for hazards and avoid them and alert others including the police. This is a duty that all of us should accept. Jim

48 I believe printing more detailed information about those people breaking the law would help citizens be more aware of their suroundings and neighborhood.

49 I believe very few criminals are concerned about their crimes being made public. I don't think public opinion ranks high on their list of concerns. I do think publishing their names would serve as a possible warning to someone who could become a potential victim.

50 Absolutely it's a deterrent!! What rational person would think otherwise?

51 Go for it! I think I'd want to know if my neighbor was involved in any crimes just so I can keep an eye out for my own safety. Go one further...Mug shots and addresses

52 Would this include the illegals? They seem to have special laws for them, or is this only for the citizens.

53 Print mug shots taken by Petaluma Police

Ninety percent of people responding to an Argus-Courier online poll last week said they believe the Petaluma Police Department should release detailed information about local crime incidents in a timely fashion so that residents can stay informed about crime in Petaluma. Out of 155 respondents, 140 said "yes" and 15 said "no."

Eighty-five percent of respondents said they are very interested in knowing about crime incidents in Petaluma. The second question in the survey asked: How interested are you in knowing about crime incidents in Petaluma? Out of 155 respondents, 132 replied "yes," 16 "somewhat" and seven "not very."

The question coincided with a front-page story in the Argus about the newspaper's difficulty in obtaining detailed information from the police about incidents that appear in the crime log.

Here are the comments that readers who took the poll wrote:

1 Citizens of Petaluma are the eyes and ears of the community. The greater the awareness of ongoing criminal activity, the more deterrance and assistance they can offer to our Law Enforcement in programs such as Block Watch and similar.

2 The news about the crime only spreads fear. Especially since the news is never reported with actual statistical analysis. For example: say a gang related beating has occurred. What does that mean in relationship to the population when compared to similar cities? Is Petaluma's "gang beatings" rising abnormally compared to other cities in America or is it just a random happening? Do robberies and violent drug-related crimes happen more in Petaluma than say Dublin, CA? When you report news of a crime happening, if you leave out information that would set the readers at ease - all they are going to think is "My God, Petaluma is getting really dangerous." When actually, it might be getting safer. So I think you should report what the progress of crime-fighting has been in the City, not just how many crimes. Are there more or less today than there were 10 years ago? What is the actual "State of the City" when it comes to crimes?

3 I believe this is an extremely important issues that needs to be relayed to the community in a very timely fashion.

4 I think it is extremely important for residents to have up to date information so that they can be prepared and help protect their family & friends if necessary.

5 Being married to a San Francisco Police officer I am very aware of crime and would like to keep updated of crime in the town in which I live.

6 I think it's important for people here to realize that the "Small, Charming Town" that once was Petaluma is sadly, a thing of the past. Beacause of all the homes being built faster than you can blink, all the traffic, the gangs, tagging, crime, people driving like maniacs around town and all the other things that come with "progress"...since that is what so many newcomers to Petaluma want to call it, maybe City Council and others will open their eyes to the real issues and problems that we will be facing. I love Petaluma and have called it home for 40 years. Myself and many, many people that have been here a long time hate what is happening. We have to keep our mouths shut so as not to sound like "hicks", but we are proud of the history, the dairies, the farms and the community spirit that people of real Petaluma shaped for generations. Some can call it progress we call it a shame. If you call this progress, there's something seriously wrong with this picture. With growth comes crime and as much as I hate to seeing what's happening, you can't walk around with blinders on.

7 I'm a local amateur (ham) radio operator that also monitors the Police and Sheriff frequencies. I'm sometimes surprised about the lack of reporting on some incidents that I monitor on the radio. I like to know what's going on in town, at least in the areas that I frequent, and it would be helpful from a security standpoint to read follow-up reports. I have a strong interest in neighborhood safety and security and in hosting a neighborhood watch group, all of which would benefit from more Police incident reporting.

8 Petaluma's citizens have the right to timely and detailed information about all crimes committed within our city and county. Residents who are well informed about the nature and frequency of crime in the community are better prepared for and more apt to support an incdrease in funding for local law enforcement. Having a police log that is vague on specifics is no better than having our heads stuck in the sand.

9 Public safety is of paramont importance as is public awareness. Only an informed public can make intelligent decisions.

10 The old crime log was much more entertaining to read. I appreciated the bit of humor used in writing it.

11 While I no longer live in Petaluma, I found that it's especially important to know about crime occurring in ones own neighborhood. Then residents can be more observant and perhaps report suspiscious activity that can lead to an arrest. I have always been concerned about PPD's unwillingness to take reports for property crimes. It discourages residents from reporting these crimes and, if several folks fail to complete these reports in the same neighborhood, a string of thefts (for example)may never be reported at all.

12 I like to keep up with the crime news to see how neighborhoods fare. I can see how crime is either increasing or decreasing and see how our public monies are used toward the safety of our neighborhoods.

13 I think the Petaluma Police Department is doing what it should. If you've ever been a victim of a crime, you might understand that you don't always want everyone to know all the details. If people want the public to know, let them contact the paper. Also, the officer's time is better spent solving the crimes and protecting the public, rather than accomodating the demands of the newspaper.

14 If you guys wrote serious police log info it would be worth fighting. Once you take it serious then complain about it!

15 It may prevent future criminal activity through awareness

16 Sherriff's department news is important too. Many residents live "in Petaluma" on the west side but just outside of city limits. It is VERY important for west Petaluma people to know about crime in their area. Crime information in itself is a form of neighborhood watch.

17 I want to know about crimes where the perpetrator might still pose a threat to my family.

18 The cops are on their cell phones every time I pass the. Have them give YOU a call as to what's going on since they don't have time to type it in.

19 I live near Grant school and I had I known about this black van, I would have been able to keep an eye out for it. This type of info is important so we can protect our kids!

20 As a citizen we have the right to know what is going on and now to protect ourselves from such acts. To be aware of activities.

21 I want to know who, what, when and where of all crimes committed in Petaluma within of a week of them occurring.

22 The police were parked outside my house Monday for several hours. A helicopter was overhead. I believe I have the right to read in the paper what caused them to take such action.

23 I dont like the comedic style that the log is currently written. Just stick with the facts maam.

24 Let them do their Jobs. Seriously, is there not better news?

25 I voted no because your survey is a trap to get a black/white answer supporting your objective. Releasing summary information quickly so the press gets low cost stories is not the same as making detailed reports available as public record. I'd rather have details suitable for convictions prepared by the police than press release snippets. Hire a reporter to read the details and argue for special announcements about exceptional incidents. Attempted child abduction has a different urgency than computer theft or brick damage and the police should be sensitive to the relative urgency.

26 Please do it!

27 why don't you make the poll question unbiased. What normal person would not answer yes to this question. Word it so not as to evoke your desired answer of yes.

28 I would like to know more about burglaries, thefts, robberies, and corruption in the local government. Thanks for asking!

29 Any info can be used to deter potential crime. Ie- The smoothie shop was robbed- As a merchant- This is critical info for me...I need it so I can become more proactive in securing my business..to prevent this from happening to me

30 I am not sure what the down side is. I am assuming there is one since this is a survey.

31 The more detailed and timely information the local residents have about current crimes being committed in their Petaluma neighborhoods, the better they will be able to participate in preventing more crimes from taking place by becoming more aware and contacting their police department if they see anything suspicious.

32 I know of an incident in which someone was removing mail from mailboxes and the incident just stated "fraud" in the newspaper. This does not help people to be aware that mail theft has happended in our area and to be more aware.

33 Please do see that a better system is created to report and notify citizens.

34 I have small kids,we live by a school and I feel that I should know what's going so that I can protect my young ones.

35 more active publication and distribution of rgistered sex offender information. the information is public, other city police departments actively inform neighborhoods about the potential danger posed to children by sex offenders living nearby. simultaneously PPD needs to protect offenders from undue unnecessary harassment by neighbors.

36 I am a senior citizen and am very concerned about the safety of the streets and which ones might be avoided. Thank you

37 We need to know so we will be more vigilant to protect ourselves, and we can become the eyes and ears to assist the police in their work (but only if we know).

