The FBI is retooling its Top 10 Most Wanted list into a multimedia, international appeal for help as it tries to keep it relevant in a crowded media landscape, reports USA Today. “We’re trying to exploit every opportunity,” says FBI spokesman Chris Allen. The strategy is “probably pretty surprising for a government agency.”
Earlier this month, the FBI began featuring top fugitives on billboards in 20 cities. The bureau also is building on its broadcast alliance with the popular America’s Most Wanted TV show to solicit tips on similar programs in Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Germany. The FBI has video of the most recent sightings of some fugitives on its Top 10 website. As of last month, 489 fugitives had appeared on the list since it began in 1950. Of those, 458 have been located, at least 150 with citizen help. Agents hunt for 12,000 fugitives at any time. The bureau last year removed accused cop killer Donald Webb from the Top 10; it was only the sixth time a fugitive was taken off before capture.
Link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-16-Top10_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip