Fort Stockton Police Department’s “Warrant Wheel” Adds a Fun Twist to Serious Business

By Josiah Carrasco

If you’ve been following the Fort Stockton Police Department’s Facebook page lately, you might have noticed something unusual spinning its way into your feed. No, it’s not a carnival game or a new way to decide who’s buying the next round of coffee. It’s something they’ve dubbed the “Warrant Wheel.”

Yes, you read that right. In a move that feels part game show, part public service announcement, the Fort Stockton Police Department has been using an online spin-the-wheel tool to randomly select names of individuals with outstanding warrants. Once that wheel stops spinning and a name appears, the department posts the results as an invitation for folks to come forward and take care of their business.

Now, on the surface, it sounds like something you’d see in a sitcom “Tonight on Wheel of Justice!” but there’s a certain charm to it. It’s an innovative way to turn a serious matter into a lighter call to action. By adding a little humor to the mix, the department is essentially saying, Hey, we know you’re out there. This is your chance to come in on your own terms.

It’s worth noting that this approach doesn’t come off as overly harsh or demeaning. From what we’ve seen, the posts are straightforward but gentle, serving as reminders rather than threats. And let’s be real: having your name pop up on a Facebook spin-the-wheel might just be the nudge some folks need to get things sorted out before the situation escalates.

Is it unconventional? Absolutely. But effective? Judging by the comments and responses, it looks like some people are taking the hint and handling their outstanding warrants. Even if the “Warrant Wheel” feels like something straight out of Cops: The Game Show Edition, the light-hearted presentation makes it accessible.

Of course, not everyone’s going to appreciate seeing their name called out in such a public fashion. And to be fair, no one’s exactly lining up to have their name thrown into the digital roulette of responsibility. But given the alternative a knock on the door or a surprise encounter during a routine traffic stop the “Warrant Wheel” feels like a pretty merciful invitation.

You have to give the Fort Stockton Police Department credit for trying something new. In a world where scrolling past a warning is easy, catching people’s attention with a literal spin of the wheel is a creative way to make sure the message gets through.

So, while we’re not saying it’s a perfect solution, the “Warrant Wheel” has certainly put a unique twist on an age-old problem. And if it leads to more people turning themselves in, maybe a little humor isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Maybe next time they’ll add some game-show music for the full experience.