38 The support of an informed community makes a significant difference in deterring crime and information from residents can lead to the capture of criminals.

39 When an inebriated man walked down our street and randomly threw rocks through our living room window, he was arrested a block away. We were not allowed to find out his name, even though we paid $10 for a copy of the police report. That was four years ago, and I still wonder who he was.

40 not only local crime,but small town police reaction to the incident.

41 I find the way you worded the question a bit ambiguous - what, in your opinion, is a timely fashion? Also, I find that the question of releasing crime information prompts another question - what would be done differently in having the information? I don't think any resident of Petaluma believes that we are a crime-free city. Crime occurs everywhere. Hearing about it more quickly from the police should not be the impetus that prompts caution in our community. We all know what CAN happen - and HAS happened in our community. It should be these things that guide the way we protect ourselves, our children, and our property. Forcing the police department to give immediate and detailed information when their investigation may not yet warrant that release may end up hindering the community's safety more than protecting it. Let them use their judgement, please.

42 I want to be aware of what is going on, especially in my neighborhood. In that way I can be better prepared and alert to problems. I have no hesitation in calling the police if something seems wrong. Having more details about crime only helps in knowing what is important and what is not.

43 I am very interested knowing that my local police department is doint its job. However, detailed information released in a "timely fashion" may not take into consideration the fact that people can be improperly "judged" from an incident, and that it may affect or adversely impact their lives. It is still one of our most precious rights as U.S. Citizens that we are presumed innocent until "proven" guilty. I would hate to see people "in essence" loose this right by being judged by "public opinon" from an early release of information that may or may not be accurate.

44 I just want to be informed, promptly.

45 My husband and I always read the crime reports. It is crucial for people to know of crimes and trends as soon as possible. How else can we make informed decisions about safety? Or be the police department's "eyes and ears" in the community?

46 The police dept. should NOT report the information as if it's a joke. In my opinion, when the public reads about another drunk driver report in a joking manner, it makes the police sound foolish. We need more respect from the public for the police, not less. If they think the crimes are a joke, the public will too. If the Argus is reporting the crimes as funny incidents, then you should stop reporting them all together. I can just hear a father reading the "funny" police report to his kids and they get the completly wrong impression about how important our police force is.

47 Is the Police depatement forgetting that they are accountable to the people and employees of the people? We must ask the question: why are they trying to hide this information?

48 Web accessable. No names. Incident reports and crime reports and statistics only. Perhaps make available traffic violation stats on teens as well. No names.

49 No information should be released that might hurt an on going investigation, but we should have more details about crimes that occur in our city. By the way, I think the Petaluma PD does an excellent job!

50 While I moved out of Petaluma 4.5 years ago, it is still my "home", and I have family and many freinds there. Having knowledge of a possible problem is important.

51 Would like to see at least a generalized map outlining the high ctime areas.

52 I dont like the comedic police reports in the newspaper. Can you go back to the old reporting please.

53 Put pics of wanted persons on the local television channel. Also persons with warrants.

54 The current log is pathetic. Unless the police department is going to staff enough officers to keep each one of us and our children safe, it would appear in their best interest to provide us with information to help keep the community safe.

55 Why is it important to know about every detail of crime in Petaluma in a "timely fashion"? I would rather see more focus put on other areas, such as education.

56 I think since the taxpayers fund the police and fire departments, both public agencies have a duty to make information available to the public within hours if not minutes. For public safety, interest in the community and an understanding of general surroundings, residents of Petaluma should be kept aware. Petaluma police and fire officials should have a 24 hour public spokesperson, possibly a watch commander already on shift designated to speak to the press or the public.

57 This is the best article I have seen in the AC in over 5 years. Corey Young has done a fine job. Police need to be accountable just like everyone else. You would think they would want a comprehensive log in order to have a reliable data base. This is just good common sense, and like the Argus, I would guess that most Petalumans just assumed such a log existed. I hope this is the beginning of a series of such artilces. Keep up the good work!